Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 575: Their dynamic had shifted slightly since last night - warmer, more natural - but Maia hadn't allowed herself to fully lean into the idea of being Chris' wife. Even so, she had no problem wearing the title when it suited her goals. If Chris followed her lead, Maia had no doubt that she could position him at the top of the Cooper Group within three years. Chris stood still for a beat before breaking into a loud, unfiltered laugh, his smile edged with playful charm. Seeing Maia slowly open up to the idea of being his wife sparked something in him.

Her image reflected clearly in his eyes, and with it came a quiet resolve - someday, he'd give her the kind of wedding that turned heads and left no doubt she belonged to him. From overhead, a robotic female voice said, "V03, Chris Cooper, please proceed to Consultation Room 1." "That's us!" Maia said quickly, grabbing his hand as she guided him down the hallway. They were just about to knock when a voice floated from the room, crisp and clear. "Dr. Beresford, I reviewed the paper you mentioned yesterday.

If we integrate a simulation point for optic nerve response, the monitoring model might improve significantly." That voice jolted her senses. It sounded... startlingly like Elvira. Before she could make sense of it, Chris had already nudged the door open. At the center of the room, Elvira was engaged in a lively academic exchange with Leland, her expression light and animated. The moment the door creaked open, her conversation faltered as instinct made her glance toward the entrance.

What she saw caused a visible shift - Chris stepped into view first, and just behind him, Maia entered without hesitation. A noticeable shift swept across Maia's face the instant she recognized the woman. There was no mistaking it - Elvira was here. But why would she suddenly show up in Wront? Find the magic on gⱯlnσνs․ That realization sent a shock through Maia's chest, her instinct screaming to step back. Even so, retreating wasn't an option now. Walking away would only make her look flustered, as if she were trying to hide something.

With narrowed eyes, Elvira shot Chris a look, then turned her piercing gaze on Maia. "Maia? You and him... what exactly are you doing here?" Elvira's gaze flicked back to Chris, this time with a frown that spoke volumes. Frustration clouded her expression. No matter where Maia went, Chris wasn't far behind. Hadn't she already warned him to stay away from Maia? And yet, seeing them side by side now made it painfully clear that they had only grown more entangled. A brief, uncomfortable silence settled over the room like a held breath. Breaking the tension, Maia finally spoke.

"I'm just here with him for his consultation." She nudged Chris lightly with her elbow. "Go ahead. The doctor's waiting. I'll step out with Elvira for a bit." Before he could say anything, Maia had already taken a step forward and gently guided Elvira toward the hallway. There was disbelief written all over Elvira's face, as if Maia's explanation didn't even come close to making sense. Once they reached the corridor, Elvira didn't give Maia a moment to gather herself before letting loose. "Seriously, Maia? You came with him to a medical appointment? Aren't you just supposed to be neighbors?

Since when do neighbors show up like this for each other? You do realize he's an adult, right? Not a helpless child. Tell me the truth - what exactly is going on here? And does your husband have any idea you're spending time like this with Chris?" Each accusation hit Maia with sharp precision, leaving no room for retreat. With a tired exhale, Maia answered calmly, "I pulled some strings for his appointment with Dr. Beresford, and I also needed to grab Kathie's medicine. That's all this was." . . .