Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 578: Where could she have gone? While he stood there, his phone buzzed. A new message from Maia appeared: "I'll be waiting by the fountain outside the outpatient building." Although her message sounded casual, Chris noticed a hint of caution, as though she was intentionally keeping her distance from someone. Could Elvira be the reason for this? A faint smile played on his lips as he tucked his phone away. Before he could head to the radiology department for his X-ray, a sharp voice broke through the hallway.

"Chris!" He glanced up and saw Elvira hurrying toward him, her steps purposeful. Without missing a beat, she seized his arm and steered him into a more private corner. "Follow me." Chris' gaze turned cool, and he asked, "What is it?" "There's something I need to discuss with you." Elvira planted her feet and folded her arms, shooting him a look filled with contempt. With a cutting stare, she delivered her warning. "Know your limits and stay away from Maia!" She lifted her chin, arrogance written all over her face.

"You saw what everyone's talking about with Maia last night, didn't you?" Chris met her with a steady look, eyebrow arched. "What?" "Drop the act." Elvira's glare hardened. "You know all about Mr. M's birthday extravaganza for Maia - fireworks lighting up the skyline, the brilliant light show, drones spelling her name, and that legendary Angel's Tear! No ordinary gift could compete with that. My advice? Give up on Maia now." A pause followed, and Elvira's voice grew icy. "You know she's married now.

And even if she ends up divorced, you'll never get your chance." Elvira wore a look of superiority, acting as if she were offering guidance so heartfelt that he should be grateful. : ⳑν． Deep down, Elvira's intentions were clear - she wanted to use the unreachable image of Mr. M to shake Chris's confidence, hoping that he'd finally see the gulf between himself and Mr. M and step aside. She figured that a notorious playboy like Chris couldn't possibly offer Maia grand gestures like Angel's Tear. In her eyes, he wouldn't even manage a decent fireworks show, let alone anything on that scale.

This time, Elvira had made up her mind - she wouldn't stop until Chris walked away for good. Chris, however, let out a low chuckle after listening to her. No bitterness, no sarcasm - just pure, genuine amusement. Elvira was unknowingly measuring him against his own secret identity, "Mr. M." Hearing her compare him to someone supposedly out of his league, Chris found the whole situation amusing. He didn't bother with a comeback. With a simple, quietly amused "Oh," he turned and walked away, his stride easy and confident as he disappeared down the hallway.

Elvira remained rooted to the spot, her brow knitted in frustration, wondering if her warning had even registered. Thirty minutes later, Chris wrapped up his X-ray and made his way to the fountain plaza. By the fountain, Maia stood waiting, sunlight illuminating her hair and giving it a gentle glow. She blended into the golden afternoon, a picture of calm and beauty. . . .