Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 593: Maia glanced down at the shimmering lake, letting out a soft sigh and shrugging. She knew she couldn't hide it. "You're right. She's been pushing for me and her brother for a long time." Pattie arched an eyebrow, surprised. "Doesn't she know you're married?" "She does, but she doesn't know my husband is Chris, or why I married him." Maia watched Pattie's eyes grow wide and added, "Elvira joked about me and her brother before, but I never thought... even knowing I'm married, she'd still do this." Hearing that, Pattie fell quiet.

Maia gripped the railing tightly, her eyes tracing the bright moon above. A soft breeze rippled the lake's surface, making it glitter under the night sky. She brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. "Elvira means well. She's worried I married the wrong person, scared I might get hurt or tricked. But I can't let her interfere with my plans." Her gaze caught Pattie's in the moonlight. Pattie blinked in surprise but quickly nodded, wrapping an arm around Maia's shoulders. "Don't stress it. I've got this." They shared a quiet understanding and headed back to the private room.

Without hesitation, Pattie walked past Elvira, approached Roland, and gracefully pulled out a chair, sitting down with ease. Maia slipped into the seat Pattie had just vacated, right beside Elvira. Elvira's eyes widened, and she stood, displeased. "Pattie, isn't your seat over there?" Sipping her wine, Pattie glanced at her calmly. "I suddenly feel like sitting here. Is that a problem? Maia doesn't mind it, so I'm guessing you won't either, right, Elvira?" Elvira was left speechless. Of course, she minded it, but Pattie's tone left no room for argument.

Start your next adventure at gαℓησvℓs․com Had Pattie used the bathroom excuse just to get Maia to swap seats? What a cunning move! Elvira's expression darkened. Her anger simmered, ready to speak up, but Roland's hand on her shoulder stopped her. "That's enough." Roland's words were steady, though his grip left no room for Elvira to protest as he guided her to her seat. "It really doesn't matter who sits where." He offered a soothing pat on Elvira's shoulder. "Maia's treating today - let's just enjoy ourselves." Trapped by Roland's firmness, Elvira had no choice but to swallow her irritation.

For Maia's sake, she bit down on her anger and instead sent a daggered glare toward Pattie. Any goodwill she'd felt for Pattie evaporated on the spot. Inside, she fumed, reminding herself, "I'll never let this woman get between Maia and my brother. Just wait." Pattie, meanwhile, looked unfazed, leaning in with a bright smile as she ladled food onto Roland's plate, playing the part of the attentive guest. "Try this, Mr. Cullen." There was nothing subtle in Pattie's actions; every gesture seemed tailor-made to get under Elvira's skin. Worse still, Roland didn't refuse.

Instead, he sampled every bite Pattie placed before him. Between spoonfuls of soup, Pattie kept up her routine, offering more food as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You like this dish, don't you?" "Thank you," Roland said with a polite nod. "If you enjoy it, next time I'll take you somewhere for the real thing." Pattie's offer was sugary-sweet, her tone light but persistent. . . .