Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 598: Her attention slid over to Maxwell, measuring him in silence. When he realized that he was dragged into the spotlight, Maxwell's brain kicked into high gear, scrambling for something that sounded halfway believable. But Chris, smooth as ever, jumped in before he could speak. "My boss had a meeting lined up with Mr. Payne tonight. Right after it wrapped, something urgent came up, so he asked me to step in and keep Mr. Payne company." Maxwell gawked at Chris, impressed. That lie rolled off his tongue so smoothly that even he had to remind himself that it wasn't true.

He snapped back into the moment and nodded quickly. "Exactly. That's how it went." Maia paused, considering it. The story checked out, or at least didn't seem far-fetched. Maybe her singing really had carried outside and caught their attention? Whoever designed the acoustics in this place clearly didn't care about soundproofing. "Well then, Ms. Watson," said Maxwell as he dropped onto the sofa and crossed one leg over the other, owning the space.

"Since fate brought us together tonight, and I've been dying to hear you sing, why not let us join the fun?" "You're unbelievable!" Elvira's finger shot toward him, her voice on the edge of a full-blown argument, but Maia caught her arm before she could go further. Having dealt with Maxwell's reputation in underground circles, Maia understood that it was wiser not to stir the hornet's nest. Besides, this unexpected turn gave her the perfect excuse to shut down Elvira's relentless attempts at pairing her with Roland. With a composed smile, Maia said, "Why don't we all join the fun?

A few drinks and a shared song always improve with more voices in the mix." Maia's response left Elvira staring at her in disbelief. She never imagined Maia to be the type who enjoyed getting swept up in a crowd just for the thrill of it. Still, with Maia footing the bill tonight and having already made up her mind, Elvira had little room to argue. For a moment, Elvira swallowed her irritation and forced herself to stay composed. gαℓησνs․оm, your fiction hub "Ms. Watson, you have quite a generous streak. Oh, and it just hit me - I forgot to introduce myself. I go by Maxwell Payne.

If you find yourself in a jam here in Wront, just mention my name. People usually know how to take care of things for me." His eyes lingered on Pattie and Roland before landing on Elvira. An amused eyebrow arched as he sent a confident grin her way. She rolled her eyes, mumbling, "Maxwell? Never heard of the guy. Does he expect applause or something?" Without giving him another glance, she claimed the spot on the sofa opposite him and made a point to look away. A soft laugh left Maxwell as he spoke to everyone. "Ms. Watson has done me a favor in the past.

Since you all are in her circle, tonight's private room is on me!" Chris' reputation still needed safeguarding, after all. Maxwell finished his announcement and then glanced at Chris, as if fishing for a compliment, a satisfied smirk plastered on his face. Chris let out a quiet laugh and, while keeping his arms folded, flashed a discreet thumbs-up. "You really are too generous, Mr. Payne," Maia responded, then turned to sit next to Pattie. As Maxwell's eyes swept across the group, he turned his attention back to Maia, smiling as he said, "Ms. Watson, you know who I am now.

How about you introduce your friends?" Only then did Maia sit up a bit straighter. She gestured toward each person in turn. "That's Pattie Miller, who owns MCN. Over here is Elvira Cullen, a doctor from Drakmire. And beside her is her elder brother, Roland Cullen, an attorney from Zenith Legal in Drakmire." Maxwell's attention snapped to Roland, and he clapped his hands with sudden recognition. "Ah, I see now. So you're that well-known lawyer. Come on, let's toast to that!" Before anyone could move, Elvira protested, "Wait. He hasn't even finished his song!" . . .