Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 605: Maxwell narrowed his eyes. "And what kind of dare are we talking about?" Her lips curled into a wicked smile. "The loser has to kiss the person they like most here - someone of the opposite sex - for one full minute." The room froze. For a second, even time seemed to trip over itself. Everyone except Chris immediately began coughing in unison, caught off guard. Roland was the first to throw up a wall. "Elvira, come on. That's pushing it." Pattie was dumbfounded. If things kept heating up like this, it wouldn't be long before Maia and Chris' little secret would come to light.

"I'm not joking," Elvira replied, her smile sharp as a blade wrapped in silk. "It's only fair. Same rules for everyone." Tonight, she was determined - her brother would win Maia's heart, come what may. Maia, sitting quietly to the side, curled her fingers into a tight fist beneath the table. She had invited everyone here tonight. The last thing she wanted was to turn the gathering sour. But Elvira's intent was practically painted on her face, and Maia's bond with Chris was... complicated. If this carried on, the situation could spiral.

Resolute, she stood, walked straight over to Elvira, and took her arm. "Come with me," she said, pulling her toward the private room's door without waiting for permission. At that moment, Maia faced Maxwell and said, "Mr. Payne, you go ahead and keep playing. Elvira and I need to have a private chat." Maxwell got the hint right away and gave a nod. "Alright then. Let's stick to the former rule - the winner gets to ask the questions!" After stepping out of the private room, Maia led Elvira down the bar's hallway to a small terrace at the far end, a quiet place away from all the noise.

Once they were clear of the crowd, Elvira shrugged off Maia's hand and spoke without delay. "Maia, can you just be straight with me? What exactly is your deal with Chris?" She wasn't about to drag things out. Since Maia had started the conversation, Elvira figured it was time to drop the act. : g․․ν․．．ⅽ． After a short pause, she continued, "Maia, you're already married. Didn't Chris know that? Does he even realize he's just your neighbor? And he has a girlfriend. Is it really okay for him to be hanging around you all the time?" "Yes, I'm married.

So why are you still dead set on playing matchmaker with your brother?" Maia shot back, leaving Elvira momentarily speechless. Elvira swallowed hard, suddenly feeling a pang of guilt, though she stubbornly retorted, "That is... different. My brother isn't some insufferable womanizer like Chris. He'd be completely devoted to you!" Maia locked eyes with Elvira, her voice serious. "Do you even know Chris? Are you seriously going to judge him just on gossip?" Elvira's eyes grew wide in shock as she stared at Maia. "Maia, are you standing up for Chris? Don't tell me...

you've actually fallen for him!" Maia's heart skipped a beat. She drew in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Tonight had made one thing crystal clear: hiding the truth wasn't making Elvira back off. Instead, it only made her dig in deeper. So, she figured that she might as well lay all her cards on the table. "Alright. Since you want to know, I'll tell you. But first, you have to promise me one thing. No matter what you hear next, you have to keep your cool." Elvira blinked, her eyes swirling with all kinds of feelings.

Even though she had her suspicions, as the moment to hear the truth drew near, a strange nervousness crept over her. She was scared stiff of the worst possible answer. She swallowed hard, bracing herself. "Maia, go ahead. I'm calm." Maia met Elvira's gaze and spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully. "Chris is my husband." The second those words escaped Maia's mouth, Elvira's eyes went wide. Though she'd steeled herself, hearing Maia say it aloud left her completely stunned. It was as if an unseen force had wiped out all her strength.

She shook her head in disbelief and stammered, "Maia, what are you saying? Chris-" . . .