Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 622: Pattie's expression brightened with satisfaction at Maia's praise. She opened her mouth, ready to deliver her trademark response, "Naturally! You know I never do anything halfway." But something in Maia's expression stopped her cold. There was a familiar spark of mischief dancing in her eyes. Experience had taught Pattie to recognize this particular look. It usually meant that Maia had read her like an open book. A flutter of panic seized Pattie's chest as her hand flew instinctively to her ear, suddenly feeling exposed. "Maia, what's with that look?

Do I have something stuck to my face?" Maia's wink was pure mischief as she leaned forward, dropping her voice to a teasing whisper. "So tell me, what really happened between you and Roland last night?" Heat flooded Pattie's ears instantly. Her gaze darted away as she scrambled for a casual explanation. "Last night? Oh, that was nothing special. Just some silly truth or dare game, you know? I was simply staying close to Roland to help your situation along. I wasn't being too transparent, was I?" Maia's lips curved into a knowing smile as she observed Pattie's slightly flushed cheeks.

"Oh, you were quite the actress," she teased. Pattie's laugh came out stilted as her eyes found sudden interest in the office décor. "Don't read too much into it, Maia. I was just playing my part." Maia's expression grew tender, though her voice maintained its playful edge. "Just be careful not to get lost in your own performance." Another skip of her heart made Pattie catch her breath. She worried her lower lip between her teeth, wrestling with words that seemed determined to stay hidden. "Maia, there's something I need to ask you." Curiosity sparked in Maia's eyes as she tilted her head.

"What is it?" Uncertainty flickered across Pattie's features like shadows, her internal struggle visible in the way she fidgeted. Finally, the question tumbled out in a rush of vulnerability. "Have you ever... felt anything romantic for Roland?" The moment the question left her lips, Pattie was startled by her own audacity, her gaze dropping away from Maia's face entirely. Truthfully, she couldn't pinpoint what had driven her to ask. Maybe it was those fragile, barely acknowledged feelings for Roland that had been stirring beneath the surface, demanding clarity.

Read exclusive content at gⱯlnσνℓs․com Maia watched her friend with quiet understanding before her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Never. Roland's wonderful, but there's something almost arctic between us, not exactly fertile ground for romance." The answer drew genuine laughter from Pattie, relief evident in the sound. Reading the subtle emotions flickering across Pattie's features, Maia leaned forward with a teasing glint. "You know, Mr. Cullen really is exceptional. And he's available.

You should seriously consider him." Pattie nearly choked on air, coughing as memories from the previous night invaded her thoughts. That unexpected, heated kiss they'd shared in the bathroom's privacy came rushing back. Her cheeks flamed crimson. Pressing her lips together, she ventured hesitantly, "Maia, would it bother you if I... let my fake relationship with him become something real?" . . .