Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 756: Every word only strengthened Melanie's growing conviction. A triumphant smirk curved across her lips as she waved dismissively. "Thanks for clearing that up. I'll be heading out now." Without another word, Melanie spun on her heel and practically bounced away, her steps light with newfound joy. Ethan remained frozen in place, the phone's bright screen still glowing in his trembling hand. Beside him, Marisa watched his expression carefully before gently patting his shoulder. "Are you alright? Your face has gone completely white." His head dropped as he spoke in barely a whisper.

"I need to get some answers from Maia. You should head back without me." Before she could respond, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. "Alright, that's actually on my way too, but I'll give you some space to process this," Marisa said with a shrug, making no move to follow. As Ethan's silhouette disappeared around the corner, Marisa clicked her tongue thoughtfully. Maybe Maia's supposed marriage was nothing more than an elaborate scheme to spite the Morgan family. But what had suddenly sparked Melanie's intense interest in all this? Could she actually want Maia as her stepmother?

"Oh my God!" Marisa gasped, nearly biting through her lollipop in shock. "That twisted logic actually makes perfect sense." Amusement bubbled up inside her, making her eyes crinkle with delight. If her theory proved correct, Ethan would be her uncle-in-law. Perhaps that explained why Melanie had recently wanted to talk with him - they would soon be family, and for the sake of togetherness, she needed to get along with him. Marisa's laughter echoed through the empty corridor as she walked away.

gαℓησνs․оm, your fiction hub Meanwhile, back at Elysium Apartments, delicious aromas drifted through the kitchen. Maia, still wearing her flour-dusted apron, carried the final dish from the stove and set it carefully on the dining table. A quick glance at the clock revealed the hands pointing to quarter past seven. She had been certain he would make it home on time. Yet the living room sat completely empty, and her phone displayed no new messages. Standing beside the floor-to-ceiling window, Maia watched storm clouds gather in the darkening sky, something flickering behind her eyes.

"Traffic must be terrible tonight..." The words slipped out as a whispered excuse, though she couldn't tell if she was making it for Chris or for herself. Still, disappointment began creeping into her chest like an unwelcome guest. Chris had broken his promise. Every dish she had lovingly prepared seemed to have lost its warmth already. With a heavy sigh, Maia turned back toward the kitchen to reheat everything. "Ten more minutes," she whispered to the empty apartment. If Chris still hadn't returned by then, she would have to call him.

When Ethan returned to Marvelous Garden, the sight of a table laden with dishes greeted him. Kathie had outdone herself again. Soft light from the chandelier bathed the living room in warmth, while savory aromas drifted from the kitchen, wrapping around him like a gentle embrace. Spotting Ethan enter with downcast eyes, Kathie quickly beckoned him over. . . .