Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 765: Wearily, Hurst massaged his temples. "Stop meddling in grown-up affairs. You should be concentrating on your studies instead. Your entrance exams are right around the corner." Melanie rolled her eyes at his deflection, shouldered her backpack, and headed toward the door. "Fine. Then at least try to get some rest this morning. I'm heading to school now." As he watched his daughter's figure vanish through the doorway, Hurst let out a long sigh. Had his sleepless night really been that obvious?

In the car, Melanie gazed out at the passing scenery, a deeply satisfied smile spreading across her face. Rather than watching Hurst - a perfectly eligible bachelor - fall prey to some shallow gold-digger, she would much prefer seeing him with Maia. Maia possessed both stunning beauty and remarkable capability. Though only a few years older than Melanie herself, she radiated intelligence, maturity, and dependability - qualities that made her truly worthy of her father. Such perfect opportunities were rare, and as Hurst's daughter, Melanie felt it was her duty to lend him a helping hand.

Her next move would be gathering proof that Maia remained unmarried, then discreetly orchestrating encounters between her and Hurst. Both goals, however, would require the help of Maia's brother, Ethan. Winning him over and securing his cooperation became her most crucial task. Absolutely! That's exactly what I'll do! For Dad's future happiness, I can afford to set aside my pride for a while, she resolved silently. Gentle morning light bathed the campus, carrying a delicate floral fragrance through the air.

Melanie rushed off the bus with her backpack bouncing against her shoulder, slipping into the classroom just as Ethan settled his bag at his desk. Check exclusive content gαℓησνℓs․com Only a handful of students had arrived. Swallowing her pride, Melanie strode over to Ethan, seized his arm without warning, and began dragging him toward the door. "What are you doing?" Ethan jerked back instinctively, but Melanie's grip tightened around his wrist. Her teeth caught her lower lip. "Come with me for a moment.

I have something really important to tell you!" A frown creased Ethan's brow as he prepared to refuse, but the urgency in Melanie's expression made him pause. "Alright, but make it quick. I need to study." Melanie's face brightened as she nodded, leading him to a secluded corner of the hallway. Once she confirmed they were alone, her voice dropped to an earnest whisper. "Have you asked Maia yet? Is she married or not?" The question hit Ethan like a bolt, memories of Maia's words from the previous night flooding back. His head shook slowly.

"I don't know." A knowing smile spread across Melanie's lips, as if she had expected exactly this response. "Do you really not know, or are you just afraid to say?" She stepped closer, abandoning subtlety. "Since you won't say it, I will. Have you ever considered that if Maia isn't really married, or if her marriage is fake, wouldn't you want to help her end it sooner?" Ethan's frown deepened. Was she just guessing? His eyes narrowed as suspicion crept in. "What are you trying to do?" . . .