Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 767: "Sounds good," Ethan confirmed. The sharp clang of the school bell cut through their secret meeting. What neither conspirator realized was that Marisa stood pressed against the wall just around the corner, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Why had Ethan and Melanie suddenly become so chummy? At that moment, the shrill ring of an alarm pierced through Maia's room in Elysium Apartments. Her hand fumbled across the nightstand to silence the phone before she collapsed back against her pillow, staring blankly at the ceiling. Sleep had been elusive the entire night.

As soon as she opened her eyes, a heavy ache filled her head and a sharp sting burned in her eyes. Drawing in a shaky breath, she combed her fingers through her tangled hair and forced herself upright. Today's flight for the medical appointment could no longer be delayed. Hastily throwing on a jacket, she moved toward Chris' room to wake him for packing, just as her own door swung open. The door across the hallway opened at the exact same moment. Both Maia and Chris froze, their eyes locking in mutual surprise.

While Maia stood processing the coincidence, Chris recovered first, flashing an innocent smile as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I haven't forgotten about today's flight. Actually, I was just getting up to make you breakfast." Crossing her arms defensively, Maia shifted her weight and replied stiffly, "Don't bother. There's still food left in the fridge." Chris' expression brightened with a playful grin. "Perfect.

Can't let your amazing cooking go to waste, honey." Check what's new on g@lnovℯℓs.c○m Without missing a beat, he strolled into the kitchen, pulled out last night's untouched dishes from the fridge, and began heating them one by one in the microwave. The casual response left Maia momentarily stunned, her planned words dissolving on her tongue. "God, this smells incredible," Chris commented while transferring the warmed dishes to the dining area. Maia said nothing, walking straight to the table and settling into her chair.

She watched as Chris meticulously arranged each dish and even set out a fork for her, his voice warm with appreciation. "Seriously, your cooking is unmatched, honey." Without acknowledging the compliment, Maia took a bite and chewed in silence. Chris nodded thoughtfully between bites, as though conducting a serious taste test. "This grilled chicken is absolutely incredible!" He gestured enthusiastically with his fork. "And these ribs are so tender they're practically falling apart!" Maia's patience finally snapped, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

"You didn't come home yesterday, and these dishes sat cold all night. They can't possibly taste the same as when I first made them." Unfazed, Chris lifted a spoonful of soup to his lips and smiled after tasting it. "Anything you make always tastes perfect to me, no matter what." . . .