Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 861: With a warm smile, Maia gave a few small nods, acknowledging the heartfelt words. Out of nowhere, a reporter near the front cut through the cheerful chatter with a pointed question. "Ms. Watson, can you clarify your real relationship with Mr. Chris Cooper?" Without missing a beat, another voice jumped in. "People are starting to wonder if there's something deeper going on - beyond the typical employer and bodyguard dynamic." The energy in the crowd shifted. For a moment, the noise faded. All attention locked onto Maia and Chris, eyes wide with curiosity and expectation.

A short distance away from the commotion, Vince remained still, hidden behind dark sunglasses and a black mask, his stare sharp and burning with envy. Underneath his breath, a bitter whisper escaped. "Maia... and that worthless bastard..." While the crowd cheered and snapped photos, he lingered just beyond the edge, cloaked in shadow, his focus fixed entirely on her figure in the distance - his fists tightening inside his coat like coils ready to spring. Vince had been convinced that this time he would finally get the jump on Maia and see her before anyone else did.

He had managed to get her flight information through a few back channels, then reached the airport long before her plane was set to land, believing that fate might just give him a break. But hope was quickly replaced by disappointment. Any attempt to approach Maia fell apart before it even began. An army of eager supporters and a wave of reporters blocked every path, leaving him stranded far from her side. Stuck on the sidelines, Vince could do nothing but wait and watch, searching for even the smallest chance to get closer.

⸱ν⧸ⅽ From his vantage point, the reporter's question drifted to him without effort. That simple inquiry about the relationship between Maia and Chris felt like a knife twisting inside him. Everyone nearby seemed to freeze, hanging on Maia's next move. With nerves on edge, Vince couldn't look away from her. He barely remembered to breathe. Maia only offered a faint, knowing smile. Calmly, she replied, "Chris just serves as my bodyguard. As for the rumors, only a fool puts any faith in them." The way she spoke was measured, her answer careful but unwavering.

A wave of pain moved through Vince's chest, leaving him shaken by feelings he couldn't quite name. Chris caught Maia's drift in an instant. He slid on a pair of dark sunglasses and took on his bodyguard persona, stepping ahead of her like a fortress. With a low, commanding tone, he spoke up. "Everyone, please step aside." Chris' height and confident presence made the crowd part almost immediately. Hidden from the cameras by Chris' broad shoulders, Maia pressed forward, her eyes set straight ahead and refusing to slow down for anyone's questions.

The press and fans kept tossing questions her way, but Maia never looked back or said another word. . . .