Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 904: Maia gave a dry, almost bitter smile. If only things were that simple... Actually, the truth was miles away from what Kathie believed. Vince had always known that she was married. After all, at his engagement celebration with Rosanna, Maia had been forced to say it out loud in front of everyone-her marital status, plain and clear-just to try and make him back off. But that plan had backfired. Instead of pulling away, Vince became even more obsessed. He took things a step further and shamelessly offered to keep her as his secret lover.

So, even though Maia's marriage was no secret, there would always be people who simply didn't care. That realization weighed on her, leaving her with a sense of quiet despair. Ethan caught the change in her face right away. He remembered how their last talk had gone and jumped in quickly, hoping to steer the mood in another direction. "Kathie, you really don't have to worry," he said. "Maia's got everything figured out in her own way.

And let's be honest-with someone as incredible as my sister, the line of guys chasing after her could stretch all the way from our front door to the gates of Wront University!" Both Kathie and Maia turned to him, stunned. They hadn't expected him to say something like that, considering the kind of impression he usually gave off. In truth, Ethan had borrowed that line straight from Melanie. After all, Maia wasn't just a famous designer and artist-she was also a local hero who had saved countless lives. "Don't say stuff like that," Maia said with a gentle tap on Ethan's arm.

"I've only been gone a few days, and it looks like you've changed quite a bit." Ethan ran a hand through his hair, sensing that his words might have raised some doubts in Maia's mind. He hurried to explain, "It's nothing... just something I picked up from my classmates." His nervousness made him feel like his old self again. : ⱥν﹒ⅽ Maia smiled quietly and gave him a little nudge of encouragement. "Sounds like you're getting on well with your classmates, which is great. But...

maybe keep those kinds of things out of the schoolyard chatter." She remembered hearing something similar about Chris one night at a club-someone had mentioned how famous he was for drawing admirers wherever he went. Maia definitely didn't want to end up with a reputation like that. As she listened, Kathie let out a sigh and muttered, "Well, I suppose it's no use sticking my nose into young folks' business anymore..." Then, with a worried look, she gave Maia's hand a soft squeeze and added, "But Maia, you really need to be careful.

Don't go giving me another heart attack." Even though Kathie sounded a little like she was nagging, Maia could feel the genuine care behind it. Her eyes softened, and she quickly nodded. "Don't worry, Kathie. I'll watch my step from now on." The three kept talking for some time, and gradually, the mood in the room grew warm and easygoing. Maia glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost midnight. She got to her feet, ready to head out. Ethan rose as well, walking her to the door.

"Maia," he asked, "when are you going to let Kathie in on the truth?" Maia paused briefly, then lowered her voice as she answered, "I'll tell Kathie after some time." . . .