Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 932: "Remember that birthday party for Maia? Claudius from the Cooper family supposedly gave her some over-the-top gift. The rumors are starting to make sense now." "Mariana said it herself. There's definitely something going on between Claudius and Maia." "If she actually cheated on her husband, the fallout would be enormous." Eyes bore down on Maia, but she faced the crowd with unwavering calm, her chin lifted and back perfectly straight. Kiley, lips twisting into a taunting grin, retorted, "Ms.

Watson, I appreciate the advice, but maybe you should be explaining why you're hanging around with my brother?" That comment sent tension spiking through the room. Maia's brow knit together. She could see exactly what Kiley was after-pin everything on her and drag her name through the mud. Any attempt to respond was swallowed up by a shrill cry that shattered the air. "Maia! I swear I'll end you, you snake!" Mariana appeared to have lost all control. She wrenched herself free from Raegan's grip and lunged at the dining table.

Snatching a knife in a wild frenzy, she acted out of sheer desperation-an unbelievable scene for such a place-her crazed eyes locked on Maia. Right then, the mood shifted in an instant. "Ah!" a waitress yelled, while several patrons hurriedly backed away, panic written all over their faces. Maia, on the other hand, seemed ready for this. Her expression tightened just a bit, but she stayed calm and steady. Without a hint of fear, she smoothly stepped back, dodging Mariana's strike effortlessly.

Mariana lost her balance and stumbled forward, crashing into the table's edge and cutting her forehead badly. Through gritted teeth, she bore the pain without hesitation and spun around to jab at Maia's chest once more. : ⲁν⫺ The knife caught the light, flashing with a threatening glint. Mariana had lost her mind completely, paying no attention to Kiley and Claudius shouting at her. Her gaze was locked solely on Maia. Just then, a low, firm voice boomed from the doorway. "Put it down!" The command carried a weight that seemed to stop time, freezing everyone in the room.

Mariana was no different; she recognized the voice immediately. For a fleeting moment, she faltered. Then, a figure rushed over in a few strides. All eyes followed as he landed a sharp chop on Mariana's wrist with pinpoint accuracy. The knife clattered out of her hand, dropping to the tiled floor with a hard metallic clang. Mariana wobbled, nearly tipping over. Maia blinked and instinctively glanced up. Standing there was Chris. He wore a black shirt and stood tall, his gaze icy and his breathing calm and steady.

One hand stayed ready in defense, while the other rose in front of Maia, fully shielding her. Though Maia hadn't expected Chris to show up, a strange feeling of safety washed over her-especially from the way he had just stepped in. There was something undeniably impressive about it. The crowd burst into excited murmurs. Some recognized him and called out, "It's Maia's bodyguard!" Many others gawked in disbelief, saying, "He moved so fast, I couldn't catch a clear glimpse." . . .