Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 939: Disappointment flickered across Kolton's face. Maia's name burned in his thoughts like acid. He crouched down and placed both hands on Mariana's thin shoulders. "Alright, alright. You are not sick," he said soothingly. "How about dessert instead? Something sweet to take your mind off things, hmm?" She sniffled, wary. "Really? No hospital?" "Really," Kolton reassured with a faint smile. "I promise." Only then did she nod, drained from her tears. Her body sagged as she leaned against him, eyes dull with exhaustion. "I messed everything up, Dad," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Kolton rubbed her back in soft circles. "It is alright. You just need to rest." Outside Wront University, a sleek dark gray car pulled to a slow stop. Raegan sat behind the wheel, her eyes shielded by stylish sunglasses. She held a folder loosely in one hand-fresh from her informant's desk. Inside were a student ID and a detailed profile: Ethan, a special admit at Wront University, thriving in the elite preparatory program. The boy in the photograph had an open, honest face and eyes clear as morning water. There was something unmistakably gentle about him, eerily similar to Maia.

"It must be him," she murmured. Looking up from the file, Raegan spotted a young man approaching the campus gate. He matched the photo exactly. Her assessment was complete. The situation was shaping up to be far simpler than expected. All she needed was to take Ethan-Maia's younger brother. Everything else had been arranged. Kiley had paved the road ahead. This move would not only earn her more of Kiley's trust, but also offer a closer look at who Maia really was-and what she might be hiding. At that moment, Ethan reached the gate and paused, glancing around as though expecting someone.

Raegan seized her chance. She opened the door, stepping out of the car. But before she could approach, another vehicle-a luxury model-glided to a stop in front of Ethan. He stepped in without hesitation. Raegan's instincts flared. Her eyes narrowed behind her shades as she slipped back behind the wheel and followed the car at a safe distance. Was it Chris-Maia's elusive bodyguard? : g⍺ν⧽ⅽ The passenger-side window rolled down. A breeze lifted a long strand of hair. Raegan leaned forward. The driver was a woman-not Chris. She accelerated, eager to see more details.

As the vehicle drew nearer, although she couldn't discern the woman's face, it was obvious she wasn't Maia-and she looked younger. "Ethan's classmate?" she muttered, tapping her nails against the steering wheel. She had no record of this girl. Unknown variables were never good. Still, Raegan's curiosity sharpened. Whoever this girl was, she might lead to something interesting. One way or another, she had a task to complete today. Inside the other vehicle, Melanie animatedly shared the latest gossip and rumors with Ethan, blissfully unaware of the shadow trailing behind them.

Ethan had seen the trending topics and widespread rumors in the afternoon, but what excited him was that JusticeBlaze had commented too. "It's always those clueless fools who show their affection uninvited. Some people really need to look in a mirror before deciding they are worthy of Maia." He held up his phone, eyes lighting up. JusticeBlaze never missed. Though no names were mentioned, everyone knew who it was aimed at-Claudius. . . .