Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 944: "Really?" Baylor's heart finally settled, and he said excitedly, "That's wonderful news!" Just then, a server appeared, arms laden with the dishes they'd ordered. With an eager smile, Baylor said warmly, "Please, dig in. Consider tonight my way of saying thank you in advance. When this is behind us, just tell me what you want-I'll do my best to deliver." Disappointment settled in Ethan's chest as he watched Baylor. While many would have done anything for a chance to marry Maia, Baylor acted as if he were escaping disaster, barely containing his rush to file the divorce papers.

Hunger slipped away from Ethan as that thought lingered. Even though the table filled with tempting food, he forced down only a few mouthfuls. Melanie, on the other hand, dug in with true enthusiasm. Her appetite matched her mood-she hadn't eaten all day, and now, with their plan close to completion, it wouldn't be long before Maia rejoined the ranks of the unattached. Becoming her family member was only a matter of time. The idea of it would surely delight her father. Lost in pleasant musings, Melanie enjoyed every bite even more.

On the opposite side, Baylor discreetly texted his wife: "I met with your brother and sister. We're having dinner at Red Grove. Will you be home tonight?" Baylor's wife scowled at her phone, frustration creasing her features as she read his latest message. Their heated argument still fresh in her mind, she had driven to the airport to collect her siblings, determined not to let them meet Baylor. Watching her younger brother and sister enjoy their meal right before her, she released a weary sigh and shook her head.

The audacity of Baylor resorting to such transparent lies just to lure her home left her speechless. What a pathetic attempt, really. Rather than dignify his message with a response, she chose to wait and see what desperate move he'd make next. Discover more content at ɢαlnσνeℓs․com Outside the restaurant, tucked inside a parked sedan, Raegan kept her eyes trained on the trio through the large window before pulling out her phone. "Red Grove restaurant. Target confirmed, three individuals present." The voice crackled back instantly.

"Copy that!" Inside the restaurant, Marisa absently ordered several dishes while stealing glances at Ethan across the room. Something in his earlier expression had caught her attention. The way his jaw tensed suggested he was wrestling with troubled thoughts. "What's eating at him?" she whispered under her breath. A waiter appeared beside her table, setting down the steaming plates. Marisa took her first bite, and her eyes lit up with delight. "This is incredible! I need to drag my annoying brother here next time." Lost in the amazing flavors, she demolished her meal with surprising speed.

When she finally looked up toward Ethan's previous spot, her heart skipped a beat. Panic shot through her as she realized the three of them had vanished while she'd been completely absorbed in her food. Marisa threw money on the table and bolted outside, her head swiveling in every direction. The sidewalk stretched empty in both directions. No trace of Ethan or Melanie anywhere. . . .