Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 508:

“Why do you care? Can’t I go out for lunch and a little shopping?” Marisa shot back, already halfway to the door.

The door slammed behind her before Maxwell could say another word. He stood there in stunned silence for a few heartbeats. “That’s how you talk to your brother?” he muttered. “I’m family, you know!”

Then a thought struck him — could she be going out with someone? But the idea was so absurd that Maxwell chuckled and shook his head. Knowing Marisa and her rough-around-the-edges attitude, what guy in his right mind could possibly handle her?

At the restaurant, Ethan arrived ahead of schedule, the ticking clock barely keeping up with his steps, and began leafing through the menu with idle fingers.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, a graceful silhouette drifted into view, like a ripple across still water, compelling him to lift his gaze. Seated across from him was a young woman, her makeup tastefully bright, and her demeanor as soft as morning light. A warm smile played on her lips.

Ethan froze, as if caught in a moment suspended between time and thought. Today, Marisa looked completely different from her usual self at school.

Her hair, which normally clung to the back of her head in a tidy tie, now flowed freely over her shoulders like a waterfall at dusk. Gone was the familiar denim jacket, replaced by a breezy, beige dress that gave her an air of effortless charm and gentle sweetness.

He stared for

that? Do I have something on my

and snapped back to the present. Yes — it was Marisa, without a shadow

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fumbled, tripping over his words

brow, sensing something amiss. She had taken extra care with her appearance today, hoping for at least a small compliment. But from Ethan? Not a word. Honestly, he was as dense as

ate, Ethan remained mostly quiet, letting Marisa carry the

face that day was

suddenly cut into her story with a softer tone. “Actually, there’s something I was hoping to get your advice on today. I want to give a gift to someone really important

mind immediately darted to

and Maia, Marisa couldn’t help but ask, “You’re

face turned the color of ripe tomatoes. He nodded quickly. “How did you