Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 574:

Chris didn’t respond right away.

After a beat, he lifted his gaze, eyes crinkling with a smirk of exaggerated defeat. “How about we stop competing over who had the worse past? Just once, let’s compare something that doesn’t involve near-death or a rap sheet.”

His voice dropped as he leaned in, eyes clouded by something darker.

Another inch closer, and the tension thickened.

With slow precision, his fingers reached for her face, brushing lightly across the soft curve of her lips. “If we’re comparing, why not see who gives in first?”

Before the words fully settled, he closed the distance and kissed her. This one held no hesitation. It was bold, fierce — a kiss that claimed rather than questioned.

Whatever doubts still lingered inside her were drowned in that moment, replaced by a flood of something warmer.

the fingers that held her steady. All the unrest that had made a home in her chest,

softly over the lake. The moon spilled its light like molten silver, scattering over the water in a

sconces spilled golden light across the walls, casting overlapping shadows that danced together like a silent promise etched in

if the world came

of her. It was also about rescuing a version of

early morning, Maia and Chris were already on their way to the Primary

new chapters at

through the trees, while a crisp breeze swept

steady grace, her features serene and collected. Although her gaze appeared steady, it kept drifting toward Chris, especially the clean lines of his profile. The warmth of his kiss still clung

traded his usual look for something more relaxed. The change suited him, giving off an easy charm that

she watched him. “It wasn’t easy landing a slot with

what’s there to be nervous about?” Chris said,

Since he began