Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 575:

Their dynamic had shifted slightly since last night — warmer, more natural — but Maia hadn’t allowed herself to fully lean into the idea of being Chris’ wife. Even so, she had no problem wearing the title when it suited her goals.

If Chris followed her lead, Maia had no doubt that she could position him at the top of the Cooper Group within three years.

Chris stood still for a beat before breaking into a loud, unfiltered laugh, his smile edged with playful charm.

Seeing Maia slowly open up to the idea of being his wife sparked something in him. Her image reflected clearly in his eyes, and with it came a quiet resolve — someday, he’d give her the kind of wedding that turned heads and left no doubt she belonged to him.

From overhead, a robotic female voice said, “V03, Chris Cooper, please proceed to Consultation Room 1.”

“That’s us!” Maia said quickly, grabbing his hand as she guided him down the hallway.

They were just about to knock when a voice floated from the room, crisp and clear. “Dr. Beresford, I reviewed the paper you mentioned yesterday. If we integrate a simulation point for optic nerve response, the monitoring model might improve significantly.”

startlingly like Elvira. Before she could make sense of it, Chris had

lively academic exchange with Leland, her expression light and animated. The moment the door creaked open, her conversation faltered as instinct made her glance toward the entrance. What she saw caused a visible shift — Chris stepped into view first,

shift swept across Maia’s face the

was here. But why would she suddenly show

magic on

through Maia’s

retreating wasn’t

would only make her look flustered,

Chris a look, then turned her piercing gaze on Maia. “Maia? You and him… what exactly

frown that spoke volumes. Frustration clouded her expression. No matter

it painfully clear that they had only grown more

brief, uncomfortable silence settled over the room like a held breath. Breaking the tension, Maia finally spoke. “I’m just here with him

nudged Chris lightly with her elbow. “Go ahead. The doctor’s waiting. I’ll step out with Elvira for a