Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 598:

Her attention slid over to Maxwell, measuring him in silence. When he realized that he was dragged into the spotlight, Maxwell’s brain kicked into high gear, scrambling for something that sounded halfway believable.

But Chris, smooth as ever, jumped in before he could speak. “My boss had a meeting lined up with Mr. Payne tonight. Right after it wrapped, something urgent came up, so he asked me to step in and keep Mr. Payne company.”

Maxwell gawked at Chris, impressed. That lie rolled off his tongue so smoothly that even he had to remind himself that it wasn’t true. He snapped back into the moment and nodded quickly. “Exactly. That’s how it went.”

Maia paused, considering it. The story checked out, or at least didn’t seem far-fetched. Maybe her singing really had carried outside and caught their attention? Whoever designed the acoustics in this place clearly didn’t care about soundproofing.

“Well then, Ms. Watson,” said Maxwell as he dropped onto the sofa and crossed one leg over the other, owning the space. “Since fate brought us together tonight, and I’ve been dying to hear you sing, why not let us join the fun?”

“You’re unbelievable!” Elvira’s finger shot toward him, her voice on the edge of a full-blown argument, but Maia caught her arm before she could go further.

Having dealt with Maxwell’s reputation in underground circles, Maia understood that it was wiser not to stir the hornet’s nest.

to shut down Elvira’s relentless

the fun? A

the type who enjoyed getting swept up in a crowd just for the thrill

Maia footing the bill tonight and having already made up her mind, Elvira had little room to

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a generous streak. Oh, and it just hit me — I forgot to introduce myself. I go by Maxwell Payne. If you find yourself in a jam here in Wront,

and Roland before landing on Elvira. An amused eyebrow arched as he sent a confident grin her way. She rolled her eyes, mumbling, “Maxwell? Never heard

the sofa opposite him and

left Maxwell as he spoke to everyone. “Ms. Watson has done me a favor in the past. Since you all are in her circle,

reputation still needed safeguarding,

smirk plastered

really are too generous, Mr. Payne,” Maia responded, then turned to sit