Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 605:

Maxwell narrowed his eyes. “And what kind of dare are we talking about?”

Her lips curled into a wicked smile. “The loser has to kiss the person they like most here — someone of the opposite sex — for one full minute.”

The room froze. For a second, even time seemed to trip over itself. Everyone except Chris immediately began coughing in unison, caught off guard.

Roland was the first to throw up a wall. “Elvira, come on. That’s pushing it.”

Pattie was dumbfounded. If things kept heating up like this, it wouldn’t be long before Maia and Chris’ little secret would come to light.

“I’m not joking,” Elvira replied, her smile sharp as a blade wrapped in silk. “It’s only fair. Same rules for everyone.”

Tonight, she was determined — her brother would win Maia’s heart, come what may. Maia, sitting quietly to the side, curled her fingers into a tight fist beneath the table. She had invited everyone here tonight. The last thing she wanted was to turn the gathering sour. But Elvira’s intent was practically painted on her face, and Maia’s bond with Chris was… complicated. If this carried on, the situation could spiral.

Resolute, she stood, walked straight over to Elvira, and took her arm. “Come with me,” she said, pulling her toward the private room’s door without waiting for permission.

said, “Mr. Payne, you go ahead and keep playing. Elvira and I need to have a private chat.” Maxwell got the hint right away and gave a nod. “Alright then. Let’s stick to the former rule —

stepping out of the private room, Maia led Elvira down the bar’s hallway to a small terrace at the far end, a quiet place away from all the noise. Once they were clear of the crowd, Elvira shrugged off Maia’s hand and

to drag things out. Since Maia had started the conversation, Elvira figured it was time

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married. Didn’t Chris know that? Does he even realize he’s just your neighbor? And he

So why are you still dead set on playing matchmaker with your brother?” Maia shot back, leaving Elvira momentarily

she stubbornly retorted, “That is… different. My brother

know Chris? Are you seriously going to

she stared at Maia. “Maia, are you standing up for Chris? Don’t

skipped a beat. She drew in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Tonight had made one thing crystal clear: hiding the truth wasn’t making Elvira back off. Instead, it only made

know, I’ll tell you. But first, you have to promise me one thing.

eyes swirling with

hear the truth drew near, a strange nervousness crept over her. She was scared stiff of the worst possible answer.

Elvira’s gaze and spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully. “Chris