Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 757:

“Why are you back so late today? Come try this. I picked up a few new recipes.”

Ethan made his way to the study, dropped his backpack, and washed his hands with mechanical precision before settling at the dining table in silence. Throughout his journey home, doubt had plagued every step. He had wrestled with whether to call Maia directly, ultimately choosing against it.

Phone conversations felt too risky. What if he stumbled over his words? What if Maia got upset? That nagging question weighed on him, stealing his peace.

Kathie emerged from the kitchen after setting out the last dish, her apron now hanging on its hook. What she found made her pause: Ethan sat hunched over his plate, one hand supporting his chin while the other pushed food around with his fork. The meal had already grown cold.

“Ethan, is something wrong with the food today?”

Looking up to meet Kathie’s worried gaze, Ethan hesitated before shaking his head. “No, it’s perfect. I’m just not very hungry.”

features as she studied him. Something was clearly

beside

spoke in measured tones. “Do you think… family members should

Surprise flickered across Kathie’s face. “What’s got you thinking such serious thoughts

from you

her hand, she considered his

perfectly normal.” Pausing, she looked at Ethan with gentle understanding. “I may not have a fancy education, but I know a few things about life. If you’re keeping secrets because you want to handle something on your own, or simply don’t want to worry us with your troubles, that’s completely reasonable. Better yet, if your secrets are meant to protect Maia and me, to benefit

Ł∆Ŧéѕŧ Ç♄₳þŧ€яŞ ¡n GałnøνεlŞ.çø₥

over Ethan as his shoulders

her chair and seized his shoulders. “Alright, out with it! What are you hiding from

from Ethan’s startled grip.