Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 826:

He stepped closer, each movement deliberate, as if to imprint the portrait into his soul.

Maia, sensing his unspoken need, pivoted the easel. The painting of his mother now faced him fully, her gentle features glowing with serenity. Her eyes, vivid and warm, seemed to pierce through time, locking onto his.

For a heartbeat, the world stilled. It was as if his mother had crossed the chasm between life and death to gaze upon him once more.

A sharp hiss escaped his lips. Dizziness crashed over him, a splitting headache clawing at his skull. His knees buckled, the room spinning as memories — long buried — surged to the surface.

Images flickered like an old film reel: a faceless woman holding his hand, her features now sharpening into focus. Her voice, soft and familiar, echoed in his mind.

“Sweetheart, slow down, or you’ll tumble.”

Another flash: “I’ve made your favorite noodle bowl, love.”

then, fainter, laced with quiet strength: “If I’m gone one day, you must keep going, Chris. Look to the stars when you

it. Live

of memories overwhelming. His mother’s smiles, her gentle frowns,

hand pressed against his temple, the other braced on the floor, he fought to stay upright. Cold sweat beaded on his brow, dripping in heavy rivulets. His body trembled, curling inward as

cut through the haze, sharp

his side, her

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between Kiley and Chris, lips parting but no words came. She bit

his breaths shallow. One hand gripped his temple, the other pressed into the floor, anchoring him as perspiration traced

get a doctor!” a voice shouted from the

staff surged forward, urgency in their steps. “Do we need an ambulance?” Grover asked, his

hands. “Look at me, Chris. You’re not

the fading storm in his mind, the sweat on Chris’