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.”

strength: “If I’m gone one day, you must keep going, Chris. Look to the stars when you miss me. I’ll be there,

it. Live

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

beaded on his brow, dripping in heavy rivulets. His body

voice cut through the haze,

side, her

???? ????? ????????

with hesitation. Her eyes darted between Kiley and Chris, lips parting but no words came. She bit her lip, unable to bring herself to publicly ask

his temple, the other pressed into the floor, anchoring him as

a doctor!” a voice

in their steps. “Do

at me, Chris. You’re not alone.

it was her words or the fading storm in his