Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 927:

“You’re self-reliant, insightful, and carry yourself with genuine humility,” Claudius said, his tone low and unwavering. “Out of everyone in my world, you stand apart.” His eyes didn’t waver as he continued, his voice steady and measured: “Since I might be away for a long while, I need to leave nothing unsaid. Maia, I have feelings for you.”

At last, the truth was spoken. Claudius’s words weren’t forceful, but they rang with absolute certainty.

For a heartbeat, the moment hung suspended, heavy and unbroken.

A flutter of lashes was Maia’s only response at first. After a thoughtful pause, she answered, “Mr. Cooper, I believe you already know I have a husband.” Her tone softened. “Still, I appreciate your honesty.”

The answer struck Claudius, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Even so, at least he had put his feelings into the open. Yet something held him back from accepting it. He fell quiet, then gathered himself and asked gently, “May I ask—is your marriage real? There’s a rumor going around that it was only a cover to get away from Vince… that you’re not truly married.”

a quiet laugh slipping from her lips. Never in her wildest thoughts did she imagine

voice steady and clear. “I really am married—there’s no reason for me to lie to

not be wealthy or have some impressive career, and yes, he’s struggling with health problems. Still, he’s real—funny,

gentle smile softened her face, painting a picture of quiet happiness. Meanwhile, Claudius felt disappointment

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 @ g⍶𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽𝖼𝗈𝗆

her words measured and unwavering. “Gossip holds no weight with me. What matters is

with emotions he struggled to contain. A trace of desperation edged his voice as he asked, “But you’re extraordinary. How could

social standing. He’s one of the rare men I can depend on. If you came to declare your feelings, I’m

his entire sense of reality begin to crack. The thought that Maia