Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 957:

Still, she tossed her head lightly, her expression softening just a touch as she glanced behind her at Ethan. Her tone was calm — cool as riverstone — but carried a protective edge. “Ethan, take a step back. I’d rather you didn’t get hurt by accident.”

Ethan stood frozen, her words echoing in his mind, stealing the air from his lungs.

His gaze lingered on Marisa as she walked away, her parting vow replaying like a drumbeat in his chest: “Don’t worry. You’re under my protection. No one’s going to lay a finger on you.”

Then came the challenge that still rang in his ears: “I’ll take you on.” His hands clenched at his sides.

Ethan’s heart pounded faster, a rush of unfamiliar emotions surging through him — anxious, uncertain, and laced with silent prayer and tightly coiled tension.

A desperate prayer echoed in his mind: “Please, Marisa — be safe.”

Meanwhile, across from Marisa, Viper let out a cold laugh, his hands forming claws as he assumed an aggressive stance, his voice low and chilling. “Let’s see what you’ve got, young lady.”

raucous laughter and

taunt — he’s going in for

her already! I’ve got money riding on

she’s dealing with. She’ll be begging for

air inside the underground ring thickened with cruelty, every shout cutting

now

She’d faced worse. And those who had underestimated her

herself. Her stance was firm, with her right fist tucked close and her left hand raised defensively. Her steps began to

yet, a strange calm

a blade. “Bring it,” she whispered, poised and resolute, her eyes glinting with the

instant, Ethan’s face flashed in her

She would be

his hand. “Round one

an instant, the fight for survival began — and the crowd exploded into a frenzy of