Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 997:

“You gave me the fright of my life, Maia,” Pattie muttered, never pausing her task. “When did you learn those martial arts? Every muscle in your body was torn. You really put yourself through the wringer. People who know the truth realize you handled a tough fighter, but anyone else would think you just stood there and took a beating…”

Leaning into her pillows, Maia could only offer a sheepish smile. “Sorry for making you worry.”

A sharp glance from Pattie accompanied her next words. “At least you admit it,” she said, handing Maia a neat slice of apple. “Eat this.”

After a gentle bite, Maia replied quietly, “You’re exaggerating. I wasn’t prepared for all that. I guess I just haven’t moved around much lately, and the excitement got to me.”

“Not prepared? You call that just a little excitement?” Pattie’s eyes widened with disbelief. “Honestly, Maia, are you sure you weren’t getting into scraps every day behind bars? Nothing else explains how tough you’ve gotten.”

A memory of the doctor’s visit flashed through Pattie’s mind, making her grin. “Want to hear something funny? The doctor said you’re basically a medical marvel. No broken bones after all that chaos. He joked about writing a journal article on you!”

I just have good luck on my side,” she

Pattie had burst through the door, her eyes rimmed in red. Emotion tightened her voice as she finally spoke, frustration and fear mingling together. “Why can’t you look out for yourself? Sure, you won the fight, but you scared

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like that will happen again.

landed in Maia’s hand. “Things have calmed down online. All you need to do is rest — I can keep everything under control. What really threw me was Claudius at that press conference. Instead of dragging your name through the mud, he actually

blindsided on the livestream. “Who knows what Claudius is going through

lips, though her

listen, Vince’s trial is next week. I’m counting on Roland to put him away

out, Pattie leaned in closer, lowering her voice to

off guard.