Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 998:

They caught sight of Pattie right away, and the recognition dawned instantly on both faces. Without a word, Hurst gave Pattie a brief nod before turning and crossing the room to where Maia lay.

“You’ve done more than enough for my daughter, Ms. Watson,” he said, setting a bouquet down on the table beside her. “I’m grateful. I hope you get well soon.”

Pattie studied Hurst for a moment. He didn’t seem as cold or sharp as people described. If anything, he looked uneasy. His eyes refused to settle on Maia for long.

Why would he be nervous now of all times?

Maia picked up on it too. Something about Hurst looked more polished, like he had gone out of his way to impress. Still, she let it go. Maybe he was on his way to a formal dinner or business meeting.

Maia said. Then she turned to Melanie and added, “I’m just

herself hesitating, unsure how to act around the woman she longed to call

talked about — Maia’s beauty wasn’t just on the outside. There was a quiet grace in her posture, a calm strength in her eyes, and a symmetry

of cuts… nothing serious,” Melanie said, her

for years. Melanie remembered a golden afternoon, sunlight dancing on the water, as

yourself in

away — those eyes. They mirrored the lake and held a softness that reminded her of her mother. Without meaning to, Melanie whispered, “Mom…” Then panic set in, and she slapped both hands over her mouth, face flushing with heat. For a second, even Hurst looked frozen, as if he hadn’t expected that. His thoughts

between Melanie, Hurst, and Maia, searching for an explanation. Something felt off. Why did it seem like those three

been more affected by the incident than they realized? If she were mentally sound, then why would she call Maia “Mom” of all things? After all, Maia wasn’t even

memory tugged a faint smile