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.

appreciate that,” Maia said. Then she turned to Melanie and added, “I’m just relieved you’re

around the woman she longed to call family. Being only inches away

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

of cuts… nothing serious,” Melanie said, her voice shaking slightly as

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

in

she slapped both hands over

Something felt off. Why did it seem like those three belonged

sound, then why would she

college students who once placed bets during Ethan’s last gaming tournament. That memory tugged a faint smile from her as she looked at Melanie, choosing to spare the girl any embarrassment. “Is that your way of telling me