Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 534:

Richard’s jaw tightened as embarrassment crawled up his neck like a rash. Sandra’s words struck a nerve, each one amplifying his sense of failure. He understood exactly how precarious the Morgan family’s situation was. But there was nothing he could do.

These guests were no fools. They were seasoned players of Wront’s social game, always betting on the highest future returns.

And right now, Maia held all the cards. Her influence was staggering — far beyond what he had imagined. And the worst part? Even he felt the urge to apologize, crawl back, and beg Maia to return.

But his pride was a wall too tall to climb. The party had already begun; he could not afford to stop it midway.

“We just need to get through the rest of the night,” he said through gritted teeth. “Let’s keep things moving and end it cleanly. Whatever happens next, we cannot afford to offend Maia — or the guests.” He paused, jaw clenched, eyes heavy with regret. There would be time to talk to Maia afterward — maybe — if she would still listen.

Because without Maia, the Morgan family was nothing more than a decorative name on a crumbling gate. The way the guests had shifted their loyalties made that brutally clear.

Richard lifted the microphone from its stand and

began, his voice echoing through the speakers, “thank you once again for joining us this evening. Now, we move into the highlight of our

quiet garden, had been transformed into a shimmering stage. The central lawn was now

eyes immediately darting to Maia. Every single one of them seemed poised, waiting for the right moment to approach

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Group — was among the guests. Rarely did he make appearances at social events, yet here he

could seize this opportunity to get

two distinct currents: one swirling around Maia, the other orbiting

stood alone, invisible in a party thrown in her honor. Not a single hand reached for hers. No one invited her to dance. Claudius, meanwhile, remained untouched by the growing cluster of admirers. He coolly declined every offer, expression unreadable. Across the

slightest intent

called out, loud and gleeful, “Looks like Mr. Cooper is