Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 548:

Above them, heavy clouds rolled in, swallowing the moon’s soft glow.

Meanwhile, the guests started welcoming Mariana warmly.

Richard and Sandra pushed through the crowd to greet her.

No one held it against Mariana for arriving late. If anything, they believed she had missed the earlier excitement.

Richard moved forward with a polite tone. “Miss Cooper, it’s an honor to have you here. Your presence truly elevates the Morgan family’s standing! The dancing just wrapped up, and now we’re about to get to the best part of tonight’s celebration — the cake cutting.”

“Better late than never,” Mariana replied with a smile. She then nodded toward the gifts being brought in and added, “But before we begin, may I present my gifts first?”

“Right this way, Miss Cooper!” Sandra’s beaming smile could have illuminated the entire hall. She was certain that Mariana wouldn’t show up empty-handed. Surely, she had brought something grand for Rosanna. Otherwise, Rosanna would feel quite overshadowed tonight, especially since she hadn’t received many gifts compared to Maia.

Rosanna’s mother, Sandra couldn’t bear the thought of

alongside Mariana, Sandra glanced at the two large items being carried behind her and said softly, “Miss Cooper, it’s already wonderful that you’ve come. Why go through the

don’t say that. I’m sure Mariana brought something for both me and Maia, so Maia will be happy too.” Sandra paused, caught off guard by her daughter’s thoughtfulness. Even after spending the evening in Maia’s shadow, Rosanna

heart swelled with pride. Her daughter was kind to

??

said modestly. “Besides, these gifts are just a small token

took her modest words at

box was so large that it required help to carry, radiating pure luxury. The size alone made it

shaped package — broad yet

their curiosity and envy swirling as they speculated about what could possibly

voice cutting through the chatter. “Mariana, what

words sounded half-annoyed, half-concerned, though only a few could sense the worry hidden beneath. Most, however, only noticed how highly the Cooper Group seemed to value Maia. If both the heir and the eldest daughter