Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 553:

But when he finally turned his attention back to Maia, something made his breath catch. She was swaying slightly, her cheeks flushed an unhealthy red. That was no ordinary drunkenness. Something was wrong.

Claudius stepped forward, a growing urgency in his stride. But just as he was about to push through the throng, a hand caught his wrist. Mariana spun into his path, her laughter sugary-sweet as she leaned close. “Claudius, have another drink with me!”

Her grip tightened, nails brushing his skin like claws wrapped in silk. From the start of the evening, she had been clinging to him like ivy, pulling him aside every chance she got. Claudius’ patience was wearing thin, but somehow, he couldn’t seem to shrug her off without making a scene.

“Fine,” he said, his tone clipped. “You win. This is the last one.” He raised his glass mechanically and tapped it against hers. But his eyes? They were still searching the crowd.

And in the split second it took for him to lower his head and sip his wine, Maia disappeared.

Claudius froze. Without another word, he broke from Mariana’s hold and began weaving his way through the party, scanning every face.

half-dragged into the villa’s east wing. Rosanna was guiding her toward the inner corridor. Maia could barely keep upright — her steps staggered,

was a slurry murmur.

need rest, Maia,” Rosanna cooed sweetly, her tone dripping with concern. “You’ve had way too much.” She gave a soft laugh and adjusted Maia’s arm over her shoulder. But behind the pleasant mask, Rosanna’s thoughts twisted with triumph. Maia looked completely drained — more than drunk. Her head lolled,

was right

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plan was

be certain, the waitstaff had followed instructions precisely: coat the rim of a glass with the sedative, which would make the liquid in it less than in the other glasses. The comparison wouldn’t be evident, but one could still notice it if

needed to do was choose the one with slightly more champagne from the two glasses. The other glass was certainly the drugged

was working. Rosanna’s heart pounded with exhilaration. The more she thought about it, the more delicious it felt. Soon, Maia — the polished, perfect Maia — would be reduced to

whispered, her voice almost reverent as she eased Maia down

against Maia’s cheek. No reaction. Only a slurred protest that never formed