Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 611:

Since childhood, she had witnessed Kolton bend the world to his will. When a classmate dared to cross her back then, that entire family had vanished from Wront without a trace. Now, with Maia in the crosshairs, the outcome would be no different.

Whatever grievance had once twisted her expression was gone. As she exited the study, a quiet smirk replaced it — calm, confident, victorious.

Minutes later, Claudius stepped into the room.

His gaze landed on his father, who was already watching him with a look as hard as stone.

A lump formed in Claudius’ throat. “You called for me, Dad?”

Kolton didn’t answer immediately. He simply narrowed his eyes and motioned for Claudius to step closer. “So, you attended Maia’s birthday celebration yesterday?”

casual conversation, but the underlying weight was unmistakable.

for her… and that someone else outshined

shrink for a moment. Claudius’

point in pretending ignorance. If Kolton was bringing it up, he clearly already knew the details. “That’s right,” Claudius

scrutiny. “There aren’t many who can compete with the Cooper family, not around here.

answered. “From what we’ve gathered, they’re

from his chair. With slow, deliberate steps, he walked over and rested a

voice was low and serious. “About Maia… I trust you’ve thought things through. But keep in mind — your position, your decisions — they carry weight. One wrong move can turn an ally into an enemy. Don’t

up the underlying warning without needing it spelled out. “I get it… but if Maia…” he said, weighing his words carefully. If Maia ever joined

the thought could take full form, Kolton interjected, “That’s enough. I’m tired.” He reclined in his chair and closed his eyes,

locked in his mind, unspoken and unused. Silence settled over the study the moment he stepped out. But Kolton’s eyes flew open again

the hush that falls right before a violent storm. A heavy breath escaped him. Maia wasn’t just clever —