Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 656:

No one expected Maia to put Alice on the spot like that. The boldness of her challenge left many stunned.

From his place in the crowd, Larkin let out a quiet scoff. A flicker of scorn lit his eyes as he sneered inwardly, “Only someone as reckless as Maia would try to take on Ms. Byrd like this, right in front of everyone. She’s practically digging her own grave.” He shifted his gaze to his son, Vance.

Vance caught Larkin’s unspoken cue immediately. He stepped forward, finger raised in accusation. “Maia, have you no shame? Right now, you’re smearing Ms. Byrd’s name for everyone to hear. Everything you’re saying is being broadcast far and wide, and it will all be used as evidence against you in court!”

He made a sweeping gesture, drawing everyone’s attention to the screen. Images of Alice’s designs flickered to life, each stamped with a date from three years ago. “Here are Ms. Byrd’s original works, released long before your supposed designs. The dates say it all. The truth is staring you in the face, but you keep insisting otherwise. You honestly believe a few claims will change anything? Utter nonsense!”

others whispered insults or let out knowing chuckles. Most onlookers decided Maia had completely lost her senses. Even with all the evidence, she still tried to shift the

go if you had shown any remorse and chosen to step away from the industry. I was ready to forgive and move on. But you’ve gone too far. Just so you know, the original drafts for these pieces are

lies, Alice. You’re the real disappointment here. I’m done giving you chances to twist

her handbag and produced a neat stack of design sketches. “What you’re looking at are my original drafts from three years ago,” she said. “The collection includes more than the piece in your possession. There are three other garments, each representing a different season, completing the theme. You’ve only secured the summer design, but I have no doubt you’ll recognize

season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — had its own unique garment. When placed side by side, the intricate fringe patterns flowed seamlessly from one to the next, weaving a visual story that shifted from

design extended even to the smallest details — cuffs and collars across all four pieces mirrored one another perfectly. Media photographers sprang into action, camera shutters snapping nonstop to

of designers; mouths hung open in awe. The vision and cohesion were simply stunning. No one wanted to believe these breathtaking pieces could be anything

corner of each sketch, each falling neatly in

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