Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 796:

Right then, Kiley placed a gentle hand on Mariana’s shoulder, urging her to stop fueling the fire. With a graceful step forward, she drew everyone’s attention. Her eyes, steady and sharp, locked onto Maia with an air of calm superiority.

“Miss Watson. Word travels fast. They say you stirred up quite the scene at the Cooper Group’s banquet.” Her voice was measured, yet her words cut with precision. “If you’re truly that bold, let’s raise the stakes this time. Should you lose, we expect you to hand over the Aurora Apparel Company and go public with an apology, admitting you faked being Matias.”

She paused, her gaze tightening like a blade. “But if you win, Miss Watson, you’ll have our word. Name your price, and we’ll honor it — so long as it’s within reason.”

The moment those words hit the air, the audience buzzed with disbelief. Nobody had anticipated that Kiley’s opening statement would turn a simple art demonstration into a high-stakes battle for reputation.

With her chin resting lightly in her palm, Maia slipped into silent reflection, her eyes glimmering.

Truth be told, she had never planned to reveal herself as Matias so soon. But with Mariana and Kiley practically forcing a challenge, there was no reason to hold back.

Besides, stirring up trouble for Cooper Group aligned perfectly with her strategy.

confirmed her suspicions — Cooper Group intended to branch out, using Radiant Jewels’ influence and their own resources to launch Mariana

to grow stronger was out of the question. The weaker they became, the better Maia’s

lifted her head, her cool gaze locking on Kiley and

can do? Since you’re so eager for

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ripple of shock through the crowd. Her tone was light, yet her words carried a razor’s edge, leaving

hall

actually taking the bait? Isn’t she worried

be crazy — the challenge is already risky, and

on this. Has she completely lost her

way to curiosity, and

narrowed with scorn. “I’ve crossed paths with plenty of arrogant people, but never someone reckless enough to challenge fate when the odds are stacked against her. Take my advice — drop the act. You want to raise the stakes? You’d better

making sure her words had sunk in, she let out a sharp laugh, contempt curling across her