Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 816:

“There’s no need for that,” Maia demurred, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

“Your magnanimity is admirable, but I remain unswayed,” Alice retorted, her tone a blend of exasperation and loyalty.

“Why are there so many people here today?” Chris inquired, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene. “I can see staff members selling tickets.”

Alice waved a hand in casual dismissal. “Grover’s ever the opportunist. Last night, he sensed the Otruitho art community’s fervor reaching a fever pitch. Sniffing out a golden chance, he opted to capitalize on the hysteria, peddling tickets to bankroll the Gascoyne Museum’s renovation.”

Maia and Chris exchanged a glance laden with unspoken understanding, their eyes conveying a shared empathy for Grover’s predicament, though their lips remained sealed.

Moments later, the trio reached the competition hall, where easels stood in regimented rows, their blank canvases awaiting the stroke of genius.

a phalanx of security personnel to

against the morning light. Trailing in her wake were her elder sister Kiley and the steadfast

descended like a ravenous flock, cameras flashing in a blinding staccato. A zealous reporter elbowed his way to

the din, “Are

queried, “You’ve wagered your career on this contest, Miss Cooper. Have you pondered the repercussions of

and the relentless strobe of cameras, Mariana pressed forward with unwavering poise. Only once did she pause, casting a fleeting glance over her shoulder at Kiley, who offered a subtle nod of

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emboldened, Mariana came to a deliberate stop, pivoting to face the voracious lenses. Her voice, though gentle, carried the weight of conviction. “As one who has devoted a lifetime to the mastery

she proclaimed, “My sole intent in this artistic

wave of applause swept through the hall, buzzing