Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 817:

A flash of scorn flickered in her gaze as her lips twisted into a taunting grin. “Does anyone see Maia? Maybe she finally lost her nerve.”

The sting in her words didn’t go unnoticed. Reporters who caught her remark looked at one another in surprise, unsure how to respond.

“Honestly, where did Maia disappear to?” someone said.

“Is she hiding because she’s afraid to show her face?” another voice asked, trying to stifle a laugh.

“If she bailed at the last second, she’s never going to live it down,” someone else added.

Suddenly, Grover’s voice boomed over the speakers, formal and commanding as ever. “Attention, please. The painting contest is about to begin. Mariana Cooper, kindly make your way to the exhibition hall at once, or you’ll be disqualified.”

The announcement rippled through the audience, spreading unease. People glanced around, whispering among themselves. They had kept a close watch on the main entrance all morning, yet not a single person recalled seeing Maia arrive.

slip in when no one was looking? Did anybody spot her?” a woman

have skipped the media and sneaked

in, the huge screen overhead

to

canvas, perfectly composed. Her face betrayed no nerves. Every movement she made seemed elegant, almost regal — like a

ready, awaiting what would come next. A heavy

????? ???? ??

later, a chorus of voices rose up among the crowd and

charm you’d expect from a movie star! Can you believe she’s a

in, “People always say painting transforms a person. Maia looks like she was born

else remarked, “Frauds could never pull off that kind of presence. She fits my idea of a true

Maia stumble. The mood shifted in a heartbeat,