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.

looking? Did anybody spot her?” a

and sneaked

settled in, the huge screen overhead

turned their attention to

gray-blue suit dress, stood before her canvas, perfectly composed. Her face betrayed no nerves. Every movement she made seemed elegant, almost regal — like a figure from

space behind her stood ready, awaiting what would come next. A heavy

????

a moment later, a chorus of voices rose up among the

charm you’d expect from a movie star! Can you

painting transforms a person. Maia looks like she was

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

the hall. Just minutes before, everyone had seemed eager to witness Maia stumble. The