Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 820:

Kiley’s research into Maia’s background had been thorough. Social media posts and school records revealed a first-place win in a middle school art competition, but her work leaned heavily toward impressionism, with noticeably amateur technique. Daily practice since then still wouldn’t be enough to match Mariana’s caliber.

That was exactly why Kiley had secretly added the style requirement. The deck was now stacked completely in Mariana’s favor.

Confidence radiated from Mariana as she absorbed the theme announcement. She arched an eyebrow at Maia with obvious smugness. “Looks like fortune is smiling on me today.”

Maia’s composure never wavered. She settled calmly before her canvas, then turned toward her arrogant opponent. “So, can we paint anyone in particular?”

“Obviously, as long as it’s a person. If you find it hard to decide, just pick someone from the crowd,” Mariana taunted. “Though I’m wondering if you can even handle realism. Do you actually know the difference between realistic portraiture and impressionism?”

Approving chuckles rippled through the panel of judges. Maia’s lack of formal training made her unfamiliarity with advanced techniques perfectly reasonable, after all.

Maia’s expression remained completely serene. Instead, she smiled warmly and responded, “Of

smirk played at the corners of her mouth as she added,

Everyone could see that Mariana had tried to embarrass Maia, only

for Maia’s sharp wit began

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just schooled Mariana right at the start

never saw that comeback

decided against continuing this verbal battle with Maia. She turned away to focus on mixing her paints. Maia began her own preparations

were ready. They positioned themselves before their blank canvases and started

sensation, while the other showcased Maia,

the rough outline of a woman, and Maia’s showed the same. This development left both the audience and judges burning