Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 824:

Chris stared at the painting, a feeling of familiarity scratching at the back of his mind. Why did Maia’s painting seem so familiar to him?

Kiley’s eyes, on the other hand, widened in disbelief when she saw the painting. As the CEO of Radiant Jewels, she had never shown such an expression anywhere. She looked as though she had just seen a ghost—and in a way, that was true. She recognized the woman Maia was painting.

It was none other than Nicola Glyn, Chris’ long-deceased birth mother. How could Maia have seen Nicola, and how was she painting her?

Raegan stood rooted beside Kiley, her jaw slack, words trapped in her throat. Her eyes locked onto Maia’s canvas, where colors danced with a life that stole her breath. A tightness gripped her chest, each inhale a struggle against the weight of awe.

Never had she encountered such a breathtaking work of art. Envy, sharp and familiar, surged through her veins.

Maia was just a painter, nothing more, Raegan told herself, her mind scrambling to reclaim confidence. In a fight, she’d have Maia outmatched in seconds — brushstrokes could not compete with fists. The Mask’s leader needed a warrior, not some delicate artist with a knack for pretty pictures. Besides, Raegan’s talents stretched far beyond a canvas. That thought steadied her, easing the storm in her heart.

While the crowd marveled at Maia’s masterpiece, Mariana hunched over her own work, oblivious to the murmurs swirling around her.

Maia’s art. No one dared disturb the sacred hush, as if a single sound might shatter

the stillness. “I am done!” Mariana declared, her tone brimming with assurance. She laid her brush down with a soft clink, her shoulders loosening as she

her, lenses glinting in the

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and she gestured to her canvas. “This piece is called Contemplation.

— a thoughtful pose, one arm propped on an elbow, the other hand cradling her chin. Kiley’s eyes gleamed with a vivid spark, each stroke infused with

was a

her work, pride swelling in her chest. She hoisted the canvas higher, eager

air

applause greeted her. No eager eyes met

moments ago focused on

darted to Kiley, usually a pillar of