Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 829:

Around them, the energy in the room buzzed. People were clearly thrilled.

But Mariana was different — her expression turned grim. She had been certain that her artwork would stand out, but yet again, she found herself in Maia’s shadow. Whatever pride she had left crumbled into pieces.

At that point, she couldn’t even bring herself to glance at Maia’s painting. All she wanted was to vanish into thin air.

A short distance away, Raegan’s brows knit together. She couldn’t help but wonder — was it truly possible that Maia had painted a woman she’d never laid eyes on, and yet somehow created a face that looked strikingly real?

She shot a sideways glance at Kiley — and to her surprise, caught a flicker of fear flashing across Kiley’s usually unshakable expression.

But it didn’t last long. Kiley’s features quickly returned to their usual cool composure.

Then, without warning, she stepped forward. Her voice rang out, sharp as ice. “Ladies and gentlemen, it appears you’ve come to a final decision.”

spoke, the room went

at one another, exchanging uncertain

coiled through the air among the judges, the silence in the exhibition hall

parted as if words teetered on the edge of escape, only to falter under the weight of restraint. Others cast furtive glances, their furrowed brows

influence — the exhibition’s most formidable patron — loomed

their eyes. Grover, sensing the collective

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forward, he cleared his throat. “Well, Ms. Cooper, the sentiment is clear. The audience and

but before he could conclude, a razor-sharp voice

forgotten the essence of this painting challenge?” Kiley interjected, her lips curling into a mocking

frown deepened, though he held

voice pierced the

moments before had seemed lost in a fog of despair, snapped to life, her eyes