Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 831:

The judges who had spoken in Maia’s favor shifted awkwardly.

“Ms. Cooper, aren’t you pushing this too far? I haven’t taken any bribes from anyone.”

“We’re simply doing our jobs. All we care about is the art itself.”

None of them spoke with real confidence. Their words sounded thin and uncertain.

Several judges exchanged nervous glances before turning to Maia.

“Ms. Watson, can you produce an actual photograph of your subject? If we could compare it to your painting, we’d be more certain of our decision.”

A second judge jumped in. “That’s right. Even if she’s no longer alive, surely someone kept her picture somewhere? If you can prove your work is a faithful portrait, of course, we’re willing to clear your name and declare you the winner!”

chose their words with caution. Deep down, all they wanted was to push the responsibility onto Maia

shifted right back

that she had braced herself for this moment. Letting her gaze travel across the judges before settling on Mariana, she said, “The Cooper family’s reaction just now says more than any

through the tension. Those few words shattered the stalemate and tipped the balance in

Kiley, a faintly mocking smile tugging at her lips. “If I really missed the mark, how did you manage to recognize Nicola

were at a loss for words, and even Mariana, who had been so aggressive moments before, visibly

long to recover. Flashing a frosty smile, she snapped, “I was only guessing. What’s wrong with

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her arms, she denied her

usually clear eyes. With a soft sigh, she said, “I honestly thought someone from the Cooper family would handle defeat with more

Mariana, her voice rising as her eyebrows shot up. “Face it, Maia, nobody wins every time. The

as cold as ice sliced through

carried across the room. “I’ll speak for her. Maia’s painting

could hear a pin drop in