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!”

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

attention shifted right

Maia did not flinch or waver. Anyone watching could tell 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

few words shattered the stalemate and tipped the balance in her

“If I really missed the mark, how did

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

was only guessing. What’s wrong with that? If you want my opinion, your painting

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she denied her

her usually clear eyes. With a soft sigh, she said, “I honestly thought someone from

shot up. “Face it, Maia, nobody wins every time.

as cold as ice sliced through the tension. “That’s

head snapped toward Chris, whose stern face and raspy voice carried across the room. “I’ll speak for her. Maia’s painting is the

drop in the