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!”

all they wanted was to push the responsibility onto Maia and steer clear of any

shifted right

flinch or waver. Anyone watching could tell that she had braced herself for this moment. Letting her gaze travel across the judges

but cut through the tension. Those few words shattered the stalemate

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

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

smile, she snapped, “I was only guessing. What’s wrong with that? If you want my opinion, your

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denied her

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

as her eyebrows shot up. “Face it, Maia, nobody wins every time. The deal was clear. Since you lost, you should keep your word. Walk away from art.

cold as ice sliced through the

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

pin drop in the