Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 836:

“Who could possibly doubt Maia now? She had proven it all with her talent! Today would be etched in Otrultho’s art scene for many years. Her painting was destined to be legendary!”

The applause swelled, cheers booming through the gallery, louder than ever before.

Just as the noise began to fade, a voice suddenly pierced the crowd. “I… lost?”

Mariana stood frozen, her lips trembling, eyes wide with disbelief and shock. She stepped back, clutching her chest, barely able to catch her breath. It felt like she was plunging into a bottomless pit.

“This can’t be… How did I end up losing?” Mariana glanced at her sister Kiley, her face drained of color.

Kiley’s expression was just as serious and heavy.

There was no denying it — Mariana had been defeated.

Still, Kiley needed to figure out how to contain the fallout from this art battle.

who had stayed quiet most of the time, was lost

skill, or had luck played

found that photo of Chris’ mother, would Maia have had some secret trick to

careful planning and a steady

quieted down once again, tension

moved toward Mariana with measured steps. Her face was calm, but her eyes gleamed with a cutting edge. “Mariana, I won again. A bet’s a bet.

like a blow.

words were what she had intended to say to Maia — but now, the

𝕆𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕥 ⳑ𝕒𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗲𝗅𝘀[ꞏ]𝚌𝗈𝗺

shame crashed

Mariana’s voice cracked, raw with emotion. “Maia! If you’re really all that talented, then let’s go again — one more

her

spun toward the judges, her glare sharp and accusing. “Is that fair? Tell me — how is my painting any

fighting hard against the crushing truth, desperate to break free from