Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 841:

Maia silenced them with a single cool gesture, then leveled a sharp look at Kiley. “There’s no need for theatrics, Ms. Cooper. Just tell me what you want.”

Kiley’s gaze narrowed a fraction. Maia’s willingness to negotiate gave her hope — perhaps she could salvage something from this loss in the painting contest.

Letting a thoughtful silence linger, Kiley finally spoke, her tone almost mournful. “As Mariana’s sister, I know how deeply she loves painting. It is everything to her. If she’s banned forever, it’s as if you’re taking the light from her life. I can’t let her wither away like that.”

Her eyes locked on Maia’s. “So, Ms. Watson, if you’ll agree to adjust the wager — let’s make it a one-year ban from art exhibitions for Mariana — I’ll move heaven and earth to get Chris that opportunity with my father.”

Maia’s answer came with a cold laugh. “From a lifetime to a year? That’s a bold counteroffer.”

The crowd around them erupted in whispers once again.

“Do the Coopers even know what dignity means anymore?”

fair for them to shift the terms just because they’re losing? Wasn’t Mariana the

families with all that power can wriggle out of promises.

comments buzzed

bystanders meant

damage control and spin for the

accept, I understand,” Kiley replied, her smile never wavering. “But the terms do need

the ghost of a smile on her lips. “I’ll play along — but I want more. Mariana’s out of the art scene for five years, and she’ll make a public apology to me. And as

?????? — ????

rarely bent in negotiations, but Chris’ future came first, so she

and deliver a real

out. “What did you just

the winner of this contest and get to call the shots. Perhaps your

her complexion faded to a sickly