Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 844:

Kiley swiftly caught Mariana as she wavered on the verge of collapse, shooting her a sharp look before firmly gripping her shoulder. Her voice carried calm authority. “Stand up straight.”

She shifted her attention to Maia. “Is this enough? If so, let’s call it a day. I’ll settle the remaining bets as soon as possible.”

Maia studied Mariana’s crumpled form with cold amusement, then lifted her shoulders in a careless shrug. “Perfect! Just remember your word, Ms. Cooper. The entire Otrultho art scene witnessed today’s little spectacle.” Each word dripped with pointed meaning.

Kiley’s jaw clenched visibly, though she swallowed whatever sharp reply burned on her tongue. Teeth grazing her lower lip, she spun on her heel and stormed toward the gallery exit.

Raegan’s sharp eyes had already caught the press circling like vultures. She darted forward, cutting through the crowd to form a protective barrier around Kiley’s retreat.

Behind them, Mariana shuffled along with her chin buried against her chest, skin drained of all color as if life itself had leaked away. Her legs wobbled dangerously with each faltering step as she fought to keep up.

defeated scattered into the

hungry wolves, questions exploding

in blinding camera flashes and surrounded by shouting voices, Maia wore her victory like armor, each answer

Maia swept from the gallery

to intercept them, breathless excitement radiating from every gesture. “Miss Watson, we’ll treasure your masterpiece A Mother’s Timeless Love during its exhibition tour. Once it completes its journey through Otrultho, we’d be honored to deliver it wherever you wish. Where shall

arched with wicked delight, lips curving

???????? ??

the painting’s new

Grover spun around

he readily shared his

declared before disappearing back into the gallery’s chaos. His evening was clearly

the dust settled, Alice whisked Maia and Chris away to