Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 867:

Vince staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance.

Chris stood firm, an unyielding barrier between Vince and Maia, who lingered just beyond, her silhouette framed by the neon glow of the city street.

An illegitimate son of the Cooper family dared to stand in his way?

The thought burned through Vince’s mind, stoking the fire in his bloodshot eyes. He clenched his fists, nails biting into his palms as he fought the urge to swing. “Maia,” he pleaded, voice cracking like a man gasping for his last breath, “why won’t you look at me? I’ve changed. I swear it. I’d marry you — give up everything for you.”

Murmurs rippled through the gathering crowd, a sea of curious faces illuminated by the flicker of phone screens. Some snapped photos, their whispers buzzing like static.

Maia, the rising star, was a magnet for attention, and this public unraveling was pure gold.

cold as winter frost. “Vince,” she said, each word

His gaze darted to Chris, venom lacing his tone as

sneered, his voice rising to a fevered pitch. “A social outcast of the Cooper family. You’re falling for his lies,

jaw tightened, his eyes

“You think you can play the Cooper heir, huh? Deceiving her with your pathetic act?

stand it. She stopped, turning to Vince, who was now out of control, disregarding

????

through the noise, sharp and unyielding. She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto Vince’s. “I won’t let you slander Chris. I know exactly who he is — more than you ever will. If you’re unraveling, get help. A psychiatrist, maybe. But I’ve said it before, and I’ll say

like a physical blow. He staggered, eyes wide with disbelief, as if seeing her

barely

are,” she said, her tone laced with disdain. “You chase profit, power, status.

heels clicking sharply as she moved to leave. “I’m done here. Keep this up, and