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.

reluctantly stopped in her tracks. She turned, her expression cold as winter frost. “Vince,” she said, each word clipped and deliberate, “we’ve been

moment. His gaze darted to Chris, venom lacing his tone as he jabbed a finger in his direction. “Is

“A social outcast of the Cooper family. You’re falling for his lies, Maia! That Rolls-Royce he’s flaunting? Borrowed. He’s got nothing. I’m the

his

snarl. “You think you can play the Cooper heir, huh? Deceiving her with your pathetic act? I’ll rip that mask off

Maia could no longer stand it. She stopped, turning to Vince, who was now out of control, disregarding his image and verging on

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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

struck Vince like a physical blow. He staggered, eyes wide with disbelief, as

along?” His voice trembled, barely above a whisper. “Then why still choose

laced with disdain. “You chase profit,

she moved to leave. “I’m done here. Keep this up,