Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 371: "Neville swore to me he would bury this case forever, which is why his heart still beats. Should he break that vow, I'll collect his life myself. As his most trusted protégé and the heir to his teachings, I'll overlook your interference this once, but my meaning should be crystal clear." With that declaration hanging in the air, Zoey strode away without a backward glance. Roland remained rooted to the spot, the weight of Zoey's warning pressing upon him like a physical thing.

Years ago, the Cooper Group had ruthlessly buried the case, leaving those involved either dead or vanished without a trace. Neville alone clung to life, though permanently crippled and forever banished from public view. The case had haunted Neville like a specter throughout his years. Even now, as death approached, peace eluded him, his final wish still unfulfilled. Roland had sworn to Neville that he would see this wish realized, vowing not to return until he succeeded. The memory tightened Roland's fists until his knuckles gleamed white.

Champagne flowed freely at the Cooper Group's annual cocktail party, held at one of their sprawling estates on the outskirts of the city. Though media outlets barely mentioned the gathering, every significant player in the business world understood the weight this private party carried. Chris had always avoided these celebrated parties that others fought to attend. In truth, he found the entire spectacle rather suffocating. Never once in previous years had he bothered to make an appearance at any Cooper Group gathering. But today, Mariana's call changed everything.

"Chris, Grandpa had another episode. He keeps calling your name over and over. Please come - I'm afraid... I'm afraid he might not make it through the night!" : g꞉ "I'm leaving right now!" When Mariana told him that his grandfather was at the estate hosting tonight's cocktail party, Chris dropped everything and rushed to the place he'd sworn never to set foot in. He surveyed the classical estate nestled at the mountain's base. Light spilled from every window, casting the grand structure in a brilliant, almost ethereal glow. His penetrating gaze narrowed as he crossed the threshold.

Inside the main hall, Mariana glided through the crowd in her custom-made gown, champagne flute balanced delicately between her manicured fingers as she laughed with a cluster of socialites. Rosanna stood at her side, equally resplendent in her carefully selected attire. For this party, Rosanna had spared no expense or effort. This was her chance to carve out her own reputation among the elite - perhaps even ensnare the attention of some wealthy man and finally extricate herself from Vince's grip forever. Only one concern clouded her ambitions: her brother, Jarrod.

Across the crowded hall, Rosanna's eyes found her brother. Jarrod stood like an alien among humans, his desperate attempts to infiltrate conversations failing miserably. He could only thrust his hands deep into his pockets and drift aimlessly through the glittering throng. His casual indifference struck a discordant note amid the carefully orchestrated elegance of the assembled elite. The sight was nothing short of humiliating. Rosanna turned her gaze away in disdain and offered a timely smile to the women surrounding her. Just then, Mariana's phone trilled.

Glancing at the screen, her expression brightened instantly. She excused herself and answered, moving swiftly toward the entrance while speaking in hushed tones. When her eyes fell upon the commanding figure standing in the doorway, Mariana's face transformed with genuine delight as she hurried toward him. "Chris!" she called out, affection warming her voice. . . .