Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 385: Maia carried herself with effortless sophistication, maneuvering the intricacies of high society as if she were born for it. Whether debating fine wines or offering... Sharp insights on financial matters impressed without seeming to try. Her self-assurance was rare for someone so young. Curiosity about Maia's origins grew among the attendees, though under Hurst's watchful presence, few dared let it show. It was evident that Hurst held Maia in the same high regard others reserved for Claudius.

Yet, whether intentionally or subconsciously, Maia's eyes kept finding Chris across the room. Chris knelt by Laurence's side, gently massaging his legs. Under the warm lighting, his hair gleamed softly, smoothing the sharp angles of his profile. Chris wore a tranquil, detached smile, his posture serene, as though the lively festivities around him were happening in another world. For reasons Maia couldn't quite name, her heart softened unexpectedly. She knew better than to approach him at this moment. Given tonight's circumstances, it was smarter to maintain her distance.

Everything else could wait until they returned home. Meanwhile, the mood within the hall grew increasingly spirited. Exhausted by constant conversation, Maia excused herself from Hurst and wandered toward the orchestra. Finding a cushioned seat nearby, she sank into it, shut her eyes, and let the gentle music ease her fatigue. However, the brief tranquility didn't last. A crisp female voice suddenly rang out. "Rosanna, I heard you're brilliant at the piano. Why not entertain us tonight?" Maia's brows twitched slightly. She opened her eyes and glanced toward the commotion.

Not far off, Mariana and Rosanna stood amidst a crowd of socialites, all glancing at the grand piano. Rosanna played the piano? That was unexpected. gⲁν.k - Still, Maia had no intention of involving herself. She reclined again, determined to rest. At that moment, Mariana threw a sharp glance at Maia, lounging with closed eyes. "How dare she brazenly flirt with Chris in front of me?" Mariana seethed inwardly. Around them, excited chatter broke out among the socialites. "I remember Rosanna being hailed online as a true prodigy! Singing, playing instruments - she was phenomenal.

Yeah, she used to be really popular, with a ton of fans. It's just unfortunate..." The speaker let her sentence hang suggestively. Others exchanged smirks, the mockery clear in their expressions. Rosanna's previous humiliations at Maia's hands - and at Rosanna's banquet with Vince, him abandoning her to chase after Maia - were juicy gossip among the elite. To those ladies, Rosanna was little more than amusement. Yet, due to her newfound bond with Mariana, they refrained from ridiculing her openly, choosing instead to veil their taunts in sly smiles and murmured laughter.

Rosanna, perceptive and keen, picked up every flicker of mockery. She pressed her mouth shut and lowered her gaze to her wrapped hand, her tone unsteady as she murmured, "Mariana, my injury from the gallery event still hasn't mended... I'm worried it might hinder my playing." Mariana's expression hardened. "I'm offering you an opening. Are you turning it down?" Rosanna stiffened. Mariana spoke the truth. This evening was a rare window of opportunity. If Rosanna hoped to showcase her abilities before the city's aristocrats - and perhaps capture Claudius's notice - she had to act. . . .