Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 391: She was eager to get away fast. As she started to leave, she caught sight of Claudius not far behind, holding a champagne glass and giving Maia a small nod, his gaze full of admiration. Rosanna turned around and saw Maia offer Claudius a slight smile. A sharp pang squeezed her chest, making her heart race and her breath falter. No, she couldn't just walk away. Since Maia had attached herself to Hurst, Rosanna had to win Claudius over. Hurst was merely the head of a branch of the Cooper family, while Claudius would one day become the real head of the Cooper Group.

In front of Claudius, Hurst could do nothing but yield to his authority. Rosanna gritted her teeth, resolved to follow through. Meanwhile, Mariana was about to lose it from sheer rage. She had hoped that Rosanna would be her ace in the hole, but Maia had quietly flipped the situation in an instant. Mariana took a few deep breaths and, after a moment, managed to force a smile. It didn't matter. She had more than enough ways to destroy Maia's reputation. The mockery of the piano competition finally wrapped up, and the audience gradually trickled out.

Maia nonchalantly grabbed a glass of champagne and stayed stretched out on the sofa, savoring the music without a care in the world. Chris plopped down next to her, a small coffee table separating them. He let his hand rest on the armrest, his eyes flashing a warm, charming smile, and propped his chin on his hand as he gazed at Maia. Feeling his bold and lingering gaze, Maia blinked awkwardly and faced him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Chris spoke slowly. "Do you get along with Hurst?" M . "Not really," Maia answered. "Not really?" Chris squinted, tilting his head.

"Then why did I hear people saying you're divorcing me and planning to be Melanie's stepmom?" Maia felt a surge of frustration. How had the gossip gotten so out of hand? Sitting next to her was her husband, Chris, and his tone had an unmistakable edge of disappointment. Maia was momentarily lost for words, then quickly tried to explain, "That's ridiculous. I've only helped Hurst a couple of times. That's why he invited me here. That's all there is to it." "You've helped Hurst?" Chris raised an eyebrow. Hurst practically ran Wront, so what could he possibly need from Maia? Could it be that...

Maia had some hidden connection that he didn't know about? Just then, a loud noise erupted from the front of the room. Earlier, Kolton, too, had noticed the stir by the performance stage, but since he was busy talking with several key business partners, he hadn't paid it much attention. Once the business talk wrapped up and the mood in the place lightened, Kolton faced the guests and brought his hands together in a clap. With the sound of glasses clinking, all eyes gradually shifted in his direction. Before long, the room became utterly quiet.

Kolton spoke up and told the crowd, "Everyone, I have something important to share at today's party." The guests moved closer, creating a circle around Kolton, who stood at the center. Kolton waved at his youngest daughter, Mariana, who lifted the hem of her dress... and gracefully walked to his side. She turned to face the crowd, wearing a poised smile that befitted a young lady of high society. . . .