Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 395: Jarrod's face went blank. Was that so? Had everyone in the Morgan family accepted that Maia wasn't a part of them? His hand, which had been hanging limply at his side, gradually turned into a fist. How could this even be possible? Maia had spent seventeen years living with the Morgans. For all that time, she had followed Jarrod around like a shadow. How could she possibly not be considered part of the family anymore? Jarrod refused to accept that reality. Even if Maia had claimed it herself, without his approval, it didn't count.

He remained Maia's brother, and that bond would never change. Rosanna watched him, confused by his sudden, lost expression. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right with him recently. Whenever Maia's name came up, Jarrod seemed to be in turmoil, as if he both loathed Maia and cared deeply for her simultaneously. Rosanna couldn't figure out what Jarrod was thinking, and she didn't care enough to dig any deeper. She refocused on the throng of people and let out a quiet, scornful snort. This competition was bound to lead Maia nowhere.

If she ended up losing, it would tarnish her reputation. If she managed to win, the situation would be even worse. She would completely insult Mariana, which would mean crossing the Cooper family. Even with Hurst in her corner, could he genuinely shield her from Kolton, the family's leader? And would Hurst even want to stand up for Maia? ⲁν﹒ Rosanna was suddenly hit by a surge of satisfaction. It appeared that Maia wouldn't be able to maintain her smugness for much longer, and Rosanna didn't even need to do anything.

In the meantime, attendants hurriedly set up two tables that were just the right height. Each table had paper and pens arranged for the design contest. There was nothing more to it. Mariana and Maia took their places at their tables, each spreading out their design papers. "Ms. Vaughn, are you ready?" Mariana glanced at Maia, her voice full of confidence. "If you're set, we can get started." Maia looked over at her, lifting her head slowly to lock eyes with Mariana. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth.

"Miss Cooper, since this competition is already so exciting, why don't we turn up the heat?" Mariana's expression darkened. "Turn up the heat?" Maia shifted her attention to the crowd that was buzzing with anticipation. "I'd like to make a wager with Miss Cooper." "A wager?" The spectators exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of what Maia was planning. Mariana raised an interested eyebrow. "What are you proposing to wager?" Maia met her gaze, her eyes shining with a steely light. She flashed a confident smile and spoke in a soft yet firm tone that echoed in the room.

"I suggest a bet between MCN and Aurora Apparel Company. Only one of us can survive." As soon as Maia wrapped up her words, the place exploded into turmoil. Only one among MCN and Aurora Apparel Company could survive? What was that supposed to imply? . . .