Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 549: It was obvious that she was referring to the fireworks show and the public congratulations from the Free company earlier that night. A shadow passed over Claudius' face. Mariana always knew exactly where to hit where it hurt most. "Mind your own business," Claudius said, grabbing her wrist and tugging her away from the crowd. He fixed her with a sharp glare, his voice low and edged with warning. "You're not planning to cause a scene, are you?" Claudius, unlike everyone else in the room, was fully aware of what had truly happened at the Cooper Group gala.

And, more than anyone, he understood the real Mariana. To the outside world, Mariana appeared to be the perfect, gentle daughter, cherished by her family. But behind closed doors, Mariana was nothing like the image she projected. She was fiercely stubborn and could throw a fit if things didn't go her way. Worse yet, she had a long memory when it came to grudges, and she always made sure to settle the score. Claudius hadn't forgotten the chaos Mariana had caused after she lost Aurora Apparel Company to Maia in that infamous bet.

Mariana's temper had exploded that night; she tore through her bedroom in a fit of rage, leaving the place looking like a disaster zone. The memory flashed in Claudius' mind, chilling his tone. Leaning in, he whispered, "I'm warning you, don't provoke Maia tonight." A sharp laugh escaped Mariana. Her brother's threats meant nothing to her; if anything, they amused her. Threats had never worked on Mariana. She had never taken orders from anyone, not even from Claudius.

"Since when are you so concerned about Maia?" With a cold sneer, Mariana pulled her arm free and snapped back, "Honestly, Claudius, if someone overheard you, they'd think I came here to pick a fight. With all these people around, what could I possibly do to her? I'm here for the gifts, really." Yet beneath her cool exterior, Mariana's resentment toward Maia burned hotter than ever. Claudius' instant fascination with Maia after only one meeting at the gala irritated her deeply. She couldn't understand how he was so captivated so quickly.

That sudden interest grated on her more than she expected. Your next tale lives on g Ɐ lnσ ν ℓs, com Mariana found herself questioning what it was about Maia that had Claudius so completely under her spell. She almost blurted it out but stopped herself. Instead, she flashed a sly smile and said casually, "Oh, by the way, did you hear Maia's already married?" Claudius' mood soured immediately. "Stay out of my affairs, Mariana. This has nothing to do with you." Mariana just shrugged, waving him off. "Whatever you say.

Just make sure you're ready to answer Father later." With that, Mariana turned around and headed straight for Maia. Right then, Mariana's gift had already been moved to the center stage of the banquet hall, drawing the attention of all the guests who gathered around. Maia caught sight of Mariana coming over and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in response. "Good to see you again, Maia. Happy birthday," Mariana said quietly, a gentle smile flickering on her lips. "At the last party, I lost to you. It wasn't luck, though. I just wasn't up to the mark.

Still, I have to thank you for opening my eyes. I've learned that my real talent lies in painting, not design. So, to show my appreciation, I spent days working on this piece called Raging Seas as your birthday gift." As she spoke, Mariana waved her hand, and the workers nearby quickly pulled back the huge gray curtain. The crowd's eyes fell on a giant oil painting revealed before them. It showed a tiny boat battling the wild, stormy sea, pushing forward through monstrous waves, escaping the grip of a dreadful whirlpool.

In the top right corner of the painting, sunlight broke through thick, dark clouds, sending a golden beam shining onto the ship's deck. A young girl stood there, her long hair whipped wildly by the gusts, one hand clutching it to keep it from blowing all over her face. . . .