Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 611: Since childhood, she had witnessed Kolton bend the world to his will. When a classmate dared to cross her back then, that entire family had vanished from Wront without a trace. Now, with Maia in the crosshairs, the outcome would be no different. Whatever grievance had once twisted her expression was gone. As she exited the study, a quiet smirk replaced it - calm, confident, victorious. Minutes later, Claudius stepped into the room. His gaze landed on his father, who was already watching him with a look as hard as stone. A lump formed in Claudius' throat.

"You called for me, Dad?" Kolton didn't answer immediately. He simply narrowed his eyes and motioned for Claudius to step closer. "So, you attended Maia's birthday celebration yesterday?" He spoke as if making casual conversation, but the underlying weight was unmistakable. Claudius tensed. "I did." "I also heard you brought three gifts for her... and that someone else outshined you." The room seemed to shrink for a moment. Claudius' expression dimmed. There was no point in pretending ignorance. If Kolton was bringing it up, he clearly already knew the details.

"That's right," Claudius admitted. Kolton's brow lifted ever so slightly, amusement mixing with scrutiny. "There aren't many who can compete with the Cooper family, not around here. Any idea who that person was?" "No, not yet," Claudius answered. "From what we've gathered, they're likely not from Wront." At that, Kolton rose from his chair. With slow, deliberate steps, he walked over and rested a firm hand on Claudius' shoulder. Lатєst ϲhαptєrs ιn glοvєl.ｃοｍ Rather than scolding, his voice was low and serious. "About Maia... I trust you've thought things through.

But keep in mind - your position, your decisions - they carry weight. One wrong move can turn an ally into an enemy. Don't let your guard down." Claudius met his father's gaze, picking up the underlying warning without needing it spelled out. "I get it... but if Maia..." he said, weighing his words carefully. If Maia ever joined the Cooper family, the strategic advantages for their company would be enormous. Yet before the thought could take full form, Kolton interjected, "That's enough. I'm tired." He reclined in his chair and closed his eyes, effectively ending the conversation.

Tight-lipped, Claudius turned to leave. The arguments he'd crafted in advance stayed locked in his mind, unspoken and unused. Silence settled over the study the moment he stepped out. But Kolton's eyes flew open again - bloodshot, sharp, and alert. Outside, the night stretched endlessly, thick with quiet tension. It reminded him of the hush that falls right before a violent storm. A heavy breath escaped him. Maia wasn't just clever - she was dangerous.

From seizing control of Aurora Apparel to stealing the spotlight at that lavish birthday celebration, and now coinciding with the Morgan family's downfall - none of it seemed random to him. Every move had a purpose. Every step was measured. The emergence of the elusive "Mr. M" only deepened the puzzle - and his unease. Maia was calculating, playing the long game with remarkable precision. If they couldn't pull her into their circle, then she posed a future threat that no one could afford to ignore. . . .