Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 656: No one expected Maia to put Alice on the spot like that. The boldness of her challenge left many stunned. From his place in the crowd, Larkin let out a quiet scoff. A flicker of scorn lit his eyes as he sneered inwardly, "Only someone as reckless as Maia would try to take on Ms. Byrd like this, right in front of everyone. She's practically digging her own grave." He shifted his gaze to his son, Vance. Vance caught Larkin's unspoken cue immediately. He stepped forward, finger raised in accusation. "Maia, have you no shame? Right now, you're smearing Ms.

Byrd's name for everyone to hear. Everything you're saying is being broadcast far and wide, and it will all be used as evidence against you in court!" He made a sweeping gesture, drawing everyone's attention to the screen. Images of Alice's designs flickered to life, each stamped with a date from three years ago. "Here are Ms. Byrd's original works, released long before your supposed designs. The dates say it all. The truth is staring you in the face, but you keep insisting otherwise. You honestly believe a few claims will change anything? Utter nonsense!" The crowd reacted instantly.

Some mocked openly, others whispered insults or let out knowing chuckles. Most onlookers decided Maia had completely lost her senses. Even with all the evidence, she still tried to shift the blame onto Alice. It seemed like self-destruction. Alice's cold stare fixed on the projected photos as she pointed a finger. "Look at these. What excuse do you have left? You've let me down. I might have considered letting you go if you had shown any remorse and chosen to step away from the industry. I was ready to forgive and move on. But you've gone too far.

Just so you know, the original drafts for these pieces are still kept safe at the Royal Academy. I found the inspiration for them on a trip three years ago, and-" Just as she began to explain, Maia cut her off. "No more lies, Alice. You're the real disappointment here. I'm done giving you chances to twist the truth." Maia reached into her handbag and produced a neat stack of design sketches. "What you're looking at are my original drafts from three years ago," she said. "The collection includes more than the piece in your possession.

There are three other garments, each representing a different season, completing the theme. You've only secured the summer design, but I have no doubt you'll recognize the common thread running through all four." As she laid the sketches on the table, the images were instantly magnified across the giant screen, thanks to the photographer's quick reflexes. Each season - spring, summer, autumn, and winter - had its own unique garment. When placed side by side, the intricate fringe patterns flowed seamlessly from one to the next, weaving a visual story that shifted from cool to warm tones.

The unity of design extended even to the smallest details - cuffs and collars across all four pieces mirrored one another perfectly. Media photographers sprang into action, camera shutters snapping nonstop to capture every angle. A wave of astonishment rippled through the assembly of designers; mouths hung open in awe. The vision and cohesion were simply stunning. No one wanted to believe these breathtaking pieces could be anything but the work of a single creative mind.

Perhaps the most telling proof lay in the dates penned at the corner of each sketch, each falling neatly in sequence - just like the changing seasons. Lᴀτєѕτ chⲁρτєrs ιn glovєls. Outrage thundered from Larkin as he sprang to his feet, slamming his palm on the table. "Don't be absurd! You think a handful of conveniently dated sketches will clear your name? Any average designer can piece together extensions for an existing concept. None of this proves a thing!" . . .