Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 843: Yet moments later, she found herself bowing respectfully before Maia, swallowing her humiliation and resentment in front of the entire room. "I am truly sorry, Ms. Watson." This time, Mariana's apology rang clear and unmistakable, though every word tasted like poison. Maia stood motionless, studying Mariana as if weighing her sincerity, or perhaps contemplating something else entirely. Finally, she chose mercy over further punishment. "Alright. I heard you.

Watch yourself going forward and avoid stirring up trouble again." She stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on Mariana's shoulder. At that moment, a faint smile appeared on Maia's lips, her voice lowered to a whisper meant only for the two of them. "Don't think I don't know what you did at the Morgan family's twin birthday party." Mariana's eyes flew wide, her pupils shrinking to pinpoints as the blood drained from her face. But Maia had already straightened, her voice rising to address the entire room as though nothing had transpired between them.

"All right, I accept your apology." The truth hit Mariana like a physical blow. Maia had known everything from the very beginning. She had known about the birthday party scheme, about Rosanna's involvement, about every calculated move they'd made. Looking back at how this painting duel had unfolded, Mariana could see it now with terrifying clarity. Maia had masterfully exploited her thirst for revenge and competitive nature, guiding her step by deliberate step. Finally, Maia got exactly what she wanted. Maia had never been at a disadvantage.

She had been orchestrating everything from the very first moment. Mariana's composure finally shattered, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at Maia, her very soul trembling with fear. ⍺ν⧸ⅽ She had gravely underestimated this woman. This woman who had endured four years behind bars had outmaneuvered her at every turn, leading to one humiliating defeat after another. The weight of her miscalculation pressed down on her chest until she could barely draw breath. Meanwhile, the audience and media erupted into enthusiastic praise for Maia. "Did you see that? Maia accepted Mariana's apology.

Such grace and generosity is truly remarkable!" "Not only is Maia a gifted artist and absolutely stunning, but she possesses such a magnanimous heart! Her future knows no bounds!" "Does someone like Mariana even deserve forgiveness? Maia's far too kind! In her position, I would never have shown such mercy!" "After making all those unreasonable demands and losing so spectacularly, isn't this exactly what Mariana had coming? She's simply reaping what she sowed!" Each comment struck Mariana like a physical blow, draining the color from her face completely.

The entire room had turned against her, their voices rising in mockery and disdain while Maia basked in waves of praise and admiration. Mariana's chest tightened painfully as she struggled to draw air into her lungs. Without warning, a crushing wave of vertigo slammed into her consciousness. The world tilted violently around her as her legs gave way beneath her weight, her body crumpling helplessly toward the floor. . . .