Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 50:

Eyes shifted toward the doorway. Maia stood there, stepping in from the outside. She wore a beige, form-fitting short-sleeve top, paired with a tight denim skirt. A black belt cinched her waist, accentuating her slender frame. Her long, fair legs commanded attention.

She appeared taller, confident, and effortlessly chic — the image of someone who belonged.

With a casual motion, she pulled out her earphones, surveying the stunned faces around her, and smirked. “What? Not happy to see me?”

Jarrod couldn’t shake the memory of Maia’s vow to never return to the Morgan family. And yet, here she was, barging into their family dinner. A bitter laugh slipped from him.

“Still got the guts to show your face here, huh?” Jarrod taunted, sneering.

Maia’s gaze flickered toward Rosanna.

Rosanna rose from her seat, forcing a smile as she addressed the group. “I invited Maia tonight. It’s a family dinner, after all. She used to be a Morgan.” She hesitated briefly before adding, “Besides… I couldn’t feel right about my engagement to Vince without her blessing.”

Understanding dawned in the room. Maia had once been engaged to Vince. Rosanna likely felt guilty for stepping into her place and sought Maia’s approval to ease her conscience. Only with Maia’s blessing could Rosanna truly embrace her engagement.

Despite everything, Rosanna still cared about Maia’s opinion. Once again, the Morgans were impressed by Rosanna’s kindness. She was almost too kind for her own good.

Sandra and Richard exchanged glances filled with sympathy for Rosanna. Considering the circumstances… Sandra’s voice broke the silence. “Maia, come sit down.”

Jarrod waved Tricia over, signaling for her to bring an extra chair beside him.

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Maia strolled over and casually took a seat between Jarrod and Rosanna. Without sparing Vince, seated across from Rosanna, a single glance, she crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, relaxed and confident. Her posture was the antithesis of Rosanna’s — upright, every inch of her poised and polished.

Sandra and Richard exchanged a look, their disapproval clear. Had Maia really changed so much in just four years? But then again, the couple hadn’t spent much time with her back then. Had they ever truly understood her?

Maia’s indifferent attitude toward Vince made his frown deepen, though he tried to mask it. He turned his head slightly, and his gaze, perhaps involuntarily, drifted down to her legs.

The Maia he remembered was a conservative, reserved girl. Despite being the Morgan family’s daughter, she used to wear oversized T-shirts and baggy jeans, completely disconnected from anything remotely fashionable.

But tonight, with Maia dressed boldly, her hourglass figure on full display, Vince finally realized how irresistible she truly was. What made matters worse — or better — was the icy indifference and defiant attitude she carried, a quality that men found far more tempting than Rosanna’s sweet, well-behaved charm.

Vince’s Adam’s apple throbbed ever so slightly.

Rosanna caught Vince sneaking a glance at Maia and felt a surge of anger. “Maia, why are you always flaunting your body to lure men?” Rosanna shouted inwardly.

She leaned forward slightly, blocking his view of Maia. Rosanna’s fingers tightened around the wine glass, her smile faltering as she raised it toward Maia. “I’m so glad you could join us tonight, Maia. This one’s for you.”noveldrama

Before the glass reached her lips, Vince’s hand shot out, catching her wrist.

“Maia can’t drink alcohol,” he declared abruptly.

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