Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 54:

Jarrod stumbled upright, rage burning so brightly that he couldn’t see straight. Without thinking, he tightened his fists and lunged at Maia, aiming a brutal punch straight at her head.

In his mind, the earlier humiliation had only been because he was caught off guard. Now, he’d settle the score.

From his point of view, having the audacity to bully Rosanna and even raise a hand against him was more than just betrayal — it was sheer cruelty! Maia hadn’t picked up anything good during her time in prison; she had only grown fiercer and more brutal. Today, he was determined to put an end to Maia’s defiance! He would show no mercy; after all, she had given him no choice!

As Maia caught the surge of his incoming punch, she tilted her head slightly, poised to strike back. But just before Jarrod’s fist could reach her, a large hand appeared out of nowhere and caught it an inch from her face!

Everyone’s eyes widened in shock.

“Vince, what are you doing?” Jarrod growled, his face flushing deep red with rage.

Even Rosanna stared at Vince, stunned, her mind reeling at the sight.

Vince’s demeanor remained polite on the surface, but his eyes had turned cold as stone. His voice cut through the tension, low and even, as he said, “It’s a family gathering. There’s no need to make it worse.”

Jarrod let out a mocking laugh. “Let’s be clear — she’s the one stirring up trouble in our home, she’s the one picking on your fiancée, and she’s the one who threw the first punch! Yet now you’re standing there telling me not to make things worse?” He narrowed his eyes, studying Vince closely. “Vince, don’t tell me… you still have feelings for Maia?”

Rosanna’s fingers curled into trembling fists as her lips quivered uncontrollably.

Did Vince still harbor feelings for Maia?

Rosanna couldn’t wrap her head around it.

Hadn’t Vince loathed Maia more than anyone else did?

After returning to the Morgan family, she’d overheard enough chatter among heirs and socialites to know the consensus.

Everyone had said the same thing: Vince couldn’t stand Maia. At best, she grated on his nerves.

So then why, during a dinner meant to seal their engagement, did Vince keep leaping to Maia’s defense?

Sandra, too, had lost her composure. She could tolerate many things, but not Maia meddling in Rosanna and Vince’s relationship.

This wasn’t just personal — it was about preserving the Morgan legacy.

With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Sandra spoke at last. “Vince, are you seriously in love with Maia? She has a criminal record, and she’s not even my blood. Even if you were interested, your family would never allow her to become your wife.”

Vince didn’t flinch, but a spark of fierceness glinted in his eyes.

“Sandra, you’re overanalyzing. I’m aware Rosanna is my fiancée. But I didn’t come tonight to get caught in your family’s personal drama.” His voice was cold, almost indifferent.noveldrama

That detached tone sliced straight through Rosanna.

He’d affirmed their engagement with a single sentence yet avoided denying his feelings for Maia.

Rosanna bit down on her lower lip so hard that it stung, her nails burrowing into her palms until blood broke the surface. She held back her tears by sheer force.

Sandra looked stunned.

.

.

.