Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 28:

Now, with everything falling into place, Sandra had no doubt. That anonymous investor had to be from the Ward family.

Initially, Vince had been promised to Maia. Maybe that was the reason the Wards kept their distance. They never really approved of her.

After Rosanna was named as Vince’s girlfriend, the sudden shift in support began to make sense.

There had been a time when Sandra feared the disparity between the families might lead to a broken arrangement. But now that Vince openly adored Rosanna, and with the Ward family quietly showing their hand, that anxiety had finally eased.

“Why not invite Vince for dinner soon? It’s time we sit down and talk about the wedding like a real family.”

Hearing the word “wedding” made Rosanna’s heart flutter with excitement. Still, she played it cool. “Sure. I’ll do whatever you and Dad think is best.”

Meanwhile, outside, the city streets buzzed with honking cars and the shuffle of pedestrians.

Inside his car, Vince rubbed his temples, his mind tangled in knots.

Images of Maia’s bright, genuine smile from the past kept flashing in his mind. Alongside that were Rosanna’s carefully chosen words from earlier that day.

Something didn’t sit right. Who was that mall manager anyway? What kind of connections did that man have that even he, from the Ward family, couldn’t get him fired? And what exactly was his relationship with Maia?

The image of Maia smiling so brightly at another man sent a bitter pang through Vince’s chest.

While staring out the window in silence, his eyes caught sight of a glittering storefront wrapped in gold accents and soft lighting.

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It was a Radiant Jewels boutique — one of the brands under the Cooper Group.

Without thinking twice, Vince straightened and said, “Pull over. Right now.”

Tires screeched as the car came to a sudden stop by the curb.

Brian Castillo, Vince’s assistant, turned around, puzzled. “Is something wrong, Mr. Ward?”

Without offering a single word, Vince pushed open the door and stepped out. Dressed in a sharp blue suit, he looked every bit the image of poise and authority, every line making its statement clear.

As soon as he entered the Radiant Jewels store, everyone inside turned to look. One of the sales associates hurried over, her smile brightening as she approached. “Good evening, sir. How may I assist you tonight?”

Brian trailed behind him, still trying to make sense of the sudden detour. Usually, Vince didn’t bother with these things personally. He gave instructions, and Brian took care of the rest.

Not once today had Vince mentioned anything about shopping for jewelry. Besides, Vince had an important engagement coming up soon. They were already running late, and Brian had been speeding to make up time. Why had Vince suddenly asked him to stop and come into this jewelry store?

Vince’s eyes stopped on a particular bracelet in the display. Its silvery sheen shimmered under the lights, catching his full attention.

A memory, uninvited, crept into his thoughts. He remembered Maia as she used to be — still carrying the Morgan name. Every time they walked past this store, she’d glance longingly at that bracelet, her eyes lingering with quiet yearning.

Clearly, she had liked it. And yet, he’d never bought it for her.noveldrama

“This piece is quite special. The two interlocked hearts symbolize a deep bond. It’s one of our bestsellers for romantic gifts,” the sales associate said, her voice sweet with practiced charm.

“Is that so…” Vince let a faint smirk tug at the corner of his mouth. “Wrap it up. I’ll take it.”

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