Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 444:

Upstairs, Richard happened to be watching the scene unfold through a window.

His face shifted, emotions flickering across it. It was clear that Maia had changed. She was no longer the same person. Now, people were falling over themselves to get a moment with her—offering deals and practically pleading for a chance to work with her. That only…

It confirmed what Rosanna had told him—Rosanna had truly been thoughtful. And really, Maia had leaned on the Morgan family for more than ten years. Wasn’t it only fair that she give something back?

As Maia stepped through the company doors, Pattie quickly walked over. “There you are at last! He’s waiting in the small conference room. Just get it over with.”

Maia gave a small nod. “Alright. But what’s with the crowd outside?” she asked, her brows drawing together.

The entrance had been so swamped that she had almost had to elbow her way in.

Pattie glanced out at the throng gathered near the entrance and remarked, “Isn’t it obvious? They’re all itching to partner with us. I’ve barely gotten a couple of hours of sleep lately—can you believe that? You’ve really stirred things up this time. The whole fashion scene in Varninski is buzzing because of you. And it’s not just the locals—people from out of town are flocking here too, just to get in on the action. Honestly, I’m tempted to start selling snacks outside.”

Maia let out a quiet sigh. Pattie never missed a chance to make a quick buck.

She chuckled softly, then turned toward the small conference room.

Inside, sunlight spilled through the towering windows, filling the space with a warm golden glow.

Richard lounged in a chair, one leg slung over the other, looking as if he owned the place.

When Maia entered, he made no effort to rise. Instead, he tapped the tabletop near him, signaling for her to take a seat beside him. Maia stayed rooted to the spot, keeping her distance. “What do you want? I cut ties with the Morgan family a long time ago.”

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She got straight to the point, making it clear where she stood to avoid any unreasonable demands.

A faint flicker passed over Richard’s face—almost too quick to notice. Maia acted as though he were just a random man off the street! She didn’t even call him “Dad” and immediately distanced herself from the family.

What an ungrateful little thing she’d turned out to be! All the Morgan family’s generosity seemed to have slipped her mind.

Still, scolding her wasn’t the reason he’d come today.

Pushing down his irritation, Richard said, “Maia, your birthday’s coming up. Rosanna’s is on the same day, so we’re planning a joint celebration for both of you. We’d really like you to come.”

He kept his voice soft, as though none of their bitter history had ever occurred. “I understand that you’re hurt, and things between you and Rosanna haven’t been smooth. But don’t forget—you spent more than ten years with us. I treated you as if you were my real daughter. Maybe this party could help clear the air. In the end, we’re still family.”

Maia stood still, caught off guard. Richard’s words were the last thing she thought she’d hear.noveldrama

After all these years, the Morgans had never bothered to celebrate her birthday—not once. There were years when Richard and Sandra didn’t even remember it at all—not even a quick “Happy Birthday.”

For more than ten years, it was only Vicki who had made her feel special. She was the only person in that household who had ever shown any real affection.

Maia furrowed her brow. Strange gestures often came with strings attached. She needed to stay sharp.

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