Filed to story: The Heiress Rises From Ashes Book PDF Free
Julia’s gaze lingered on the artworks with a mixture of curiosity and mild confusion. To her, they were pleasant enough-soft with layered colors and balanced compositions-but she couldn’t quite grasp their deeper appeal. Why had Brenna chosen these particular pieces?
As they entered the elevator, Julia turned to Brenna, her tone polite but tinged with curiosity. “Miss Harper, where would you like these paintings hung?”
Brenna glanced at the paintings thoughtfully before answering, her tone calm and certain. “Place the rose painting above the living room sofa. The one with the hen should be placed above my desk.”
As Brenna and Dalton exited the elevator on the third floor, they immediately found themselves confronted by Ernst, standing at the end of the hallway. His stance was rigid, arms crossed, his gaze hardened as it focused directly on them. He wore a dark expression.
“Brenna,” Ernst began, his voice firm but controlled, “I understand you have just returned and need care, attention, and affirmation. But you can’t achieve that at the expense of others.”
Brenna immediately detected the sharpness in his tone. It didn’t seem like he was making things difficult for her, but it was clear he was lashing out for Rosie’s sake.
His hands were tucked into his pockets, his broad shoulders tense, and his dark brows furrowed deeply. His usually composed face was now etched with solemnity. He was clearly serious about what he was saying.
Dalton, too, sensed the underlying tension and stepped forward, his voice tinged with irritation. “What are you getting at, Ernst? What exactly did Brenna do wrong? Speak plainly.”
The weight of Dalton’s words hung heavy in the room, thickening the already tense atmosphere. Sensing an impending argument, the servants silently slipped past them with the paintings, moving discreetly into Brenna’s room, avoiding getting caught in the brewing conflict.
Just then, Rosie’s door creaked open, and she emerged, her right wrist wrapped in thick bandages. She approached Ernst timidly, her steps hesitant, and positioned herself beside him, instinctively hiding behind him as though seeking protection. Her wide eyes darted toward Brenna; she looked afraid.
“Ernst, please, don’t be angry,” Rosie said, her voice soft and almost apologetic. Her eyes flickered to Brenna, but she quickly turned away. “Looking back, I’m sure Brenna didn’t mean to hurt me. We should just forget about the matter. It’s really not a big deal if I’m a little upset. Brenna has just come back and has had such a hard time before-maybe we should be more patient with her. We should accommodate her and compensate her more.”
Rosie extended her bandaged wrist toward Ernst, the gesture calculated as though showcasing her vulnerability to elicit sympathy. “I’m fine, truly. I understand Brenna’s need for attention,” she continued, her voice sweet but edged with something else. “I realize I might have overlooked her feelings before, and I’m willing to let this matter slide…”
Brenna watched Rosie, almost impressed by her calculated performance.
Ernst’s gaze flicked to Rosie’s bandaged wrist, his expression hardening as he turned to Brenna. His voice was cold, deliberate, and carried a subtle weight of accusation.
“Injuring Rosie like this, even the doctors couldn’t detect her injury. I am truly impressed by your skills, Brenna. But let’s be clear about something. You have indeed just returned and have suffered a lot outside the family. But we owe you nothing. Don’t take your frustrations out on Rosie. You shouldn’t have used the Harper family’s wealth for your gain, and don’t think you can steal other people’s designs and get away with it. If this ever comes to light, you might be willing to let your reputation be ruined, but I can assure you, we won’t let you drag us down with you.”
Brenna’s lips curled into a cold smile, her tone dripping with disdain. “Who exactly told you all that nonsense? Just because someone spouts accusations doesn’t mean you have to believe them. Have you completely lost your ability to think and judge things for yourself?”
Dalton stepped forward, his voice firm and unwavering as he defended Brenna. “Ernst, Brenna’s achievements speak for themselves. She has-“
“More awards than I can count-are you suggesting they’re just for show? The designs in question? They’re hers, all hers. Don’t listen to Rosie’s lies. She’s the one who snuck into Brenna’s room, cracked her password, and stole her work. Brenna caught her in the act, and I witnessed it. Don’t let Rosie manipulate the truth.”
Rosie, clearly rattled, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and defensiveness, shot back, “Dalton, what are you even saying? How could I have stolen Brenna’s designs? I was simply worried that she might stray from the right path, so I checked on her work to ensure our family was not going to be embarrassed by her. After all, our family is one of the most prestigious families in Shirie. We can’t afford to have someone shameless among us.”
Brenna shook her head, a faint, incredulous smile tugging at her lips as she marveled at Rosie’s audacity.
“Really?” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. “You’re so concerned about me. Tell me, did you find anything worth your efforts?”
Rosie, undeterred, stood her ground, her confidence unshaken. She was banking on Ernst to inspect Brenna’s designs personally.
While she herself knew nothing about car design, Ernst was an expert. As the head of Harper Group’s automotive division, he had reviewed countless renowned designs and would undoubtedly recognize if Brenna had plagiarized.
“Ernst, the design drafts are all stored on Brenna’s computer,” Rosie said, her voice calm but urgent. “Once you look at them, everything will be clear. We can’t let her present these to the judges of the competition. And we can’t allow her selfishness to bring shame to our Harper family’s name.”
Brenna calmly observed Rosie’s dramatic shift in behavior. Rosie had abandoned her usual fiery tantrums for a more subdued, victim-like performance today.
Rosie’s intent was clear: she aimed to elicit Ernst’s sympathy.
After her act, Rosie, hiding her true satisfaction, awaited Brenna’s anticipated defensive outburst with a sorrowful gaze. After a brief pause, Brenna asked, “Are you done talking?”
Rosie was caught off guard. Instead of the expected frantic defense, Brenna remained composed, which wasn’t what she had anticipated.
Brenna said, “Unless you can substantiate your claims of plagiarism or copying, I’ll be leaving now. I need to hang a couple of oil paintings I recently acquired in my room.”
Rosie was visibly flustered. Brenna demanding evidence was not part of her plan; Brenna was supposed to be vehemently proving she was the person who had created those designs.
How had the matter come to this?
Weakly, Rosie turned to Ernst, saying, “Look at her, Ernst. She’s so arrogant, asking me for proof. Isn’t it evident? She’s so young-how could she possibly have such advanced design skills? I don’t need evidence to prove this.”
Ernst felt overwhelmed by Rosie’s habitual troublemaking, his head aching. However, his criticism was directed not at Rosie but at Brenna’s arrogance. He said, “Brenna, why so confrontational? Just provide the evidence if Rosie requests it. That would prove your talent and put this matter to rest, wouldn’t it?”
Dalton’s temper flared as he raised his voice. “Ernst, this isn’t just! Brenna shouldn’t have to prove that. I think you are deliberately making things difficult for her. The burden of proof should fall on the accuser. Otherwise, she will have to spend her time proving herself whenever someone questions her.”
He turned his sharp gaze toward Rosie. “You’re leveling baseless accusations. If you have any proof, present it. Otherwise, cease your malicious attacks. If this continues, I’ll let Brenna sue you!”
Brenna was touched by Dalton’s fervent defense. At least there were still quite a few people in this family who had her back.
She observed Rosie, who appeared utterly disconcerted, struggling to articulate a response. Rosie repeatedly opened and closed her mouth, yet words failed her.
Dalton took Brenna by the wrist and confidently led her away, murmuring reassuringly, “Let’s see if they dare to smear your name now. Do they think they can just trample over my sister without repercussions? I will always stand up for you!”
Knowing Rosie could overhear, Brenna deliberately said, “From now on, Dalton, if I am facing any trouble, I will turn to you for your help.”
Rosie, not ready to concede, complained to Ernst, saying, “Ernst, aren’t you going to step in? Why does Dalton trust her so much? Did I do anything wrong? How could someone so young like her possess such refined design skills? That is simply impossible!”
Irritation crept into Ernst’s demeanor. Dalton, who had always deferred to him, now seemed estranged because of Brenna.
Ernst then gave Rosie a disapproving glance, recognizing now that she was causing trouble on purpose. He couldn’t fathom her persistent hostility toward Brenna.
He said to Rosie in a low voice, “There’s truth in their words. If you suspect something, gather evidence instead of making baseless claims.”
Rosie waved her arm in objection. “And what about the bruise on my wrist? Is Brenna simply free to bully me without consequence?”