Chapter 44
They had been waiting for the results to be announced, but Mira’s performance had completely unnerved them.
Seeing the audience applaud for Mira, Mara couldn’t hide the jealousy in her eyes.
“Mom, why is my sister here? Didn’t you and Dad forbid her from competing p>
“Hurry up and get her off the stage. If she competes, my plan to restore my reputation will be ruined p>
“We’ll talk about it when we get home,” Lacey said.
The crowd was cheering so loudly for Mira. If she stormed the stage to stop her now, what would happen to the Mercer family’s reputation?
Mira’s final score placed her fifth overall.
She felt a sense of relief. The exact ranking didn’t matter, as long as she was in the top twenty.
Being too high-profile would only attract unwanted attention and cause unnecessary trouble early on.
With the auditions over, all three girls were thrilled. Celine and Liora didn’t care about their own results; they had just come along for the ride.
Right now, they were both happy for Mira.
“Come on, I’ll treat you guys to barbecue,” Mira said, feeling generous and proud.
“Yes! I’ve been so bored lately, with my mom forcing me to take all those art classes,” Liora immediately replied.
Celine, however, asked, “Mira, are you tight on cash? Your family cut you off a while ago p>
Hearing this, Liora realized she had spoken too quickly, completely forgetting about Mira’s situation.
“Exactly, Mira. If you’re short on money, just tell us. We’ll help you. Don’t try to handle it all yourself p>
“Don’t worry. Who do you think I am? I know how to make money p>
Celine and Liora assumed she was earning money by tutoring elementary school students.
“You could come work at my family’s company,” Celine offered.
“Thanks. I’ll let you know if I need anything p>
“I’ll ask one more time: are you two sure you don’t want to start a business with me p>
“My parents want me to focus all my energy on my studies and preparing for college entrance exams,” Celine explained. They won’t let me get involved in business or management until I’m in college p>
Liora’s path was largely set as well; she would probably follow her family into public service and become a government official.
“Well, as long as you both have your plans set p>
Both of their families were well-off and they didn’t need money. It was normal for their parents to wors
about them getting distracted from their studies.
Mira had wanted to bring her friends along on her venture, but she had to let the idea go.
To each their own. If her own family were supportive, with caring parents and loving brothers, she wouldn’t be trying to carve her own path either.
Oh well. Life was long. If they ever needed her help in the future, she would be there.
Just as the three of them were about to get into the car, a voice called out. “Mira, wait a minute p>
Out of the corner of her eye, Mira saw Lacey and Mara hurrying toward them. Lacey, who usually maintained the image of an elegant socialite, looked unusually flustered, as if she were afraid Mira would run away.
Liora leaned close to Mira’s ear. “Get in the car, quick. Don’t let them catch you p>
Those two clearly didn’t have good intentions.
Celine also looked worried for her friend.
“It’s fine. They can’t do anything to me p>
The current Mira had everything prepared. She was just waiting for the right moment
to sever ties with them for good.
“Mira, our car is right over there. Let’s go home together,” Lacey said.
“Hello, Mrs. Mercer,” Celine and Liora said politely.
Even though they were annoyed, they still showed Lacey respect for Mira’s sake.
“Hello, girls. Thank you for bringing Mira here. She’ll be coming home with us now.” “No, thanks. We have plans. We’re not going home yet,” Mira said.