Chapter 5
Adrian looked at Mara, his voice cold. “She hurt you like this, and you still want to plead for her p>
Mara bit her lip and gave a shy smile. “She’s just acting like a child. She was afraid I would steal our parents’ and brothers’ affection, so she acted out. Actually… I can understand her, because I wouldn’t want to share such wonderful parents and brothers with anyone either p>
Ethan was moved by her words. He turned to look at her, his heart softening incredibly.
Mara seemed a little embarrassed. She paused for a moment before continuing, “Now that I’m back, we’re family. As the older sister, I should be magnanimous and forgive her. Mom, Dad, please don’t blame her either, okay p>
Her last sentence was so soft and delicate it was almost inaudible.
Mrs. Mercer looked at her daughter, her eyes overflowing with affection.
“If only Mira were half as sensible as you p>
“It’s alright, I’ll teach her well from now on p>
Lacey looked at her husband again.
“Since Mara has spoken up, let’s forgive Mira p>
She sighed. “We really have spoiled her too much. We need to be stricter with her from now on p>
Adrian considered for a moment. “Since Mara has asked… Ethan, go bring her out.” Ethan’s face lit up. “Thank you, Father p>
“Don’t get too happy yet. You tell Mira that even though Mara pleaded for her, wrong is wrong. You must supervise her p>
“Dad, please don’t punish her anymore. Just have her apologize to me in front of everyone later. That will be enough,” Mara interrupted before Mr. Mercer could finish.
Lacey frowned. A public apology?
That would deeply wound Mira’s pride and, if word got out, would be terrible for her reputation, making it difficult to recover.
But then again, she thought, if she dared to push Mara down the stairs, maybe a lesson like this was what she needed.
“Rest assured, Father. I will have Mira apologize to Mara later p>
Even if his father hadn’t mentioned it, he would have done so anyway.
She owed Mara this. It was a debt to be paid.
Ethan turned to leave but was stopped by Mara.
“Ethan, please don’t lecture her anymore p>
Ethan raised his hand and gently ruffled Mara’s hair.
“You’ll be busy with the party today. Go get some rest p>
Mara’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I will,” she replied meekly.
Back in the room, Lacey handed a plate of snacks to her daughter, her face full of
concern.
“Eat something to tide you over. You might not get a chance later p>
“Okay, I’ll listen to you, Mom p>
Mara replied with a smile. She absolutely loved this feeling of being the center of everyone’s attention.
The moment she turned her back to the Mercers, her face instantly grew cold.
Mira has enjoyed seventeen years of
being a
about mess, she thought. I
about time she get a taste of
What
Itsuke to be rat.
I will be the queen standing on the clouds, and I won’t allow anyone to share my spotlight.
Meanwhile, Mira’s mind was racing in the dim basement.
In her past life, her journey had been difficult, both
incredib
professionally and personalne?
leading to her tragic death..net>
The turning point was this very incident, this false accusation.
She had to turn the tables tonight, and the first step was to get her hands on solid evidence.
When Ethan went to check the surveillance footage that day, it had clearly been tampered with.
That meant the butler in charge of the security system had been bought by Mara.
And that butler’s phone must have
an
stant cloud backup of the video.
Knowing his cautious nature, he I have deleted it,
definitely wouldn’t
just in case.
After a moment of thought, Mira already had a plan to get the evidence.
As she plotted, a sliver of light cut through the darkness.