Chapter 12
“Are you saying that just because your brother is worried about you, he can accuse me without evidence?” Claire’s expression was as cold as ice, her eyes piercing like frosty stars, and her entire presence sent chills down one’s spine.l
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“No, that’s not it at all.” Startled by Claire’s aggressive demeanor, Vanessa shrank into Adah’s embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Sister, how could you misunderstand me like this?”
Adah, feeling a pang of sympathy for Vanessa, hugged her tightly and sighed, “Claire, you’ve really misunderstood Vanessa. She’s always been sensible, not at all like you claim. It’s Vanessa’s birthday today, just apologize and wish her a happy birthday, and let’s put this behind us.
Claire raised an eyebrow. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Do you truly not know, Mrs. Linwood, whether I misunderstood her or not? Do I need to remind you of five years ago…?”
“Enough” Adah’s face went pale, guilt written all over her features. “Please, don’t say any more.
A derisive laugh escaped Claire’s lips, dripping with sarcasm.
or her.
Her own mother was just like five years ago, unwaveringly choosing Vanessa over
She couldn’t bear for Vanessa to suffer even the smallest grievance, yet she could heartlessly allow her own daughter to endure endless hardship and pain.
Claire felt utterly disenchanted.
Suppressing the pain coursing through her body, she straightened her back and limped towards the door.
But after only a couple of steps, a strong hand gripped her arm firmly. “Explain.””
Claire turned, her gaze meeting Ethan’s with imitation, “Explain what?”
Ethan wanted to lash out, but the hatred in Claire’s eyes made his heart clench. His anger was swallowed, and he spoke as calmly as he could manage. “What’s the deal with Vanessa’s dress?”
The feathers on Vanessa’s designer gown shimmered beautifully under the sun. Yet, a chunk of feathers was conspicuously missing from the hem, clearly torn off by someone.
Claire’s fists clenched, her body trembling with rage.
“So, Mr. Ethan, you think I deliberately damaged your sister’s dress?” she retorted icily
“You were the only one who had access to my car, the only one with the opportunity to touch the dress.”
Vanessa’s tears fell anew, her voice choked with emotion. “Sister why would you do this?”
Adah couldn’t stand to see Vanessa upset, but she couldn’t bring herself to blame Claire either. She sighed again, speaking softly. “Claire,
I know you have grievances in your heart which led you to this, but let’s let it go for today. In the future, you mustn’t…”
“Ha!” The sharp laugh cut through Adah’s words. Claire fixed her eyes on Adah, speaking each word with deliberate emphasis, “Mr. Ethan’s car has a dashcam. We can check the footage to see if I tampered with Miss Vanessa’s dress.”
Then she turned to Ethan, “To prove my innocence, I demand that Mr. Ethan show the footage from his phone in front of everyone.” Her boldness unsettled Vanessa.
“Sister, there’s no need to check the footage, right?”
Adah stepped in to support Vanessa. “All the guests are here, Claire. Let’s not make a scene.”
Nathan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up to mediote, “Let it go, Claire. Go and take care of your injury first.”
Again, the same old story.
Claire’s body shook violently with anger as she wrenched her arm free from Ethan’s grasp. “If we don’t check the footage, am I supposed to carry the blame for ruining Vanessa’s dress forever?”
“I dare to check the footage. Why don’t you? What are you afraid of?“%
