Chapter 7 Troublesome Family
806 Words
A woman's mocking voice came from behind the staircase in the living room. She had long chestnut hair and wore a white lace dress, looking sweet and innocent.
She was Claire's younger sister, Mia Martinez.
Andrew's gruff voice followed, "Don't talk nonsense! If others hear such things, it will tarnish our family's reputation!"
A hint of disdain flickered in Mia's eyes, but she hid it well.
Andrew turned to her. "Mia, be honest, do you know where Claire is?!"
Mia immediately put on a pitiful expression. "I don't know. I'm just worried about her. After all, I keep hearing she's been out with different men."
Humph, of course, Claire was not coming back, and she hoped that she would never come back again!
As Mia was gloating, the door suddenly opened. Claire stood there, frowning. "What men have I been with? You'd better explain."
"Claire?!" Mia looked at Claire in disbelief.
Andrew's tone carried anxiety and rage. "Where were you last night?! You didn't answer your phone!"
"There was an accident on my way home. I got into a car crash, but thankfully, I wasn't hurt. I waited at the hospital until morning, and my phone was dead."
Claire lied, but it wasn't the first time she'd lied to Andrew.
She didn't have a close relationship with her father, in fact, they were quite distant.
Hearing that Claire wasn't out messing around, Andrew relaxed a bit. "It's good you're safe. No matter what happens, you should call home and let us know!"
"Got it. It won't happen again."
"You're not hurt, are you?" Andrew asked, his eyes scanning Claire for injuries. "I'll ask the doctor to check you out later."
"Thank you, Father." Claire nodded and smiled slightly.
"As long as you didn't tarnish our reputation! You should learn from your sister; at least she's well-behaved." Andrew emphasized.
Claire's eyes dimmed. She should have known. Her father cared only about the family's reputation and favored her sister.
"I understand, Father."
Meanwhile, Mia sized Claire up.
What was going on? Didn't Harper Lianes say it would take at least a week before she was released?!!
According to the plan, Claire should be in the clutches of those filthy vagrants right now, not standing here!
Mia was screaming internally but masked it with a worried facade, gently taking Claire's hand. "Sis! You're finally back. I was so worried about you!"
Claire coldly regarded her deceitful sister, whose acting skills could win her an Oscar. She pulled her hand away. "You were saying I was with other men."
Mia's face filled with panic. "No, I only heard others say that. Don't blame me. I'm really worried about you." Her eyes welled up with tears, looking like she was about to cry.
"Claire, she's your sister! You should be kinder to her!" Andrew reprimanded.
Claire opened her mouth but didn't defend herself. No matter what, her father would always side with Mia.
It had always been this way.
Her mother had died of a severe illness when she was very young, and her father remarried, giving her a stepsister.
Claire had initially thought she had gained a new family, but unfortunately...
Mia wasn't kind at all. She loved to oppose Claire, take her things, and then run to their father with a pitiful act.
Claire used to tolerate it.
But tolerance only made Mia's behavior worse!
So now, she wouldn't tolerate her anymore!
"But... Did you really end up in the hospital last night? I heard you went to a bar with several men and then to the hotel!"
Claire didn't defend herself but instead smiled mockingly, "Oh? Heard it from others? No proof? Such rumors might tarnish our family's reputation. Or are you just a fool who believes whatever you hear?"
Mia immediately denied, "No... I was just too worried about you."
"Worried? You'd love to see me in trouble, wouldn't you?" Claire sneered.
"Enough." Andrew interrupted their argument. "This sort of thing shouldn't happen again. You should know your value."
He looked at Claire as he finished.
"Yes, Father..." she replied reluctantly.
Her value was probably just as a pawn in a family marriage to benefit the business.
"And Mia, don't speak like that again. Don't mention this incident anymore." Andrew's tone softened. After that, he returned to his study.
Once he was gone, Mia's usual mean look returned. She sneered at Claire, "Claire, you're lying. I'll find out the truth about where you were!"
"Is that so? You seem to know a lot. I'm even wondering if last night's events were your doing," Claire replied nonchalantly.
A flash of panic crossed Mia's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. "Nonsense!"
Back in her room, Mia leaned against the window and made a call, lowering her voice. "Are you sure Claire was taken away by the men you hired?"
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