I Thought He’d Marry Me, I Wed His Rival

Chapter 5

That evening, the West family banquet was as lavish as ever.

Elegant gowns. Tailored suits. Crystal glasses clinking beneath dazzling chandeliers.

Dressed in a simple black evening gown, Mira stood quietly in a corner at the top of the second-floor staircase, looking down at the lively crowd below.

"Mira, why are you up here all alone?" a sweet voice sounded from behind her. The forced intimacy in the tone immediately made her uncomfortable.

Mira didn't even need to turn around. She already knew who it was.

Clara truly was impossible to shake off.

Clara stepped beside her and smiled warmly. "You don't look very well. Is it too noisy here? Or are you... not feeling well?"

Mira had no interest in responding.

But Clara followed her like a ghost. She casually began talking about how close she and Julian had become.

Finally, Clara lowered her voice. "Mira. Can you guess who arranged for those photos?"

Mira turned sharply. The smug satisfaction on Clara's face instantly ignited her anger.

At that moment, Clara's gaze flickered toward the far end of the corridor.

Julian was approaching slowly.

Clara immediately stepped backward until she stood at the edge of the staircase.

Lowering her voice even further, she said, "If I fall down these stairs and claim you pushed me... who do you think Julian will believe?"

For some reason, Mira suddenly found the situation absurd.

A faint laugh escaped her lips. "So you're willing to hurt yourself just to compete for a man's affection? That's pathetic."

For the first time, a chilling coldness appeared in her eyes.

Then she looked directly at Clara and said, "But since you're so determined to frame me... why don't I help you?"