Chapter 4 - The Family That Built Its Life on Her SilenceEvelyn found Clara near the terrace.
Her golden gown no longer looked elegant.
It looked desperate.
"You did this."
Clara turned.
"Did what?"
"You humiliated my son."
"No."
Clara looked toward the ballroom.
"He humiliated himself."
Evelyn stepped closer.
"You were supposed to be his wife."
"I was."
"You should have supported him."
"I did."
"Then why would you destroy his company?"
Clara laughed softly.
"Your son destroyed his company."
"He needs you."
Clara stared at her.
"Did I need you when you called me a servant?"
Evelyn's expression changed.
"That was different."
"Was it?"
"You're family."
"Family doesn't treat people like that."
Evelyn lowered her voice.
"Julian loves you."
Clara shook her head.
"No."
"He does."
"He loved what I provided."
Evelyn said nothing.
Clara continued.
"The house."
"The connections."
"The money."
"The reputation."
"You all loved the version of me that stayed quiet."
Evelyn's eyes narrowed.
"And now?"
Clara looked at her.
"Now you get to meet the version of me who doesn't."
Chloe arrived moments later.
She was still holding her phone.
"Clara, please."
Clara looked at her.
"You recorded me tonight."
Chloe froze.
"Delete it."
"No."
Clara smiled.
"You can keep it."
"Why?"
"Because one day you'll want proof that you witnessed the night your brother lost everything."
Chloe lowered her phone.
"You hate us."
"No."
Clara shook her head.
"I pity you."
That hurt more.
Chloe's eyes filled with tears.
"You really don't care?"
"I cared for eight years."
May you like
Clara turned away.
"That was enough."
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