Chapter 22: I Am the True Eldest Miss of the Jian Family!

Mia happened to walk over just in time to hear Silas Knight’s remark. Her face turned deathly pale instantly, and she turned to leave at once.

Her footsteps were hurried and frantic, as if something terrifying were pursuing her.

Her fingers gripped her skirt tightly, her knuckles turning white, while her heart hammered against her ribs like a drum.

Silas's words were like a sharp blade thrust directly into her heart, leaving her struggling to catch her breath.

But how could Clara let her get away so easily?

A small smile played on the corner of Clara's lips as she called out softly, "Sister?"

Her voice was gentle, filled with a touch of innocence and concern, as if she were truly worried about Mia’s state of mind.

Mia’s footsteps faltered, her body stiffening for a heartbeat.

She knew that if she left now, Clara would definitely use it against her, making everyone think she was immature and lacked a sense of propriety.

Taking a deep breath, she fought to suppress the fury and humiliation rising within her. She turned around slowly, forcing a strained smile onto her face. "What is it, Clara?"

Clara smiled sweetly, though a faint, undetectable coldness lingered in her eyes.

She gently took Mia’s arm, speaking affectionately. "Sister, why are you leaving so suddenly? Do you feel unwell? Should I go with you to rest for a bit?"

Mia was unsettled by the sudden intimacy and instinctively tried to pull away. But Clara’s hand was like an iron clamp, locking onto her wrist so firmly that she couldn't move.

She could only offer a forced smile and whisper, "I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Julian stood to the side, watching the scene with cold eyes.

Though he didn't harbor much affection for Mia anymore, they had grown up together, and he knew her character inside out.

He knew exactly how deep Mia’s jealousy ran.

Watching her struggle to maintain that fake smile, Julian felt a surge of irritation.

He frowned and spoke in a distant tone: "Mia, if you're tired, go rest. Don't force yourself to stay here."

Mia’s face grew even paler, her eyes flashing with a mix of grievance and rage.

She bit her lip and whispered, "I understand, Julian."

Seeing this, a flash of triumph crossed Clara’s eyes. She released Mia’s hand and turned to Julian. "Julian, I'm a bit tired too. I’d like to go home and rest."

Julian's expression softened significantly as he nodded. "Alright. Get some good rest today. Tomorrow, you are the star of the banquet."

Clara’s smile grew even more radiant, her eyes full of satisfaction.

She leaned against Julian’s arm, acting like a spoiled younger sister. "Julian is the best!"

Mia stood there, watching their intimacy. The jealousy in her heart felt like a venomous serpent gnawing at her soul.

She clenched her teeth so hard her jaw ached, her nails digging deep into her palms until she nearly drew blood.

She hated Clara—hated her hypocrisy, her smugness, and most of all, the way she had so effortlessly stolen everything that was supposed to belong to her.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Clara stepped lightly downstairs to the living room for a glass of water.

Just as she picked up her glass and turned around, she was met with Mia’s shadowed, grim face.

Mia stood in the darkness, her gaze cold and sharp enough to tear Clara apart.

Clara was briefly startled, but she quickly smoothed her expression into an innocent smile. "Sister, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Mia let out a cold, hollow laugh, her voice low and freezing. "Clara, what exactly is your game? I don't need your help, and I don't need you playing the saint. Don't think for a second that just because you hid the fact that I hurt you today, we can actually be sisters. In this house, it's either you or me!"

The smile gradually faded from Clara’s face, replaced by a chilling calm.

She set her glass down gently and looked Mia straight in the eye, her voice steady but laced with mockery. "Sister, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

Fury flashed in Mia’s eyes. She took a step forward, staring intensely into Clara’s eyes. "Stop acting! You think I don't know what you're up to? You're intentionally playing the good person in front of everyone just to make me look bad!"

"You don't actually care about me. You just want to make it impossible for me to stay in this family!"

Clara let out a soft sigh, her tone tinged with a hint of helplessness. "Sister, you’ve truly misunderstood. I never wanted to make you look bad. I only hoped we could get along. After all, we're family, aren't we?"

"Family?" Mia sneered, her eyes full of derision. "Stop being so sanctimonious! You weren't even raised in this house. What right do you have to tell me what to do? I am the true Eldest Miss of the Jian family. You are nothing but an outsider!"

Clara’s expression shifted slightly, but she regained her composure instantly.

She let out a soft, cold laugh. "Sister, you're right. I wasn't raised in this house. But I am the biological daughter of the Jian family, and that is enough."

"As for you... if you truly believe you are the 'Eldest Miss' of this family, then please show some actual grace and dignity. Stop acting like a resentful woman who can do nothing but feel jealous and complain."

Mia turned deathly pale at Clara’s words. She suddenly raised her hand, intending to deliver a slap.

However, her hand was caught mid-air by Clara.

Clara’s grip wasn't overly forceful, but it held Mia’s wrist in a vice-like lock, making it impossible for her to move.

"Sister, violence is never a wise choice."

Clara’s voice remained calm, but her eyes flashed with a lethal sharpness. "If you truly want to stay in this house, you’d better learn to control your emotions. Otherwise, the only one who will suffer is yourself."

Mia trembled with rage. She yanked her hand back from Clara’s grip and spat through gritted teeth, "Clara, don't get too smug! One day, I’ll make you regret everything you've done!"

Clara offered a slight, indifferent smile. "I'll be waiting."

Mia shot Clara one last venomous look before storming out of the living room.

Her retreating back looked exceptionally lonely and full of fury, like a cornered beast ready to strike at any moment.

Watching her go, a flash of satisfaction crossed Clara’s eyes. Mia wouldn't give up easily, and their struggle had only just begun.

But Clara wasn't afraid. She had come prepared long ago.

In this house, she would let no one take away what belonged to her.

The next day, the Jian family banquet was held as scheduled.

When Clara descended the grand staircase in a magnificent gown, she naturally became the center of everyone’s attention.

Mia stood in the corner, watching Clara with eyes full of jealousy and resentment. She gripped her champagne glass so hard it nearly shattered.

Midway through the banquet, Mia suddenly stepped forward, smiling at Clara. "Clara, today is your welcoming party. As your sister, let me toast you."

Clara arched an eyebrow and took the offered glass with a smile. "Thank you, Sister."

A dark, cold light flickered in Mia’s eyes as she lightly clinked her glass against Clara’s and drained it in one gulp.

Seeing this, Clara also raised her glass. Just as she was about to take a sip, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her.

Her body swayed, and the glass fell from her hand, shattering against the floor into a thousand pieces.

"Clara!" Seeing this, Julian immediately rushed forward to support her, his eyes full of alarm. "What’s wrong?"

Clara’s face was pale, fine beads of sweat breaking out on her forehead.

She offered a weak, strained smile. "Julian, I... I don't feel very well..."