Chapter 36: We Have Long Been Enemies

Clara stepped out of the car and watched Alistair’s vehicle disappear into the night.

Standing beneath her apartment building, she looked up at the pitch-black sky, a faint sense of unease stirring in her chest.

Mia’s actions today felt like a direct threat, but Clara had no intention of backing down. Mia would not let her go easily, but Clara was no longer the pawn she could move at will.

Returning home, Clara washed up quickly, but sleep eluded her. Her mind kept replaying Mia’s threats at the cafe and the intense, worried look in Alistair’s eyes.

She knew she couldn't keep running; she had to face this head-on.

The next morning, Clara headed out as usual to the dance studio for her classes.

Walking down the street, she suddenly felt a presence behind her—someone was following her.

She frowned and quickened her pace, turning into a narrow alley. Sure enough, the footsteps followed.

Clara came to a halt, spun around, and looked coldly at the group of men trailing her. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The men exchanged glances. One of them sneered, "Miss Jian, our boss wants to see you. We’d appreciate it if you cooperated."

A flash of cold light crossed Clara’s eyes. "Who is your boss?"

"You don't need to know that," the man said, taking a step toward her.

Clara let out a short, chilling laugh and instantly dropped into a combat stance. "Then come and try."

The men, clearly not expecting resistance, hesitated for a second before charging.

Clara moved with predatory agility, dodging their initial lunges. She countered with a punch to one man's solar plexus and followed up with a side kick that sent another crashing to the ground.

Seeing this, the remaining two turned pale, shocked by her fighting prowess. They hesitated, then lunged again.

Clara met them without a hint of fear. Her movements were clean, decisive, and aimed at vital points. Within moments, all four men were groaning on the pavement.

Clara stood in the alley, looking down at them. "Go back and tell your boss: don't provoke me again."

The men scrambled to their feet and limped out of the alley, leaning on each other for support. Clara watched them go, but she felt no sense of relief.

Meanwhile, Alistair sat in his office, his face like a thundercloud.

His assistant rushed in and whispered, "Master Vance, we just received word. Mia sent men to follow Miss Jian."

Fury flashed in Alistair’s eyes as he stood up abruptly. "Where is Clara now?"

The assistant shook his head. "She has returned safely to the dance studio. It seems Mia’s men were unsuccessful."

Alistair’s frown deepened. He grabbed his coat and strode out of the office. "Get the car ready. We’re going to the studio."

Back at the dance studio, Clara was trying to settle her nerves when the door was pushed open.

She looked up to see Alistair walking in. His expression was grim, and his eyes were filled with visible concern.

"Master Vance? What are you doing here?" Clara looked at him in surprise.

Alistair walked straight to her, his gaze locked onto her face. "Are you alright?"

Clara froze for a moment, then realized. "You found out?"

Alistair's nod was stiff, his voice thick with suppressed rage. "Mia sent people to track you. Why didn't you tell me?"

Clara lowered her head and said softly, "I didn't want to trouble you."

"Clara!" Alistair’s voice rose sharply. "Do you have any idea how dangerous she is? Facing her alone—what if something had happened?"

Clara’s heart gave a small jolt; she hadn't expected him to be this frantic. She whispered, "Master Vance, I'm fine. I’ve already seen her, and our business is concluded."

A complex emotion flickered in Alistair’s eyes. He remained silent for a long moment before finally whispering, "Clara... can't you just try to rely on me?"

Clara looked up into his eyes, a warm current flowing through her heart. "Master Vance, I..." She hesitated, then added softly, "I will be careful."

A flash of disappointment crossed Alistair’s eyes, but he simply nodded. "Fine. If you need anything, tell me anytime."

When Clara pushed open the door to her home that evening, the house was dark, save for the flickering light of the TV.

Mia was leaning languidly against the sofa in a silk nightgown, a glass of red wine in her hand. She stared at the screen as if everything that had happened that day had nothing to do with her.

Clara stood in the doorway, watching her coldly, the fury in her heart beginning to rise. She shut the door, her footsteps echoing loudly in the silence.

Mia seemed to sense her presence. She tilted her head slightly, glancing at Clara with a faint, mocking smile.

"Back already?" Mia’s voice was airy and casual. "How was your day?"

Clara didn't answer. She walked straight to her, her gaze as sharp as a blade. "Mia, you sent men to follow me today. You were trying to kidnap me, weren't you?"

Mia arched an eyebrow, set down her wine, and leaned back. "Oh? What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Clara let out a cold laugh, crossing her arms as she looked down at her. "Stop acting. They’ve already talked. They said you instructed them."

Mia’s expression shifted slightly, but she quickly regained her poise. She laughed softly, her tone mocking. "Clara, aren't you being a bit sensitive? Why would I do such a thing? Besides, what evidence do you have?"

A cold light flashed in Clara’s eyes. She pulled her phone from her bag and played a recording. The voices of the men came through clearly:

"Mia sent us. She said she wanted to teach you a lesson."

Mia’s face finally darkened. She stared at Clara, a lethal glint in her eyes. "You dared to record them?"

Clara looked at her without a trace of emotion. "Mia, did you think I was still the same girl you could push around? I’m not."

Mia stood up abruptly, her gaze piercing. "Clara, don't think these little tricks can threaten me! I’m telling you, you can't win against me!"

Clara met her gaze unflinchingly, her voice freezing. "Mia, you're wrong. I never intended to threaten you. I’m just telling you that I won't let you hurt me again, and I won't let you destroy my life."

Mia’s face turned deathly pale. She suddenly grabbed the wine glass from the table and hurled it at the floor. Glass shattered everywhere, and red wine splashed across the tiles, the air filling with the heavy scent of alcohol.

"Clara, don't be so smug!" Mia’s voice was shrill and piercing. "You think you’ve won? This is just the beginning! I’ll show you exactly what the price is for offending me!"

Clara looked at her calmly. "Mia, you've run out of chances. The police are already investigating you. Your illegal activities will be exposed soon. You can't run."

Mia’s face went white instantly. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You... what did you do?"

Clara didn't answer. She only looked at her with zero pity. She knew Mia had reached the end of her rope; her arrogance and madness would finally cost her.

Mia’s body began to shake. She suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Clara’s shoulders, her voice tinged with insanity. "Clara, why are you doing this to me? We should have been the best of sisters, shouldn't we?"

Clara pushed her hands away, her voice icy. "Who is your sister? We have long been enemies."