The Almighty Dominance

Chapter 220

Clara's fingers trembled as she realized she couldn't keep up the charade any longer.

She shot a desperate look at Bella Kane, who glowered down at her from the top of the marble staircase like a queen about to sentence a dead prisoner.

"Miss Kane!" Clara pleaded, voice shaking.

"Y-you have to believe me... I swear, it's not what it looks like. This necklace isn't mine. It's Sophia's-my niece -Charles gave it to her, and I just borrowed it for tonight. That's all!"

Bella's gaze narrowed, eyes cold as steel.

"Sophia Lancaster, you said?" she hissed through gritted teeth.

"Is that the woman who waltzed in here with Charles? The one shameless enough to show off in front of me?"

Clara nodded vigorously, sweat staining the collar of her dress. "Yes, that's her. She and Charles... they came together, and I only tagged along."

"I... I confess I was envious of the necklace, so I took it for myself tonight. But this whole mess—it isn't my doing, Miss Kane. Honest to God. Please... just spare me."

Bella's lips curled back in a sneer.

"That conniving bitch," she spat. "I knew she was scheming. She seduced my fiancé, and now she dares show her face at my banquet? She must be begging for a showdown."

Clara shifted on her feet, every muscle in her body clenching.

She hated how the pounding in her skull wouldn't stop, how the sting on her cheek was a constant reminder of Bella's temper.

"Miss Kane," she begged, "Could you could you let me go now?"

Bella's voice dropped lower, each syllable like a blade cutting through the tension.

"That depends. Tell me exactly how I can get back at Sophia. Because if I don't show that sly fox her place, I'm not Bella Kane. And if you don't help me, you'll be the one drowning in regret."

Clara swallowed her fear, her throat raw. She conjured up a plan with trembling audacity.

"I-I have an idea," Clara said, voice shaking. "What if you give me your bracelet?”

Bella's hand shot out, slapping her hard across the face. "You filthy snake. Asking for my bracelet?"

cheek burning, but forced

for me. I'll plant it in Sophia's handbag. Make it look like she's

eyes lit with

and tossed it into Clara's hands. "Fine.

bile in her throat, forcing a simpering smile. "Thank you, Miss Kane.

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Chapter 220

sharp edges.

swanky banquet hall, Sophia Lancaster stood next to Charles, exchanging polite greetings with

crystal chandeliers and murmured conversation

stumbling in, panting and

"Clara, what happened? Your face is

hurrying to

laugh and

I borrow your makeup for a

"Didn't you

anxiously. "Please, just let me use yours. I need to fix

her bag-but Clara snatched

it myself," Clara said with a strained

chose to let

moment later, Clara shoved the bag back at her, mascara in hand. "Thanks, dear," she said sweetly, as if

restrooms, nodding at Bella on the way. The signal

minutes later, Bella Kane made a theatrical entrance from the far side

her court, she raised her hand, and the

Bella said loudly, her lips a perfect scarlet

announcement. This evening was supposed

something

rippled through

dramatic hand to her

one my grandfather gave me. It's priceless

it, I would be immensely grateful if you returned it. I will give

tense murmur spread

see

flashed with feigned sorrow and

just picked it up by mistake," she continued, voice pitched high