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

lit with

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

simpering smile. "Thank you, Miss Kane.

1/3

Chapter 220

sharp edges. "See that

Sophia Lancaster stood next to Charles, exchanging polite greetings with the upper-crust

hush of crystal chandeliers and

panting and with

the sight. "Clara, what happened?

answered awkwardly, hurrying to change the subject.

shaky laugh and eyed

I borrow your makeup for a

an eyebrow. "Didn't you

darted anxiously. "Please, just let me use yours. I

a sigh, Sophia reached into her bag-but Clara

it myself," Clara said with a

chose to let it

bag back at her, mascara in hand. "Thanks, dear," she said sweetly,

practically sprinted off to the restrooms, nodding at Bella on the way. The signal was

a theatrical entrance from

raised her hand, and

gentlemen," Bella said loudly, her lips a perfect

important announcement. This evening was

something dreadful has

rippled through the

a dramatic hand to her

bracelet-the one my grandfather gave me. It's priceless in sentiment and worth a fortune besides. I'm

grateful if you returned it. I will

murmur spread across the banquet

shuffled, glancing around to see

flashed with feigned sorrow and

by mistake," she continued, voice