Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 44

They had been waiting for the results to be announced, but Mira’s performance had completely unnerved them.

Seeing the audience applaud for Mira, Mara couldn’t hide the jealousy in her eyes.

“Mom, why is my sister here? Didn’t you and Dad forbid her from competing?”

“Hurry up and get her off the stage. If she competes, my plan to restore my reputation will be ruined.”

“We’ll talk about it when we get home,” Lacey said.

The crowd was cheering so loudly for Mira. If she stormed the stage to stop her now, what would happen to the Mercer family’s reputation?

Mira’s final score placed her fifth overall.

She felt a sense of relief. The exact ranking didn’t matter, as long as she was in the top twenty.

Being too high-profile would only attract unwanted attention and cause unnecessary trouble early on.

With the auditions over, all three girls were thrilled. Celine and Liora didn’t care about their own results; they had just come along for the ride.

Right now, they were both happy for Mira.

“Come on, I’ll treat you guys to barbecue,” Mira said, feeling generous and proud.

“Yes! I’ve been so bored lately, with my mom forcing me to take all those art classes,” Liora immediately replied.

Celine, however, asked, “Mira, are you tight on cash? Your family cut you off a while ago.”

Hearing this, Liora realized she had spoken too quickly, completely forgetting about Mira’s situation.

“Exactly, Mira. If you’re short on money, just tell us. We’ll help you. Don’t try to handle it all yourself.”

“Don’t worry. Who do you think I am? I know how to make money.”

Celine and Liora assumed she was earning money by tutoring elementary school students.

“You could come work at my family’s company,” Celine offered.

“Thanks. I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

“I’ll ask one more time: are you two sure you don’t want to start a business with me?”

Liora leaned close to Mira’s ear. “Get in the car, quick. Don’t let them catch you.”

Those two clearly didn't have good intentions.

Celine also looked worried for her friend.

“It’s fine. They can’t do anything to me.”

The current Mira had everything prepared. She was just waiting for the right moment to sever ties with them for good.

“Mira, our car is right over there. Let’s go home together,” Lacey said.

“Hello, Mrs. Mercer,” Celine and Liora said politely.

Even though they were annoyed, they still showed Lacey respect for Mira’s sake.

“Hello, girls. Thank you for bringing Mira here. She’ll be coming home with us now.”

“No, thanks. We have plans. We’re not going home yet,” Mira said.