Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 48

"Mira, who are you talking to like that?" Ethan roared, unable to restrain himself.

"You know who. So, what's the punishment for the instigator this time?"

Adrian and Lacey were still dumbfounded, having apparently believed Mara's story completely.

Mira went upstairs without a backward glance.

"Mara, you didn't leave the ring there. Why did you frame Mira?" Ethan finally turned to question Mara.

Mara didn't answer, she just cried as if she had been grievously wronged.

Lacey's heart went out to her. "That's enough! Can't you see your sister is upset? So what if she was mistaken? What's the big deal?"

Ethan stared at Lacey in disbelief. "So Mira deserves to be framed and falsely accused? Have you ever considered that your coddling is the reason Mara is so reckless?"

For the first time, Ethan felt that his entire family, including himself, might have been wrong all along.

Mara cried even harder. "Please... don't... fight. It's... all... my... fault."

"If it's not your vicious heart, is it supposed to be my fault?" Mira snapped back, unable to help herself.

"If you provoke your sister again, you can get out," Lacey glared at Ethan, fiercely protective of Mara.

Ethan fell silent. Mira couldn't be bothered with them either.

Adrian, for his part, felt this was just a childish tantrum and ultimately harmless, so he let Lacey defend Mara.

But it had nothing to do with her. Eating was the priority. Between Taekwondo and her art studies, she couldn't afford to go hungry.

"Dinner!" Adrian yelled toward the kitchen. He shot another glare at the three who were digging in. This was mutiny. They had all turned against him. He stood up and walked to the dining table.

"Honey, I know you didn't mean to frame your sister. Stop crying for now. Go wash your face and let's eat," Lacey said, gently comforting Mara before joining the others for dinner.

The storm had finally passed.

After finishing her meal, Mira stood up to leave.

"Mira, if you're willing to give your spot to Mara, I'll provide you with better resources," Damon said, still not giving up on getting the spot from her.