Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 5

Adrian looked at Mara, his voice cold. “She hurt you like this, and you still want to plead for her?”

Mara bit her lip and gave a shy smile. “She’s just acting like a child. She was afraid I would steal our parents' and brothers' affection, so she acted out. Actually... I can understand her, because I wouldn't want to share such wonderful parents and brothers with anyone either.”

Ethan was moved by her words. He turned to look at her, his heart softening incredibly.

Mara seemed a little embarrassed. She paused for a moment before continuing, “Now that I’m back, we’re family. As the older sister, I should be magnanimous and forgive her. Mom, Dad, please don't blame her either, okay?”

Her last sentence was so soft and delicate it was almost inaudible.

Mrs. Mercer looked at her daughter, her eyes overflowing with affection.

“If only Mira were half as sensible as you.”

“It's alright, I’ll teach her well from now on.”

Lacey looked at her husband again.

“Since Mara has spoken up, let’s forgive Mira.”

She sighed. “We really have spoiled her too much. We need to be stricter with her from now on.”

Adrian considered for a moment. “Since Mara has asked... Ethan, go bring her out.”

Ethan’s face lit up. “Thank you, Father!”

“Don’t get too happy yet. You tell Mira that even though Mara pleaded for her, wrong is wrong. You must supervise her...”

“Dad, please don’t punish her anymore. Just have her apologize to me in front of everyone later. That will be enough,” Mara interrupted before Mr. Mercer could finish.

Lacey frowned. A public apology?

That would deeply wound Mira’s pride and, if word got out, would be terrible for her reputation, making it difficult to recover.

But then again, she thought, if she dared to push Mara down the stairs, maybe a lesson like this was what she needed.

“Rest assured, Father. I will have Mira apologize to Mara later.”

Even if his father hadn't mentioned it, he would have done so anyway.

She owed Mara this. It was a debt to be paid.

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