She even gave detailed instructions on everything from the competition costumes and props to what to pay attention to upon entering the venue. Her level of dedication went far beyond that of a typical teacher.
It made Mira feel as if Lania was entrusting her own unfulfilled dreams to her.
With the finals just around the corner, Mira worked with her teacher, Ms. Brooks, to organize her costumes and props. They packed everything into cases and stored them at the arts school.
Ms. Brooks gave Mira the day off. With no classes, she could prepare and relax. Celine had invited Mira and Liora to go to an equestrian center.
As she was leaving that morning, Lacey somehow found out.
"Take our family car. Bring your sister along so she can get out and see the world a bit."
"No."
With that, Mira walked out.
"Mira, no one will like you with that attitude," Lacey said, shaking her head in frustration. This daughter was becoming more and more disobedient.
*Who cares?* Mira thought sarcastically. She wasn't about to lift a finger for a snake like Mara.
She remembered when Mara first arrived. Mira had genuinely treated her like a sister, going out of her way to help her. She took her sightseeing, introduced her to friends and classmates, and patiently taught her the etiquette and customs of high society. When some classmates looked down on Mara, Mira had stood up for her multiple times... And what did she get in return? Mara took every opportunity to frame her.
Mira walked out of her residential community just as Celine's silver-grey sports car pulled up.
"You don't look too happy," Celine commented, glancing at Mira.
"Did something annoying happen again?" Liora guessed, studying Mira's face. "Let me see... did your mom not want you to come out? Or did Mara pull another one of her stunts?"
Harvey was the young master of the Rivers family and also a classmate of theirs.
Mira shot a look at Liora. "We already paid. What discount are you talking about?"
"Well, then he should treat us to a horse ride and some food."
The entrance fee was two hundred dollars per person, food was extra, and riding was charged by the hour. To have a good time here could easily cost a few thousand dollars. In this day and age, an ordinary worker made just a little over a thousand dollars a month.
Celine couldn't take it. "Miss Liora, are you really that short on cash?"
"I'm not, but getting a freebie is even better, isn't it?"
Mira could hardly look at her.

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