Ruin Her

"Did you or did you not tell Father that I met with the Crown Prince?"

The words hit him like a punch. His anger faltered, replaced by confusion. "The Crown Prince?"

"Yes," Clara said coolly. "While you were busy criticizing me, I was being welcomed into the palace by Prince Adrien himself. A personal invitation. Or did my dear step-sisters conveniently forget to mention that part?"

Her step-sisters stiffened, their smiles vanishing. Clara's father turned to them, his eyes narrowing. "Is this true?"

Neither of them dared to answer. 

Clara crossed her arms. "You're so quick to berate me, but if you spent half as much energy supporting me, you might realise I'm the only one capable of salvaging our family's reputation. Or do you think those two will accomplish anything beyond gossiping in drawing rooms?"