“Who are your parents? You’re so damn rude.”

  Clementine couldn’t take it anymore. She was about to stand up for Clarissa, but the insults came faster and harsher.

  “Oh, is this your mother—the one who works as a servant? She looks pretty pathetic.”

  “What do you expect? Children of poor families are always going to be inferior.”

  “Shut up!” Clarissa couldn’t hold it back any longer. She spun around suddenly, her eyes dark and cold.

  “What? You want to fight me now?” she sneered.

  Clarissa crossed her arms and gave a sarcastic smile. “How much have you gained from hanging onto Lyra? Is she as generous as me?”

  “You—”

  Clarissa cut her off with a laugh, “Oh, wait, isn’t this the necklace I tossed out before? Still wearing it, huh? Can’t afford a new one, or maybe Lyra doesn’t even want a lackey like you?”

  The girl’s face twisted with fury. She yanked at the necklace, “It’s just a worthless piece of junk. Here, I’ll give it back to you!”

  “I’ll gladly take it back, thanks,” Clarissa shot back, unbothered.

  She looked the girl up and down, noticing her coat. “Funny, this coat looks awfully familiar… Almost like one I used to wear. What’s the deal? Can’t get your own things, or are you just stuck playing dress-up with my leftovers? Lyra hasn’t even bothered to change your clothes yet, and you’re out here trying so hard. Not easy, is it?”

  The girl stood there, frozen in anger, her cheeks burning.

  Clarissa didn’t flinch. Her tone was calm and cold. “Who’s really living well, huh? Do you honestly think you’re better off now?”

  With that, she casually tossed the necklace into the trash can next to her. After paying the bill, she grabbed Clementine’s arm and turned to leave.

  Not far away, Dorian had been watching.

  "Dorian, what do you think of this dress?"

  Lyra asked, still looking at clothes in the discount section. But she noticed Dorian staring at something, so she followed his gaze and saw Clarissa walking by, holding a shopping bag.

  Clarissa looked stunning—more beautiful than before. She had an effortless grace about her, and people on the street were subtly glancing at her as she passed. It made Lyra feel like she was just another pretty face in the crowd.

  Lyra quickly dropped the clothes she was holding and took Dorian’s arm, her smile sweet but a little forced. “So, sister buys clothes in places like this now? How strange.”

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  Could it be that Clarissa was trying to be like her? Trying to steal her spotlight?

  But before Lyra could say more, Dorian spoke up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Don’t worry about her. She’s probably just trying to get my attention, like always.”

  He tossed a card to the clerk. “I’ll buy everything in this store.”

  The last time Lyra had brought Dorian to this mall, she had gone straight for the discounted items. At the time, Dorian had thought she was so different from Clarissa—the rich girl who flaunted her wealth and acted so entitled.

  So, as Dorian and Lyra were together, Lyra maintained the same behavior. Every time they went out, she was the one everyone envied.

  She hadn’t expected to run into Clarissa here today, though.

  From a distance, Clarissa’s bare face was absolutely breathtaking—so natural, so stunning. People were looking at her, clearly impressed. Compared to Clarissa, Lyra felt… well, she felt like just another normal face in the crowd.

  She stole a glance at Dorian, but he didn’t even seem to notice Clarissa.

  Lyra let out a quiet sigh of relief, holding onto Dorian’s arm tightly. “Dorian, I’m a little tired.”

  “Then let’s go back,” he replied flatly.

  “Okay.”

  .....

  On the way back, Clementine kept glancing at Clarissa, her eyes full of concern.

  Clarissa could feel the tension building. “Mom, if you’ve got something to say, just say it,” she finally couldn’t hold back.

  Clementine’s eyes dropped, and her voice was soft, almost breaking. “I’ve embarrassed you…”

  Clarissa had been expecting this. She sighed lightly and shook her head. “Mom, what are you talking about? You’re my mother. How could you ever embarrass me? And those people—what they said, it’s just too much. If they dare to talk down to you again, I won’t let them get away with it. From now on, you’ve got me. No one will bully you anymore.”

  Clementine’s eyes filled with tears, and she pulled Clarissa into a tight hug, sobbing quietly.

  Clarissa returned the embrace, trying to comfort her. But suddenly, Clementine’s body went limp. Her face turned pale, and everything went black in front of her eyes.

  “Mom!” Clarissa screamed, panic shooting through her as she saw her mother collapse. She quickly dialed the emergency number, her hands trembling.

  In the hospital hallway, Clarissa stood, anxiously waiting for the doctor’s report. “Doctor, how is my mother? Is she going to be okay?”

  The doctor took a deep breath before answering. “She’s exhausted. She’s been pushing herself too hard and her kidney function isn’t in great shape. When she relaxed and her emotions got out of control, it triggered this reaction...”

  Clarissa cut him off, her voice shaky. “Is it serious? Is her life in danger?”

  The doctor paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not life-threatening at the moment, but it could worsen if she doesn’t rest. This kind of physical strain can cause irreversible damage. She needs to stop overworking herself. Take care of her, and she should be able to go home in about a week.”

  Clarissa nodded, her heart heavy. “Okay, doctor. What supplements does she need?”

  “Anything nourishing will help, but not too much. She’s weak, and overdoing it can do more harm than good.”

  “Got it. Thank you.”

  The doctor gave her a final warning as he left. “Spend more time with her. As people age, even minor illnesses can turn into something serious if you’re not careful.”

  “I understand. Thank you,” Clarissa replied quietly.

  After picking up her mother’s medication, Clarissa went to the ward. Clementine was awake now but still pale, lying in the bed.

  “Clarissa... am I really that sick?” she asked, her voice soft.

  “No, Mom. You’re just worn out. You’ll be fine with some rest.” Clarissa smiled, trying to reassure her.

  Clementine let out a tired sigh. “My body knows best. Don’t try to comfort me.”

  “I’m not lying. You’ll be out of here next week. Just rest.”

  Clementine’s face softened. She could see that Clarissa wasn’t just saying it to make her feel better.

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