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MIRABEL POV
"Hey, stop! Lucian, stop!" Mirabel screamed, tears spilling down her face. She tugged at his arm as he rained blows on Dave.
Daisy and Mina rushed in. Mirabel looked up in desperation, hoping for someone—anyone—to stop this madness. Then her eyes locked with Mina's.
"Mina…" she whispered.
"Mirabel," Mina replied, her lips curling slightly.
The realization hit her like a blade to the chest. No wonder Daisy looked familiar… she and Mina once bullied me on my eighth birthday. Why is this family so cruel?
Her knees trembled, her voice breaking. "Lucian, stop hitting him! STOP!"
But Lucian's fury only grew, his fists relentless.
"Just stop it!" Mirabel cried, her sobs choking her. Her vision blurred, spinning until finally everything went dark. She collapsed.
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TRACY POV
"It hurts… it really hurts." Tracy pressed her hand to her chest, forcing a smile through her tears. "What did I expect? How could he ever love me? I'm so stupid."
She laughed bitterly. "I'm just a maid who dreamed of being loved. There are so many girls out there—why would he choose me? I'm a fool."
Her voice cracked as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Of course, he only wanted sex. That's all." She slapped her head. "Stop crying, Tracy. Stop crying!"
She stumbled into her room, shut the door, and locked it. Daniel's pounding came almost instantly.
Bang. Bang.
"Tracy, open the door!"
She hurried to wipe her tears, forcing her face back into composure. "He doesn't deserve my tears," she whispered. She grabbed her passport, went into the bathroom, splashed water on her face, and applied a thin touch of makeup. When she looked in the mirror, she saw not a broken girl—but a mask.
She unlocked the door.
"Tracy, please, let me explain—" Daniel started, his voice desperate.
"There's no need Daniel," she said with a bright, fake smile. "It's not like we're dating or anything."
She never calls me by name… she must be angry, he thought.
"You can kiss anyone you like. It's no big deal. I mean… it hurt me, Daniel. It felt like you were just playing with me. Like you only want my body."
"No! That's not it—" Daniel said quickly.
"Oh, I forgot my place." Her smile twisted with pain. "I'm just your maid. No hard feelings."
"No, Tracy, listen—"
She bowed her head. "Sorry for disturbing you." And without waiting for him, she walked back toward the party.
"Tracy, wait!"
But she didn't stop—until she saw Mirabel's body on the floor.
"Mirabel!" Tracy screamed, rushing to her side.
Lucian froze mid-punch, finally looking at Mirabel's unconscious form.
Mike shoved through the commotion, his eyes widening. His little sister lay limp in Tracy's arms.
"Don't you dare fucking touch my sister!" Mike roared at Lucian, his voice thunderous. Lucian stiffened, shock flashing across his face.
Mike lifted Mirabel carefully, holding her as if she were made of glass. Flora and Tracy hovered close, their eyes filled with fear.
Geo tried to calm the tension, but Mike's fury burned brighter.
"My family will never invest in yours again. We won't collaborate, not now, not ever," he spat at Lucian, his words like venom.
Without another glance, he stormed out with Mirabel in his arms. Tracy, Flora, and Rohan rushed after him, leaving Lucian standing there in stunned silence.
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