Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126 Claudia Doesn’t Do Mercy

Alice looked at Sterling. “If Claudia forgives me, would you let me off the hook too?”

Finished

She’d stormed into the entertainment industry full of ambition, she didn’t want to crash and burn before she even got started.

Sterling didn’t really care either way. The only reason he’d shut her down in the first place was because he wasn’t sure if she’d been out there flaunting herself as his fiancée.

Rather than wasting time with explanations, cutting off her resources sent the message loud and clear. Anyone who needed to get the hint, got it.

And honestly, that was him going easy on her for Celine’s sake.

Not that Alice would’ve seen it that way. If she knew, she’d probably cry injustice.

She’d liked Sterling for so long. She wasn’t clueless, she knew exactly what he was capable of, and she wasn’t brave either. The one and only time she acted out was after hearing about that birthday party that had the entire upper circle buzzing. In a moment of hot–headed impulse, she decided to test the waters and try using the whole arranged marriage angle to push out the woman by Sterling’s side.

She barely got a few sentences in before getting completely shut down.

Normally, she was well–behaved in public, she didn’t even dare to say she knew Sterling.

Sterling said calmly, “The resources you lost–that was your lesson. There’s no getting those back. But if you complete the task Claudia gives you, you can earn yourself a reward.”

Alice’s dejected little face lit up instantly.

“I can do it! I swear, I’ll finish whatever she asks!”

Then she turned to Claudia, eyes sparkling.

Truthfully, Claudia didn’t really dislike Alice.

The first time they met, Alice had been arrogant, but not outright vicious. She hadn’t started yelling or making personal attacks. Her behavior was more like that of a spoiled kid, and honestly, she had cried pretty miserably that day.

This time, at least, she seemed genuinely sorry.

“You studied under Ms. Jensen, right? How come I’ve never heard of you?” Claudia asked.

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Chapter 126 Claudia Doesn’t Do Mercy

Alice scratched her cheek awkwardly. “Aunt Celine said she’s only teaching me privately because we’re related. If she publicly called me her student, it’d be an embarrassment.”

Finished

In reality, Celine didn’t just forbid her from using Sterling’s name, she also wouldn’t let her ride on Celine’s own reputation either.

Partly because of Alice’s lack of talent, and partly to keep things fair.

So all throughout her training and college applications, Alice had kept a low profile. Hardly anyone knew she was related to Celine at all.

Which, in Claudia’s eyes, was actually a plus.

Not being known? Perfect. That made things much easier.

Alice hugged her arms around herself.

She didn’t know why, but that weird, prickly feeling came back again.

Two days later, a blood–curdling scream echoed from the villa, like someone was being murdered.

“Aaahhhhh–it hurts! It hurts, it hurts!”

Alice clutched her lower back, her pretty little face twisted in pain.

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But that merciless demon wasn’t letting up, in fact, she was still pushing her down even harder without a hint of sympathy.

And to make it worse, she criticized her as she went. “You’ve danced for years, haven’t you? Talking about being a star, and you’ve already forgotten your fundamentals? No wonder Ms. Jensen doesn’t claim you as her student.”

Two fat tears rolled down Alice’s cheeks.

Why was she being emotionally destroyed like this?

It wasn’t that she forgot, it was that Claudia’s standards were insane.

Claudia spun twice with perfect timing to the music, then casually lifted her slender baton and tapped it against Alice’s elbow.

“Lift your arms higher. The curve of your fingers is all wrong. Facial expression, watch your face. You still wanna be a big star? With that face? You think your expression management would pass in front of a camera?”

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