?<strong>Chapter 1236:</strong>


    With the Foster family indulging her every whim and the Hopkins family backing her, Kira’s temper knew no bounds. Sheshed out at everyone, her rage burning hottest when it turned to Laney.


    Kira spat, her finger pointing directly at Laney.


    “And you, don’t think I don’t know what you’ve been saying behind my back! If you have a problem, stop hiding and speak up!”


    Laney opened her eyes slowly, her expression calm despite the storm brewing in front of her.


    “I haven’t said a single word,” she said firmly, her voice steady.


    “What exactly do you think I said about you?”


    Kira’s voice was sharp as she snapped, “It’s exactly because you didn’t say anything that it’s a problem. I’m a better dancer than you, so why didn’t you defend me? Quite the jealous one, aren’t you?”


    Laney sighed, too drained to argue. Without a word, she closed her eyes again, hoping to block out Kira’s tirade.


    Her indifference only fanned Kira’s fury. Frustrated, Kira nced around the room, her temper unchecked. The others exchanged uneasy looks, their disdain for Kira’s behavior evident.


    Unable to contain her rage, Kira grabbed a bottle of foundation from the table and emptied it over Laney.


    Gasps echoed through the room. The unexpected act left everyone stunned—including Laney, who shot up from her chair in shock. She frantically tried to clean the mess, but the damage was done. The creamy foundation had soaked into her tailored costume, leaving it in ruins.


    The performance was only moments away, and every outfit had been meticulously prepared for the show.


    Desperation red as Laney reached for makeup remover, but her efforts only made the damage worse.


    Kira smirked triumphantly, her voice dripping with mockery.


    “What’s the matter? Weren’t you eager topete with me? Let’s see you perform in that. I’m sure you’ll shine brighter than anyone.”


    The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, someone spoke up, their voice filled with frustration.


    “Kira, this is too much. The performance is about to start, and you’re dragging everyone down with your nonsense.”


    Kira rolled her eyes, scoffing.


    “Dragging everyone down? Don’t be ridiculous. We’ll be fine without her.”


    Laney looked down at her ruined dress, anger bubbling up inside her. Her chest heaved as she tried to contain the fury that had been building for far too long. She had put up with Kira’s antics to avoid conflict, but this time was different. She couldn’t stay silent anymore.


    Laney’s re was fiery and unrelenting as she locked eyes with Kira. The intensity in her gaze made the room hold its breath.


    Kira, unfazed, crossed her arms and sneered.


    “What’s this? You want to hit me now? Go ahead—if you’ve got the guts.”


    Without a moment’s hesitation, Laney stepped forward and pped Kira across the face.


    The room fell silent. Kira stood frozen, her hand slowly rising to her cheek, eyes wide with shock.


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