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Chapter 22 - Clara’s Schemes Unfold

Clara's obsession with Mia's downfall reached new heights after learning of her marriage to Alexander. The envy that had always simmered beneath the surface now boiled over, consuming her thoughts. Clara saw Mia's rise as a personal affront, a reminder of everything she felt she had been denied. Her jealousy twisted into a dangerous determination to ruin Mia's life at any cost.

Clara's first move was subtle—planting seeds of doubt in the minds of those in Alexander's social circles. She leveraged her charm and cunning, befriending influential figures under the guise of genuine concern for Mia's well-being. "Have you heard about Mia's past?" she would whisper at gatherings, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. "It's just so surprising how quickly she adapted to such a different lifestyle."

These insinuations soon spread like wildfire, casting a shadow over Mia's reputation. Clara's goal was clear: to make people question Mia's intentions and integrity, to paint her as an opportunist who had married Alexander for his wealth and status.

Simultaneously, Clara worked with Mia's ex-fiancé, who was more than willing to assist in the campaign against Mia. He was driven by his own bitter feelings, his jealousy rekindled by the thought of Mia thriving in a life far beyond his reach. Clara and the ex-fiancé fueled each other's venom, their partnership becoming a toxic alliance aimed squarely at Mia's destruction.

They delved into Mia's past, searching for anything that could be twisted into a scandal. Clara, ever the manipulator, suggested they fabricate a story about Mia's supposed secret affairs before meeting Alexander. The ex-fiancé, still bitter from being rejected, readily agreed, providing "evidence" that could be used to support their lies.

Their plan moved into its next phase when they decided to leak these fabricated stories to the media. Clara crafted an anonymous tip, sending it to a tabloid known for sensational gossip. The headline screamed: "The Dark Secrets of Alexander's Bride—Mia's Past Uncovered!"

The story spread quickly, with various outlets picking up the sensational claims. Clara watched with satisfaction as the media frenzy grew, believing that Mia's perfect life would soon crumble under the weight of public scrutiny.

However, what Clara didn't anticipate was Mia's resilience. Mia had grown from her trials, emerging stronger and more confident. The support she received from Alexander and the bonds she had formed within his world gave her a foundation that Clara's schemes couldn't easily shake.

Alexander, upon hearing the rumors, wasted no time in addressing them. His loyalty to Mia was unshakable. He summoned his legal team, prepared to take action against any outlet that perpetuated the false narratives. Publicly, he stood by Mia, issuing a statement denouncing the rumors as baseless and reaffirming his trust and love for his wife.

"Mia," Alexander said, holding her close, "we will face this together. They cannot break what we have built."

Mia, though shaken by the sudden media storm, drew strength from Alexander's unwavering support. She knew that Clara and her ex-fiancé were behind the attack, and she was determined not to let them win. The mansion, as if sensing the turmoil, seemed to hum with energy, its protective presence a reminder that Mia was not alone in this battle.