My Mother Killed Me For Her Stepdaughter novel Chapter 45

With Daniel and Sophia taken away, everything finally settled. The online narrative shifted as well—public outrage now targeted the two of them. It seemed certain they wouldn't see the light of day again.

Just before midnight, Claire surprised me with a small cake.

I was taken aback. After everything that had happened today, when had she even managed to prepare this?

"Claire, when did you get this? Don't tell me there's more surprises coming?"

"Of course, it's just a delivery. We didn't exactly have time today. But tomorrow, we'll celebrate properly—I promise you a grand birthday."

My eyes stung with emotion. Claire, as always, put me first.

"You're impossible," I muttered, my voice trembling. "Why can't you think about yourself for once? If you'd told me about them the moment you suspected something, we could've dealt with it together. We're sisters. No matter what happens, I will always believe you. If you'd died because of me… what would I have done?"

The image of Claire's death in my past life flashed through my mind. Even now, it haunted me. She had spent her entire life giving to me, and in the end, she was killed because of me.

I silently thanked the heavens for giving me this second chance—to rewrite our story, to save Claire.

Claire, ever gentle, wiped away my tears.

"Silly girl, it's all in the past now. And who says I haven't been thinking about myself?"

She handed me a folder. Confused, I opened it to find an official document appointing me as a company director.

I looked up at her in shock, but she remained calm, even smiling.

Under her expectant gaze, I closed my eyes and made my wish.

This lifetime may Claire be safe and happy. And in the next, let me be the older sister, so I can protect her.

I opened my eyes and blew out the candles.

"What did you wish for?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

I smiled and shook my head playfully.

"Can't tell you—it won't come true if I say it out loud!"