The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1963

Ivy had no proof to convince the interviewers of her innocence – an innocence that seemed to be perpetually on trial.

After a brief huddle, the hiring managers offered Ivy an apologetic “Sorry, but we can’t offer you the position.”

As much as she had braced herself for disappointment, the rejection still stung. With the weight of regret pressing down on her, Ivy left the office, her steps heavy with dejection.

She had thought that severing ties with her family with a three-million-dollar settlement would finally free her from their toxic grasp. But Clara, ever the spiteful half-sister, seemed determined to make Ivy’s life a misery. It wasn’t enough that Ivy was forced to strike out on her own; Clara seemed determined to sabotage even the smallest chance at independence.

Was this really her fate?

with mockery as she caught up to Ivy outside the

breaking point, and Clara’s taunting was like a match to kindling. “Clara, you’d do well to stay out of my sight!” she snapped, barely containing the storm brewing inside

held for Clara, who had stolen all of her mother’s love and relentlessly picked on her,

had endured so much, conceded so much,

yourself to blame. If it weren’t for your mother, the gold-digger, marrying my

mother. “You hate my mom? After everything

enough to play housemaid and save us the expense of hiring one. Otherwise, I’d

reached its limit. “Enough, Clara! One more word and

are you threatening me now? I’d love to see you try,”