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?

dripped with mockery as she caught up to Ivy outside the Harris Group’s imposing building. “Need your sis to find you a gig as a stagehand or something? Keep you off

do well to stay out of my sight!” she

affection Ivy might have once held for Clara, who had stolen all of her mother’s love and relentlessly picked on

endured so much, conceded so much, yet still, Clara

only have yourself to blame. If it weren’t for your mother, the gold-digger, marrying my father and having you, I would have been the

mom? After everything

was smart enough to play housemaid and save us the expense of hiring one. Otherwise, I’d have convinced Dad to throw

“Enough, Clara! One more word

love to see you try,” Clara taunted, raising her hand to slap Ivy.