The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1907

Finn stormed out of the house without giving Tessa a chance to explain herself.

Tessa looked utterly flustered until Clara stepped forward, took her hand with a sly smile, and said, "Don't you worry, Tessa. I'll talk to Dad. Ivy going off the rails is her own doing; it's got nothing to do with you."

Clara's words were a relief, and Tessa, feeling touched, responded, "Clara, you're such a sweetheart. I knew there was a reason I always liked you!"

...

After the call ended abruptly, Ivy felt utterly helpless. She hadn't expected Clara to not only fail in her schemes but to also spread such nasty rumors about her at home.

Home was no sanctuary for Ivy, and with the turmoil there, she didn't know where she could turn for shelter.

Even without any proof, Clara's words were enough to convince their parents of Ivy's guilt, rendering her explanations useless.

It was just like when they were in grade school; Clara would start a fight, but as soon as she cried and claimed Ivy was the bully, their parents would take her side without question.

She had never had a place in that house, no one to rely on.

If she went back now, she'd face her parents' scolding, as well as Clara's schadenfreude and insults.

For some reason, after dealing with this for over two decades, Ivy suddenly felt exhausted, just so tired.

She turned back to look at the villa for a long time before gathering her courage to return and knock on the door.

The door opened once again, with Balfour standing on the other side.