The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1998

Tessa was utterly shell-shocked. For years, she had played her part as the submissive and unassuming member of the Dunhill family, never once stepping out of line or defying the father and the daughter’s wishes.

But to her disbelief, despite her unwavering compliance, Clara still treated her with such contempt!

"Clara, what on earth has gotten into you? I haven't done anything wrong!" she said. Her voice was trembling as aggrieved tears began to well up in her eyes.

Clara glared at Tessa's eyes, which bore a striking resemblance to Ivy's, and her anger flared even hotter, "Stop your act! Ivy's become so sly and cunning. It's all because of your influence!"

Without another thought, Clara grabbed a nearby pitcher and hurled it at Tessa.

Tessa couldn't dodge in time. "Ah!" she cried out.

The water wasn't boiling, but it was hot enough to redden her skin as it splashed upon her arm.

Clara, momentarily losing her senses in her rage, sobered up a bit when she saw the reddened skin on Tessa's arm. A flicker of fear crossed her face, "I..."

Despite the pain shooting up her arm, Tessa managed a smile of submission, "Clara, I'm fine, really. Please, don't be upset. What happened exactly?"

Seeing Tessa in this state took the edge off Clara's anger. She frowned and looked at Tessa, "Tell me, do you still consider Ivy your daughter at heart?"

Without hesitation, Tessa shook her head. "Of course not. After Ivy gave us that hefty sum, she cut off all ties with me. Clara, did Ivy upset you again?"

Clara was satisfied with her response, "Yes, that wretch Ivy set me up today to embarrass me!"

Clara recounted the day's events in detail to Tessa, "She designed it to humiliate me and even threatened me with surveillance footage. Ivy is despicable."

But Tessa's mind latched onto something else after she heard that.