They were all just going about their day at work. Ivy did nothing but taking a look after knowing that her mother was there.
But who couldâve guessed that sheâd be smacked around by a thermos?
Did her mother really think she could evade the law just by claiming maternal rights?
That was not how things worked.
As Tessa was hauled off to the police station, she fought every step of the way, âYou canât arrest me!
Iâm her mother. I was just disciplining my daughter. What law did I break, hum?â One of the female officers was clearly irritated, âItâs because of mothers like you that there are so many unlucky kids out there. You think you can just smack your daughter around with a thermos? You were trying to hurt her, maybe worse. Youâre a murderer, so stop flattering yourself.â
This was a new level of harshness for the officers. Theyâd seen their share of family disputes, but nothing like this. If they were shocked, Ivy must be devastated.
Clara, who had asked Tessa to handle a certain matter, was blindsided when instead of results, she got a call about her mother causing a scene at the police station. She looked all annoyed when she took the phone on the set.
âWho did you say? Tessa? Sheâs not my mother, so stop calling me. Yeah, youâve got the wrong number; her daughterâs Ivy. Yes, Iâm busy here. If thereâs nothing else, Iâm hanging up.â
With the director shooting her impatient looks, Clara promptly ended the call.
She had fought hard for this opportunity to shoot an ad and wasnât about to let Tessaâs drama ruin it.
It was Tessaâs foolishness that led herself to the police station. Why would that be Claraâs problem?
The officer, who was so resigned, hung up, âShe says sheâs not your daughter. Did you give me the wrong number?â
Tessaâs smile was strained. The last thing she wanted was for Finn to hear about this and add to her troubles. She had provided Claraâs number, after all, it was at her behest that she had gone to Ivy in the first place. Yet Clara had denied her to the officers.
âOfficer, maybe you didnât explain the situation properly so she might not realize how urgent this is.
Could you please try calling her again?â Tessa pleaded.
Reluctantly, the officer dialed again, but this time Claraâs phone was turned off.
The officer brought her phone close to Tessaâs ear, âSee? Itâs not that I didnât say. She just doesnât want to come. Isnât her attitude clear enough?â
Tessa slumped into the chair, crushed. She had devoted years to this family but it was in vain. She was even neglecting her own daughter for Clara, and she believed that even the coldest of hearts could be warmed by her efforts. But reality had slapped her hard. Was all the respect and affection Clara showed her just a facade?
If Clara truly cared, why wouldnât she even show up at the station?
Tessa was in agony and completely lost.
Her own flesh and blood was in the hospital because of her, and Clara, whom she had poured all her love and attention into, couldnât even spare her a glance.