Seren was kicking herself over her past choices. It was all her fault for being too greedy. If only she had stuck to Maraâs plan, posted those comments online, and then called it quits, things wouldnât have spiraled out of control like this.
After Mara hung up the phone, she tossed her phone aside with a mocking sneer.
âGrasping for too much, you end up with nothing. It wasnât my fault that she wanted to play the online celebrity game.â
Luckily, Mara was always one step ahead. She had a backup plan to wash her hands clean of this mess.
The last incident had already rattled Balfour, so she decided to lay low for a while.
If Balfour truly didnât want to take their relationship to the next level, sheâd play the dutiful little sister.
But deep down, she was convinced that Balfour held a soft spot for her â it was just Ivyâs presence that was a thorn in her side.
That woman must have pulled some trick to get so close to him. The thought alone made Maraâs blood boil with jealousy.
But there was plenty of time, and Mara was certain Balfour would eventually come around.
Seren was a goner, and only now did she realize the ruthlessness of the woman she had tangled with.
From the start, there was no intention of letting her off scot-free. Despite years of hustling in the world, her own foolishness had led her to be blindsided by a bit of cash.
Sobbing, Seren curled up, facing the grim reality of a three-year prison sentence.
When the courtâs verdict came through, Balfour had Leo and his team spread the news, and they even set up an Ivy Studio on the side. Balfour mentioned it to Ivy almost as an afterthought.
Ivy, still reeling from the emotional turmoil, was slow to grasp what was happening around her.
âItâs not too much trouble for you, is it?â she finally asked Balfour.
He took her hand gently, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
âTrouble? Have you forgotten? Weâre a real married couple now. Thereâs no such thing as âtroubleâ
between us,â Balfour said with a comforting firmness.
Ivy couldnât help but smile softly, resting her head on Balfourâs shoulder. She had always been the one to shoulder her burdens alone, growing up in a family that never helped her out of a tight spot.
Moreover, Ivy often struggled to see where the boundary lay between them. It felt like Balfour was always the one making sacrifices for her. Sometimes she feared that he might grow tired of her constant need for support.
As if sensing her inner turmoil, Balfour tilted Ivyâs chin up, urging her to meet his gaze.
âYouâre unwell, which is why these thoughts are plaguing you. Once we see the doctor, all these worries will stop haunting you. As for your family, I wonât let them bother you again, rest assured.â
Balfour paused, considering Ivyâs feelings. âDo you still want to see them? If you do, then I canâ¦â
But before he could finish, Ivy shook her head vehemently.
âLetâs do it your way. I donât want to see them, and honestly, they probably donât want to see me either,â
Ivy said with a bitter smile. Yet her eyes were resolute, as if she had finally made peace with her decision.
âFrom the day I dragged my suitcase away alone, and not a single one of them stopped me, I promised myself Iâd cut ties for good. I never want to see them again.â