Chapter 1993
âThere's no show, Clara. The whole thing was a setup,â Ivy confessed; her words were laced with a
mischievous undertone, âSis, you always loved the spotlight, didn't you? I went through all this
trouble, getting everyone involved just to play along with you. Arent you thrilled?â
Clara's realization hit her like a ton of bricks-she had been duped. Anger flared in her eyes as she
lashed out, âIvy, how could you deceive me like this? What on earth are you up to by orchestrating
this elaborate farce?â
As she spoke, Clara's hand shot out, aiming to slap Ivy to vent her anger first.
But Ivy sidestepped with the agility of a cat, avoiding the incoming blow, âOh, Clara, you really
shouldn't try to hit me. Because if you so much as lay a finger on me, I assure you that I can find
many ways to ruin you utterly and completely.â
Clara, her pride wounded, didn't buy Ivy's threat for a second. Yet, the memory of Ivy effortlessly
snatching a coveted advertising deal from under her nose made her hesitate, âWhat are you getting
at, Ivy?â
âYou really have to ask?â Ivy pointed a slender finger towards several security cameras. âSure, the
audition wasn't filmed, but everything's been caught on surveillance video. How do you think the
internet will react if I edit the footage and leak it online? Maybe they'll consider this as reality and
give you a bad review.â
Clara's gaze snapped to the cameras, and with that, the penny dropped. She was furious, âYou
wouldn't dare frame me. You're so underhanded, Ivy! Even if you post it, nobody would believe your
lies.â
"Should we test that theory?â Ivy taunted, her hand hovering over her phone as if ready to call
Quinton to edit the video.
Clara, fearing the worst, snatched at Ivy's phone, âDon't you dare, Ivy! If you leak that video, I'll make
sure Tessaâs life in the Dunhill family becomes a living hell.â
The irony of Clara's threat wasn't lost on Ivy. Ever since she paid that three million, Ivy had resolved
to sever the maternal bond with Tessa once and for all.
âThose photos of me and Nolan that went viral were your doing, weren't they?â Ivy secured her
phone once more. âI can't decide if you're foolish or just plain stupid, Clara. To sabotage me, you've
crossed the Harris Group. Do you really think the fallout is worth it?"
The Harris Group held significant clout in the industry with countless advertising deals and the
power to make or ruin some performersâ
career.
Yet, Clara had sullied Nolan and Ivy's reputations. And in doing so, she had the Harris Group as her
big nemesis. If Ivy could trace the leaked photos back to Clara, the Harris Group could surely do that
as well.
In her blind pursuit, Clara had barred her own path. But ironically, she was oblivious to the self-
inflicted wound.
âIvy, I don't know what you're talking about! I didn't spread any photos! But I'm warning you, if you
dare post today's footage, I'll never let you get away with it.â Clara's threats rang hollow, a
desperate attempt to intimidate without any real leverage.
To Ivy, Clara's words were meaningless.
âDo you really think you have anything left to threaten me with?â
âI...â Clara tried to muster some final harsh words, but as they reached her lips, she realized ivy no
longer cared about anything she could throw at her.
Once, Ivy might have compromised for the sake of her bond with Tessa in the Dunhill family, but
now, having disowned her mother, Clara had nothing left to hold over her.