After watching the two videos, Finnâs heart had settled on a verdict.
He turned to Clara, âSweetie, what in the world is going on here?â
Even though Finn had just seen Clara tangled up with an older man, his tone remained gentle, a stark contrast to the icy edge heâd used when calling Ivy the day before.
That was the difference.
No matter the mistake, Finn wouldnât truly blame Clara, let alone abandon her.
But Ivy, she was dispensable.
âDad, heâs a film producer. My agent introduced me to him. I was just trying to land a role, and nothing else happened between us.â
Clara looked at Finn with a face full of distress. âBreaking into showbiz was my choice. I didnât want to trouble you to clear the path for me, so I had to rely on myself.â
âAnd what about this?â Ivy pulled out a piece of paper; it was a hotel check-in record.
Thank goodness for Quinton. Without him, sheâd never have been able to get her hands on this.
âWhy does the hotel room booked under my sisterâs name have a man named Vincent checked in?â
Confronted with evidence, Clara tried several times to explain but found herself at a loss for words.
Finnâs anger finally surfaced upon seeing the hotel check-in record, âSweetie, did⦠did you really book a room with him? How⦠how did you end up like this? For the sake of fame, youâ¦â
âDad, itâs not like that. Nothing happened between me and that man. I just booked the room for him; I didnât go there,â Clara reached out to grab her fatherâs hand but he pulled away.
Turning her head sharply, Clara glared at Ivy with venom, âIvy, why are you smearing my name? Iâve always treated you like my own sister. Why are you doing this to me?â
âOwn sister? Is this how you treat your own sister?â Ivy scoffed. âIf thatâs the case, then Iâd rather not have a sister like you!â
Watching the situation spiral, Tessa stepped in to smooth things over, âIvy, Clara is still your sister.
What are you trying to do with these things, deliberately driving a wedge between her and your father?â
It was astounding that even now, Tessa chose to stand by Clara, shifting all blame onto Ivy.
If Ivy had harbored any small hope for maternal affection from Tessa, it vanished in that moment.
The woman before her didnât resemble a mother at all. She had become a stranger, one who had never held Ivy in her heart.
How could such a mother ever offer her love? From the moment she married Finn, Tessa had been nothing more than Mrs. Dunhill, a doting mother to Clara, and never a mother to Ivy.
âMom, Dad, the evidence is right here. Who you choose to believe is not within my control, and I wonât say more than necessary. Besides, Iâm getting married and will be moving out soon.â
âWhat?â Tessa stared at her, shocked. âIvy, what did you just say? Getting married?â