Clara paced in the cell like a caged lioness, frustration boiling over with every step. She had heard that someone was coming to see her, and she half-expected it to be her dad with a lawyer in tow. She couldnât stand one more minute in this godforsaken police station.
âHow come you took so long to show up? Didnât you know Iâve been cooped up in here? Do you even consider your daughter anymore? Why arenât you worried at all?â she vented the moment she was brought to the visiting room.
But her rant screeched to a halt when she locked eyes with Ivy, who was impeccably dressed in a designer suit that screamed money. With one glance, Clara knew that outfit cost a pretty penny. She had ogled it online with her fellow actresses so many times, yet it remained a distant dream, lounging in her shopping cart because it was way out of her league.
It must be that man who splurged on Ivy!
âWhat are you doing here? Came to rub your fancy man in my face?â Clara said with a sneer.
âWhy on earth would you think that? When have I ever flaunted anything to you? Itâs always been you bragging about the new clothes and the latest iPhone your parents showered on you. Thatâs your game, not mine,â Ivy retorted with an unnerving calm. Their relationship had always been lopsided, but Ivyâs mere presence was enough to trigger Clara into accusing her of showing off.
Clara slammed her hand on the table, leaning forward aggressively, only to be checked by the handcuffs binding her wrists. âYou dare say youâre not flaunting? Dressed to the nines just to make me look bad, huh? Ivy, I swear, I could rip your mouth off! If it werenât for you, all of this should have been mine!â
âDo you really hate me that much?â Ivy asked, her gaze as still as a pond.
She was used to Claraâs random spikes of malice. Ever since her own star career began to rise, she had been living under this relentless pressure.
Clara was the sword hanging over her head, ensuring Ivy could never do right.
âHate you? How could I not? If it werenât for you, Iâd be the star everyone adores rather than being trapped in a cell like a rat! This is all thanks to you. And you have the audacity to waltz in here, all polished and poised, and asked if I hate you? Yes, I do! I want to skin you alive, drain you dry and let the whole world see the true colors of their beloved star!â
Clara was on the brink of madness, the blow of her recent failure hitting her hard.
âSo thatâs how it is,â Ivy nodded, acknowledging Claraâs outburst with no hint of reaction, which made Claraâs fury seem almost clownish.
âBut tell me, Clara, weâve been at odds for years, yet based on what I know about you, you wouldnât stoop to hiring thugs to shame me without a good reason. So, spill it. Who put you up to this? If you come clean, maybe I can get my lawyer to work out a plea deal for you.â
Clara clenched her fists, her pride stung. Could Ivy really be looking down on her?
âYou think Iâd fall for your tricks? Youâve always despised me. What makes you think Iâd be dumb enough to take your bait?â Ivy couldnât help but let out a laugh. âYou think Iâm setting you up?â