âIâd been working my butt off to make a comeback, scrambling for every bit part I could get.
But darn it, there were these few people who knew about the mess between me and Ivy. They kept using that to trip me up, as if they were pushing bad luck my way every chance they got. I was supposed to shoot a commercial for this company, and they had specifically wanted me only me. But because of Ivy, I lost that gig too. Tessa, whatâs your daughter gonna do to make this right? Hasnât she dragged me through the mud enough? Now Iâm getting pulled into her drama again. How is that fair?â
Tessa looked ashamed. âI canât imagine Ivy bullying anyone. Isnât your industry a bit chaotic? You know, with all the backstabbing and mudslinging. You canât believe everything those gossip sites post, right?â
Clara rolled her eyes. âHave you forgotten how I ended up behind bars because of her? Does she want to see our family destroyed?â
Tessa seemed helpless. âThat wild child hasnât lived at home for ages. I canât control her anymore.
Besides, your father doesnât follow this celebrity gossip. Letâs keep it from him, okay?â
When Clara heard her tone, she knew Tessa wasnât going to help. She let go of her arm and wrapped her own arms around herself, standing there aloof.
âIf youâre not going to handle your daughter, Iâll have to take care of it myself. Last time, I was unlucky to get locked up, but Dad bailed me out. I wonât let this slide. Ivyâs going to pay.â
She spun on her heel and started to walk away when Tessa, a bit frantic, caught up and grabbed her wrist. âClara, please donât be mad. Letâs not make a scene. It was hard enough getting you out last time; we canât afford another incident.â
Clara stopped in her tracks, her back to Tessa, her face twisted in disdain. She knew how to manipulate Tessa, even when she was just a kid!
Suddenly, she spun around and hugged Tessa. âTessa, why donât you go talk to Ivy? Tell her to stop spreading stuff about us, okay?â
Tessa looked puzzled. âEver since Ivy moved out, we havenât been on good terms. That girl wonât go blabbing about our relationship â itâs just not her style.â
And what good would it do to talk to Ivy? She doesnât care about Tessaâs opinion anymore.
Clara put on a sympathetic smile. âTessa, Iâm not actually asking you to talk to Ivy about this, Iâm giving you a chance to see your daughter. Donât you miss her?â
Tessa paused, realizing she hadnât thought about Ivy in ages.
But Claraâs thoughtful act seemed to touch her She smiled contentedly. âHaving you as a daughter is more than enough for me, Clara. As for Ivy-she left without a backward glance and got you in trouble. Thereâs no need for me to chase after her.
Whatever you need, just say the word. Ivy may have left this family, but itâs not right for you to suffer for her actions. I know how hard it is for you in this industry.â Clara looked touched. âI knew youâd have my back, Tessa. Since Ivyâs the talk of the town right now, why donât you pay her a visit? Maybe you could record something for me?â
Tessa saw the cunning in Claraâs eyes, but for the sake of keeping peace in the family, she reluctantly agreed, âTell me what you want, and Iâll do it.â