Chapter 1998
Tessa was utterly shell-shocked. For years, she had played her part as the submissive and
unassuming member of the Dunhill family, never once stepping out of line or defying the father and
the daughter's wishes.
But to her disbelief, despite her unwavering compliance, Clara still treated her with such contempt!
âClara, what on earth has gotten into you? I haven't done anything wrong!â she said. Her voice was
trembling as aggrieved tears began to well up in her
eyes.
Clara glared at Tessa's eyes, which bore a striking resemblance to Ivy's, and her anger flared even
hotter, âStop your act! Ivy's become so sly and cunning. It's all because of your influence!â
Without another thought, Clara grabbed a nearby pitcher and hurled it at Tessa.
Tessa couldn't dodge in time. âAh!â she cried out.
The water wasn't boiling, but it was hot enough to redden her skin as it splashed upon her arm.
Clara, momentarily losing her senses in her rage, sobered up a bit when she saw the reddened skin
on Tessaâ's arm. A flicker of fear crossed her face, âI...â Despite the pain shooting up her arm, Tessa
managed a smile of submission, âClara, I'm fine, really. Please, don't be upset. What happened
exactly?â
Seeing Tessa in this state took the edge off Clara's anger. She frowned and looked at Tessa, âTell me,
do you still consider Ivy your daughter at heart?â Without hesitation, Tessa shook her head. âOf
course not. After Ivy gave us that hefty sum, she cut off all ties with me. Clara, did Ivy upset you
again?â
Clara was satisfied with her response, âYes, that wretch Ivy set me up today to embarrass me!â
Clara recounted the day's events in detail to Tessa, âShe designed it to humiliate me and even
threatened me with surveillance footage. Ivy is despicable.â But Tessaâs mind latched onto
something else after she heard that.
When did her seemingly incapable daughter get so rich? Renting a high-end studio, hiring a crowd
of extrasâcould it be that she actually hit the jackpot?
Regret began to gnaw at Tessa for severing ties with Ivy over just three million.
Her daughter might not be good for much, but she had a pretty face after all, so perhaps a wealthy
suitor might take interest in her.
In this day and age, even being a mistress to the affluent could bring in a substantial sum for the
family.
âTessa, what are you thinking about?â
Tessa snapped back to reality and looked at Clara with a sycophantic smile, âNothing much, just
figuring out how we can get back at Ivy for you.â That's more like it!" Clara said, her gaze shifting.
âIvy dared to scheme against me like this today so I'll make sure she lives to regret it!"
As they spoke, Finn, who walked in, noticed the chaos on the ground with a furrowed brow. âWhat
in the world happened here?â he queried.
Clara tensed at Finn's voice.
If he found out she had thrown the pitcher at Tessa, he would undoubtedly be furious.
Tessa patted Clara's hand and stood up with a smile, âFinn, I just had a little accident with the
pitcher. I'll clean it up right away.â
âClumsy as ever Finn remarked with a glare at Tessa before heading upstairs.
Clara followed him out, âTessa, as long as you stay loyal to me, you have nothing to worry about. I'll
put in a good word for you with my dad.â Tessa nodded in agreement