Chapter 2454
Ivy was battered and bruised, her spirit waning from the constant barrage of hurt dealt by those she
once trusted. She had no masochistic streak within her-why should she gravitate towards those who
harbored no affection for her? After all, she was surrounded by a sea of faces that beamed with
genuine appreciation for her.
It was through Balfour's unwavering love and steadfast loyalty that she found clarity. The best
response to the naysayers was a cool, detached indifference. She resolved to put as much distance
between them and herself as possible. Her own happiness, she realized, would be the ultimate
vengeance.
She wanted to show them that without their shadows looming over her, she would only rise higher.
Watching Ivy slowly regain her vigor filled Balfour with unspeakable relief. He had fretted over her
fragile state, worried that without professional help, he was ill-equipped to mend her frayed
emotions. Yet, to his surprise, Ivy's strength was a testament to her resilience-pain was a demon she
had learned to vanquish time and again.
In a tender gesture, Balfour wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He closed his eyes, hiding the
pain that flickered behind his lids.
The investigation into Finn and Tessaâs relationship left him deeply perplexed. Was Tessaâs disdain
for her own flesh and blood solely because Ivy was not the son she had hoped for? Did she believe
that having a male heir would have secured her standing within the Dunhill family? The irony was
not lost on him; gender bias in the 21st century seemed absurdly anachronistic.
Clara had also made a mockery of herself by pinning her misdeeds on Ivy.
Did Tessa never once suspected the truth? Or, did she know but still chose not to trust her own
daughter?
In a comedic twist, Clara had gone to great lengths to lend credence to her fabrications,
broadcasting the saga of her and Ivy's past on the internet, with a cunning role reversal of victim
and perpetrator. This, however, played right into Leo and his teamâs hands as they gathered
evidence.
âLet's make this quick. Our boss wants this wrapped up with priority.â
The day Ivy's studio was launched, and the verdict of her and Seren'âs legal battle was made public,
the internet erupted. Most netizens couldn't fathom that they had been duped by a woman who
hadn't even finished high school.
Eudora shared the post, attaching a photo of the court record between her and Seren. The verdict
was yet to be finalized, but this move had Ivy's fans cheering with satisfaction.
[Our Ivy has been through so much since her debut. It's hard to know where to start the
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Chapter 2454
tears. She's finally got her own studio, and here's the verdict for all to see. Now, will everyone
believe she's been wronged?]
For most of her fans, Serenâs words were irrelevant; their allegiance was to Ivy herself.
But when someone you admire is relentlessly slandered, and you live in an age where such
information is inescapable, you can't help but feel aggrieved.
Throughout this ordeal, Ivy's supporters had kept a low profile, cautious not to draw more vitriol
towards her with their comments.
Ivy saw this, and it pained her deeply. She had never imagined these strangers-many of whom she
had never met-would so selflessly stand by her side. It was a mix of heartening surprise and
disquieting fear.
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