Chapter 2458
Clara sat there with her arms crossed, giving off a âkeep outâ vibe like she was some kind of
celebrity.
But Ivy? Ivy was the picture of ease and confidence, sitting across from her, forcing Clara to admit
that she was outclassed.
Ivy's makeup was minimal, her lipstick barely there, and she was dressed in what looked like a high
school costume for some low-budget play. Yet she didnât seem the least bit out of place.
âYou seem to be doing well.â Ivy said. Her hands were clasped casually on the table, her demeanor
as relaxed as ever.
Well, of course, she was at home here, in this set, while Clara was the outsider.
Clara twirled a brand-new designer watch around her wrist, a smug smile playing on her lips. âAren't
you going to ask why I came here today?â
One of Ivy's eyebrows arched as she said, âIf you have something to say, you'll say it. See, you
already can't wait, am I right?â
That composed smile on Ivy's face was like a red flag to Clara. She hated how Ivy always acted so
nonchalant!
Clara's temper flared, and she yanked her sunglasses off, slamming them down on the stone table.
âCut the act, Ivy. It's not like I don't know you.â
Ivy's eyebrow quirked again; she knew her sister all too well. Just a bit of patience and Clara's true
colors would show.
"And what is it that you think you know about me?â
Clara snorted. âThe internet is blowing up over you. Surely even you can't be oblivious to the fact
that you're like the town pariah everyone loves to hate!â
Ivy nodded thoughtfully. âI'm aware of the drama. And I also know that my dear sister here has been
fanning the flames while I'm getting dragged through the mud!â
Clara felt a chill run down her spine. Ivy was still calling her âsisterâ-this was definitely not a good
sign.
âI was just riding the wave of the scandal to get a little spotlight for myself. It's not like I started the
rumors!â
Clara leaned back in her chair, a calculated look in her eyes. âAnd let's be honest! If you hadn't given
me the ammunition, how could I have seized this opportunity? Thanks to you, my endorsements
have gone through the roof!â
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Chapter 2458
âBut how do you plan to face the backlash now? Some of the things you've pinned on me were your
doing. I know you're an old hand at this game, but playing the victim? That really turned
my
stomach.â
In the past, such accusations from Clara would have sent Ivy reeling with shock and
anger.
But now, Ivy could talk about it all with a calm detachment. Their parents, Tessa and Finn, always
believed their elder daughter could do no wrong.
Clara acted as if Ivy's words meant nothing.
"What are you talking about? The damage is done. What's this about playing the victim?â
Ivy scoffed internally, saying, âNo one else is here. Why keep up the facade? Haven't you done this
for years? Apart from putting on a pitiful act, what else can you do?
But then again, Finn and Tessa are blind when it comes to you. You cry, and they believe every
word.â
Clara's smile held a touch of triumph. âDo you know why they believe me when I cry? Because they
love me more. Oh, sister, did you think I was oblivious to what you care
about the most?
What a shame that you, poor little thing, will never get the love you crave. Just keep hiding
your corner, envying me.â
in
Had Ivy heard those words before Tessaâs arrival, she might have been hurt. That kind of wound,
inflicted by oneâs own parents, never truly heals. It festers, hidden beneath the surface, a gap that
could only be filled with even more love.
But now, Ivy didnât need the love of such irrelevant people. She no longer needed their affirmation
to know her worth.