The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1963

Ivy had no proof to convince the interviewers of her innocence - an innocence that seemed to be perpetually on trial.

After a brief huddle, the hiring managers offered Ivy an apologetic "Sorry, but we can't offer you the position."

As much as she had braced herself for disappointment, the rejection still stung. With the weight of regret pressing down on her, Ivy left the office, her steps heavy with dejection.

She had thought that severing ties with her family with a three-million-dollar settlement would finally free her from their toxic grasp. But Clara, ever the spiteful half-sister, seemed determined to make Ivy's life a misery. It wasn't enough that Ivy was forced to strike out on her own; Clara seemed determined to sabotage even the smallest chance at independence.

Was this really her fate?

"Well, well, look who couldn't land a job. What a pity, dear sister," Clara's voice dripped with mockery as she caught up to Ivy outside the Harris Group's imposing building. "Need your sis to find you a gig as a stagehand or something? Keep you off the streets?"

Ivy was already at her breaking point, and Clara's taunting was like a match to kindling. "Clara, you'd do well to stay out of my sight!" she snapped, barely containing the storm brewing inside her. She didn't want to cause a scene, not here on the company's doorstep.

Hatred had replaced whatever affection Ivy might have once held for Clara, who had stolen all of her mother's love and relentlessly picked on her, making her life unbearable.