Mara blinked in disbelief and asked, "Are you kidding me? Or did you just land a new movie role or something?"
"Why the hesitation? I'm just asking how your sister died. What's with the panic? Or do you know deep down that it wasn't Balfour's fault she's gone, and you're scared that if the truth comes out, you can't guilt-trip the Howard family into taking care of you anymore?"
At Ivy's words, Mara could only spit out two dismissive words, "Crazy lady. Does Balfour even know you're doubting my sister like this? Oh, no wonder you came to see me behind his back today. If Balfour knew you were a nutcase, he'd dump you in a heartbeat!"
Though Mara maintained a facade of composure, her fingers were tightly clenching under the table.
Why was Ivy suddenly asking about this?
Victoria's death had never been questioned, not even by the photo placed under her pillow that night. After all these years, no one would uncover the truth!
She kept reassuring herself, managing to appear less tense.
"Ms. Lewis, it's just us here, no need to keep up the act. You know the answer to my question better than anyone. But hey, no pressure to spill now. When I find the evidence I need..."
Ivy grabbed her purse, ready to leave, when Mara suddenly clutched her wrist, "Hold on! Did you call me out today just to ask this bizarre question?"
She gripped Ivy's hand. "What do you take me for? Someone you can just summon and dismiss?"
Ivy yanked her hand free and said, "Sorry, there's nothing else for us to talk about. Since you're not willing to answer, we can face off when I have the proof."
After a brief exchange with Mara, Ivy was even more convinced of her gut feeling. If she had wrongly accused Mara, she'd be making a scene by now. Wouldn't she seize the opportunity to make Balfour despise her?
But Mara’s calm demeanor suggested she'd anticipated this question and prepared for it, enabling her to keep her cool and even mock Ivy for being insane.
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