Ivy's fake smile grew wider as she fixed her gaze solely on Irene, her eyes blazing with resentment. Honestly, she didn't care if confronting her sister was the right thing to do or not; her frustration had pushed her to the brink of losing control. "Sister?" Roy repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion. He darted his eyes between the two women, astonishment etched on his face. "You two are really sisters?" Irene's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with unease. She knew this confrontation was inevitable. With an emotionless gaze, she stared back at Ivy with a subtle smirk on her face. Albert's loud chuckle momentarily snapped all their attention to him. "I knew it since the first day I met both of you, but you denied it... I wonder why..." he said, his expression serious as he intently stared at Ivy. "What are you even doing here?" Dave cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Maybe we should give them some space, Father. This seems like a family matter."
With Ivy's adamant decision to visit the Anderson mansion for the purpose of confronting her sister, Zack had no choice but to let her do as she wished. He felt the anger and pain that exuded from her, born from times of her sister's constant betrayal and manipulation, a toxic cycle that had slowly eroded her trust and left emotional scars that still lingered.As Zack watched Ivy's confrontation with Irene, he felt a mix of emotions. Pride swelled within him as he saw Ivy stand up for herself, but concern etched his face. He had never seen Ivy's temper, nor had he seen her so overwhelmed with emotions. The look in her eye was one of fierce determination, her voice trembling with deep-seated hurt, and her entire being radiated a sense of desperation, as if this confrontation was her last stand against the suffocating weight of Irene's manipulation and betrayal.Ivy's words poured out like a torrent, releasing years of pent-up emotions. With a deep breath, Ivy took a step back, her ey
Just as it seemed the argument would escalate further, Donna rushed down the stairs with Roy's medicine, which caught the attention of everyone in the room. The sound of her foot against the staircase made them avert their eyes in her direction, momentarily distracting them. The room felt silent, with everyone's faces flushed with anger, her eyes still fixed on their opponents, fighting the urge to continue the argument. Upon realizing that their tussle has triggered the old man's health,they backed away, tossing last words and warnings, with Dave being the first to retreat. "You're going to regret slapping my wife, Ivy," he hissed, his fierce gaze boring into Ivy. "I don't think so," she shot back, a smirk curling up her lips. "I am beginning to enjoy this. If I had known retaliating was this pleasant, I would have dealt with you and your wife a long time ago." Dave's lips twitched as he slowly stepped back, finally returning to Irene's side. "You'll pay for your insolence, Iv
Ivy gasped in disbelief, her face twisted in a scowl. "But it was barely four hours since the video went viral. This is ridiculous." "It's absolutely ludicrous!" Susan exclaimed, letting out a sharp, exasperated sigh. "I just got the director's annoyingly insincere apology in my email a few minutes ago. I'm convinced Chadwick is behind this mess – again. He's using his influence to jeopardize everything and shift the spotlight onto you. And to add insult to injury, he released a statement 'protecting' your replica reputation, effectively throwing you under the bus." Susan's voice dripped with disdain as she continued, "Omega Entertainment is becoming a pain in the ass. Their corporate gamesmanship is suffocating. I swear, it's like they're deliberately trying to strangle you." After letting Susan rant out her frustration, Ivy let out a low chuckle, a bitter smile spreading on her face. "No, Susan, Omega Entertainment is not the enemy here. The real pain in the ass is my sister," sh
Under the soothing coolness of the night breeze, Kate's feet dragged across the pavement, each step heavy with the weight of her sorrow. Tears brimmed in her eyes as the doctor's devastating words echoed in her mind that left her heart shattered. "Your mother's health has deteriorated; she won't last much longer unless you act quickly. We need funds to continue with her treatment." "What do you mean by 'need funds'?" she snapped, her voice laced with confusion. "There is a particular amount being sent to the hospital every month for her treatment, so what are you saying?" She had rushed down to the hospital upon receiving a message that her mother was in very critical condition, only to be met with a shocking revelation. "Her treatment has been put on hold since two months ago," the doctor had replied, sounding oblivious to the fact that Irene had promised her that her mother's treatment was being taken care of. Kate's mind reeled as the doctor's words replayed again like a cruel
Ivy agreed to meet Kate at a quaint café the next morning, intrigued by the desperation in Kate's voice. Though her skepticism lingered, Ivy detected a hint of genuineness she couldn't ignore. She hadn't fully bought into Kate's sudden change of heart; Irene and Kate's friendship had been unbreakable for centuries. Yet, Ivy's curiosity was piqued. What had driven Kate to betray Irene? Ivy couldn't quite grasp the reason; her mind continued racing with possibilities. As she settled into bed, her thoughts swirled with questions: "Is Kate truly willing to take down Irene, or is this another twisted game?" "What secrets has Kate uncovered, and at what cost?" The meeting would reveal more, but Ivy's instincts whispered that Kate's defection was more complex than met the eye. Ivy donned a black hoodie and sunglasses, disguising herself from the paparazzi and avoiding unwanted attention since the news of her leaked photos and video was still viral. She arrived at the café early, choo
Ivy's eyes widened at the shocking information. Joan is working for Irene? It can't be! How come i never suspected anything? "Is what you're saying true?" Ivy asked, her eyes fixed on Kate as if searching for any sign of deception, her voice laced with incredulity and a hint of vulnerability. "I mean, how is that possible? She's been by my side all this time." Kate's expression turned somber. "Irene has a way of manipulating people, Ivy. She's been using Joan to feed her information. Joan and I used to meet while you were filming 'Tomboy Donna.'" Ivy's gaze dropped, her mind racing with memories of Joan's dedication and supposed loyalty. "What proof do you have?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Kate didn't immediately respond but instead pulled out her phone from her bag. "Message recordings. Irene's been paying Joan to spy on you, like I said." Ivy's eyes scanned the messages, her heart sinking with each passing sentence. Ethan's words, seemingly innocuous, now
As Ivy pulled out of her parking spot, a black Lamborghini pulled up at the entrance. "So, where are you going with this?" a low, smooth voice asked from the driver's seat. Beside him sat a tall, imposing figure with sunglasses, watching Ivy with an air of curiosity. A sly smile spread across his face, his lips curling upward as he rested his elbow on the window. "Definitely going somewhere..." he finally replied, his gaze still fixed on the fading taillights of Ivy's car. Then his phone vibrated in his pocket. Taking out his phone, he chuckled as his eyes scanned the message he received. "Are we just going to keep watching from a distance without doing anything?" the driver asked again, curiosity etched on his face as he locked eyes with the man beside him. The man's eyes flicked to the driver, a hint of amusement present. "I am a very patient man," he said, his voice low and smooth. "We're just getting started." "Started with what?" The driver raised an eyebrow, his curiosi
Zack stared at his tablet for what felt like forever, hesitant. He was finally going to see the one who was behind his accident. But now the weight of the moment pressed down on him. He knew this call could change everything, reveal a face he might recognize, or a stranger he would despise. He wasn't sure he was ready for either.Ivy was by his side, squeezing his arm tightly and encouraging him to do it. "Come on, Finn made this possible for you, so... let’s get it over with," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and nudging him to tap on the screen."Alright," he said finally, but as Ivy attempted to speak, a loud cry came out from the room."Lucas again," she growled and got up, placing a soft kiss on Zack's cheek. "Be right back."With that, she left, and Zack decided to get it over with as Ivy had said. He tapped on the screen, and there just what he had feared stared right back at him.Those familiar emerald eyes..."Chris. So it was really you," Zack whispered, disbelief
THE NEXT MORNING, Ivy and Zack made their way downstairs, luggage in tow, with Lucas giggling in his stroller. Lucas was babbling excitedly, clearly sensing the adventure ahead, and Ivy couldn't help but smile at her little boy's enthusiasm. Although she was still a bit hesitant about leaving, Zack's and Lucas's enthusiasm was infectious.But she had to agree a vacation would benefit them all.Just as they were about to head out the door, Xavier, their butler, rushed in, looking flustered."Wait, please!" Xavier exclaimed. "We have a visitor."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her smile faltering. "Who is it?"Xavier hesitated before responding. "It's... your..." Before he could finish, a voice cut in."Zack has woken up all this time, and you didn't bother informing us," Henry walked in, the old man right beside him.The moment he set eyes on Zack, he went straight to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay, son..."Zack, caught off guard, returned the hug, a mix of surprise and conf
"Ivy, remember when I took Roy outside?" Zack said, and Ivy frowned. "Yes, of course." "I thought... I thought I saw Chris. Briefly. Just a glimpse." Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Chris? But... he hasn't called since that day..." "Exactly," Zack said, his brow furrowed. "But what if... what if... I don't know...?" Ivy shook her head, dismissing the idea. "Zack, that's impossible. Didn't you say he was an imposter?" "I'm starting to doubt that 'imposter' theory," Zack said. "It's too convenient the way he operates in the shadows... it's shady." Ivy's eyes narrowed, having a hard time processing everything. If he wasn't an imposter, then why hadn't he reunited with Zack? Why was he hiding? "What if... he has a vendetta? Against you?" Ivy sprang from the bed, her head filled with fear gnawing at her. She knew what it felt like to be wanted dead, and now Zack, this childhood friend... if it's true, then it's even worse than she imagined. "Maybe we should tell Finn every
"Lucas, I'm home!" Zack announced as he stepped into the familiar warmth of their living room. Ivy smiled and quickly got beside him. "Careful, Zack," she cautioned, her hand lightly touching his arm. "Remember, you're still recovering." "Now you want me to be treated like a fragile piece of glass, huh?" Zack said with his usual smirk, and Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Yeah, that's what you are right now." Zack smirked, closing the short distance between them. "Is that so?" Ivy stepped back, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Zack, this isn't the right place to... you know, do your usual thing..." She then said with gritted teeth, "Maria and Lucas are coming." Zack turned to find Maria smiling his way. She bowed slightly and then placed Lucas on the ground. "There he is," Zack said, his voice softening as he knelt down. He extended his arms, a wide, welcoming smile on his face. "Come here, buddy. Daddy's home." Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between Zack and
"Zack, tomorrow's a big day. Lucas is hitting nine months," Ivy said, her voice soft as she gently ran her hands over Zack's. "Can you believe it? Nine months already?"She tried hard to grin, but what came out was a pathetic smile. "I... started him on complementary foods, you know. He seems to really like mashed sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon. He makes the funniest face when he tastes something new, but sweet potatoes are definitely his favorite."Ivy chuckled, despite knowing that Zack couldn't hear her. The sound was more for her own benefit, a way to release some of the tension and sadness that had been building up inside.But as she looked at Zack's still face, her expression shifted. Her smile faltered, and her eyes welled up with tears.Ivy's sigh turned into a sob, and she buried her face in her hands, letting the tears flow.She had hoped Zack would wake up before their son turned seven months, but now he was nine months, still trapped in this limbo.He didn't get to
SIX MONTHS LATERIvy's hands trembled as she held the phone, Bryan's voice sounding at the other end."Ma'am, we found him last night," Bryan said, his tone gentle but firm. "The driver who hit Zack. We've got a positive ID."Ivy's breath caught in her throat. Six months of waiting, wondering, and fighting for answers. Finally, she was going to get some justice."Who is it?" Ivy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.There was a pause before Bryan responded, "Marcus Thompson. The police are bringing him in for questioning. They're going to push him hard to see if he'll talk."Ivy's grip on the phone tightened. "Will he talk?""There's a good chance he might," Bryan said. "Thompson's got a history of criminal activity. He's been in and out of jail for various offenses. If the police can leverage that, he might be willing to cooperate."Ivy's mind was racing. "How soon can they get him to talk?" She wanted to wipe that smug look off Albert's face.Bryan hesitated before responding, "W
Ivy's car halted in front of the Anderson mansion. It was the early hours of the morning, and Ivy decided to seize this opportunity to get answers.She slammed the door behind her, took a deep breath, and stepped into the mansion. She didn't bother to knock before entering.A sliver of light spilled out from the lounge, the air thick with the smell of stale liquor."Albert!" Ivy yelled, scanning the whole place. "Albert, where are you?"Footsteps sounded, and Henry appeared coming down the stairs, draped in a robe and his hair a bit messy."It's too early to yell," he said, but as his eyes landed on Ivy, a frown settled on his face."What are you doing here?""Where is Albert?" Ivy asked, and Henry's brow deepened."Ivy, why are you here? Shouldn't you be sitting with Zack at the hospital?""Where is Albert?" Ivy's expression turned serious, the one that tells you, "I'm losing my patience."Henry's eyes lingered on her for a moment before finally pointing to a corner."Turn left."Wit
"I never should have let you leave." Ivy whimpered, squeezing Zack's hand, as if trying to coax life back into his fingers. "I should have forced you to eat breakfast... maybe... maybe..."She choked on tears trickling down her cheek... "maybe you would have escaped it..." she sniffled, trying to hold back her tears, but it was no use. The dam broke, and she let out a heart-wrenching sob, her body shaking uncontrollably."How long are you going to stay like this, huh? How long before you wake up..." she mumbled. "It's only been a few hours, and I can't keep seeing you like this..."He had always been the strong one, the rock that held her together when she broke down. But now he was the one who was broken, and she was left to pick up the pieces. All she could do was hope he would wake up sooner.Ivy's sobs slowly subsided as she wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.Her chest tightened, but she pushed through, squeezing his arm with all the strength she could muster."Please w
"Shhh, baby, it's okay," Ivy murmured, pacing back and forth in the room with the crying Lucas in her arms. "Mommy's here." The nanny, Maria, sat on the couch, watching them with concern, occasionally standing up and sitting back down on the couch in frustration. Lucas's cries only intensified, his small body writhing in discomfort. He was unusually fussy, refusing his bottle and arching his back in distress. Ivy had tried everything – changing his diaper, offering him a pacifier, singing lullabies – but nothing seemed to make him calm down. Maria got up and approached Ivy. "Let me try, Mrs. Anderson," But Ivy shook her head. "No, I've got him. I just need to... figure out what's wrong." She continued to pace, trying to rock Lucas to sleep. "What's wrong, my little one?" she whispered, her heart throbbing slightly. Lucas usually didn't cry this way for this long. She glanced at the clock, wondering if she should call Zack and tell him about Lucas's behavior. But it would b