The text already flaunted who the sender was, so she tossed it back to her purse with a scoffing expression, her threat was too insignificant to make her fret. It seems Irene was rejoicing over her present situation, but Ivy was unaware there was more than that.As the trio left the premises, a red car that was closely parked to their car followed behind them. A few minutes later, another car squeaked following their trails.The unresolved fuss about Ivy's animosity towards Isabelle was a hot topic that refused to be replaced by new scandals that surfaced in the entertainment industry. An international star actress was found cheating with her manager at a luxurious hotel by paparazzi. As this scandal was exposed, it caught the attention of the media for a split second. Immediately after that story, they weren't given a break to dwell on it as another piece of information concerning Ivy surfaced from an anonymous source. It claimed Ivy as the real culprit behind Isabelle's attack, prov
The day that Isabelle was discharged from the hospital, reporters visited her at the entrance asking questions about the situation. Isabelle was more than happy to cooperate with them, she looked better than before except for some bruise marks that were still visible on her face."How are you feeling now Isabelle?""Better." She responded with a smile."Why haven't you taken any action yet?""I have my reasons." She gave a short reply."Please allow her to get some rest, I hope the media can be understanding towards her. After she gains full recovery, there would be a press conference to explain everything," Isabelle's manager said as he led Isabelle into the car.Isabelle would like to say more but because of her manager, she refrained. She was enjoying the situation and the attention she was getting while Ivy got slandered by angry netizens.On the other hand, the reporters were restless. They weren't given any update concerning the situation and Ivy refused to make a public appeara
After their argument, Ivy left with Susan and Joan without giving an apology. Isabelle's manager's eyes twitched as he watched them leave stoutly. He huffed and glanced at Isabelle, who was biting her lips trying to suppress her anger."The only way to put her in her place is to find real evidence to prove her guilty."Isabelle nodded subconsciously, her mind trailed off; she desperately wanted her to be replaced. It seems her plan didn't work perfectly; though the media were still on Ivy's tails. If the situation continues to push through, she might get entangled in her own mess."Isabelle, we are leaving for the police station tomorrow," her manager declared."What? No."He frowned. Why was she hesitating to involve the police? "Is there something you aren't telling me?"Isabelle shrugged. "Don't worry, she will get what she deserves.""Then what do you plan on doing?" He asked.To be honest, Isabelle had no idea. The woman isn't a pushover as she imagined her to be. She bit her lip
Joan went outside Ivy's room and typed on her phone.* I have no idea what she is planning to do. Currently, she is waiting for the right time to clarify herself, but I don't know when.*Shortly she received a reply,*When the situation intensifies even more, Ethan will hand you something of use.* Joan frowned, 'Who is Ethan?' Whoever he was, he was definitely an ally. It seems Ivy will be in trouble soon, not that she cared. Shrugging, she returned to Ivy's room.Director Tim asked to see Ivy at the hotel's restaurant. Ivy and Susan went down to the ground floor where she found Tim sitting alone. Ivy thought she would also find Producer Stephen, but she didn't. It seems Stephen was fed up with the film's delay."Why is your face so gloomy, Director Tim?" Ivy asked."You know the reason, stop pretending to be clueless," he spat and averted his eyes.Ivy chuckled. Isabelle really had her way, turning the production crew against her. Even Director Tim was slowly slipping away from her s
Isabelle's manager refused to let Ivy go free, 'just because she married a billionaire she thinks she can do as she pleases.' He seethed as he picked up his phone, watching his artist in her helpless state was angering him to his core. He knew what he needed to do, after all the initial stage of an artist's destruction was the media and public disapprobation.As the media were informed of Isabelle's current state, they honored the invitation. Even if they weren't called, they would have still done anything to get their hands on a new story that would ignite the entertainment industry.The reporters, seeing Isabelle in her condition, were moved to sympathize with her. The scars present on her face would take time to clean off. Though as an actress she would prefer surgery,but the state of her body was a different story."How are you recovering, Isabelle?"Isabelle was in no mood to tell the public if she was recovering. All she wanted was for the public to rip Ivy apart with their cond
The police officer agreed to her request, there was no way her slender legs could escape without getting caught and if she decides to escape it will just prove the claim. Joan left in a hurry and slid along the wall of the restroom. "What if I get arrested, this isn't what I signed up for?" She typed on her phone keypad to send a text, she refused to just sit back and let herself be dragged into the mess. *Why am being called for questioning huh, this isn't part of the plan.* Although she was told never to send them texts, she resisted. She waited for over thirty seconds before she received a reply. * told you not to text me, dimwit, what if she suspects you.* Just like that, her reply ended. "What, is that her answer?" Joan said in frustration, she sent another text. *You promised I wouldn't be suspected by the police.* There was no reply. Joan smirked, "Then I'll make sure you go down with me." Ding. She immediately received a reply. *F*ck you, Joan, I told you to
IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!" Zack's voice boomed from the other end, it was filled with authority that Henry subconsciously trembled slightly. "If you ever say that again, I'll make sure you never have the guts to freely walk in the street," he said in a stern voice and ended the call. Henry wasn't given the chance to complain further, he tossed his phone aside with a frown. He couldn't believe his brother took the side of a woman. When did Zack Anderson ever bother about the female species? He only said she was a disgrace and the reply he got threw him off the roof. With nothing to do about the Anderson's name being tarnished, he sat back to see if Ivy would be proven guilty.Meanwhile, at the police station, Ivy's lawyer arrived before the interrogation began."Where were you that day she was attacked?""In my room," Ivy gave her truthful response."And the other attack?""In my room," she repeated. All Ivy wanted was for the questioning to end because after answering the tons of q
Meanwhile, inside the police station, a man decked out in a tailored suit requested to see the chief. As they recognized him, his request was honored instantly. "Welcome, sir," they showered him with respect as they brought him to the chief. The chief, upon seeing him, greeted him with courtesy. The man's appearance indicated that he was sent by a prominent figure who was not to be offended at any cost. "Mr. Bryan, what brings you here?" Bryan was Zack Anderson's right-hand man. His presence meant Zack Anderson's shadow was also there. Bryan's calm gaze fell on the chief. "I came regarding the present case. I have something useful." The chief quickly understood his hint and called the police officers handling the case. The officers who interrogated Ivy broke into a cold sweat upon seeing Bryan. "Sir..." "I am very disappointed with the police force. You all claim to bring justice yet let a criminal escape right under your nose," Bryan got straight to the point. The chief could o
Susan's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded and signaled to the host that Ivy was ready to continue. Ivy took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and pasting a bright smile on her face. She was determined to get through this, no matter what.As she walked back onto the stage, the audience applauded again, and Ivy waved, her smile never wavering. The host greeted her warmly and introduced the next segment of the show. Meanwhile, Ivy's eyes scanned the audience, her gaze locking onto her father and aunt, who were still sitting in the front row.Instantly, Ivy's anger and resentment simmered again, but she took a deep breath, determined to keep her cool. She was going to get through this, and she was going to make sure that her father and aunt didn't ruin it for her. They really had guts showing up here; whatever the reason, it didn't seem good.With a newfound sense of determination, Ivy refocused on the show, answering the host's questions with poise and confidence. She
Two days flew by in a whirlwind of preparations for the talk show. Ivy's days were filled with rehearsals, interviews, and wardrobe fittings. Susan was a constant presence, guiding Ivy through the process. Zack, on the other hand, kept a low profile, but Ivy could sense his eyes on her, watching her every move. It was as though he was scrutinizingly waiting for any mishap.As the day of the talk show approached, Ivy's nerves began to fray. She had always been comfortable in the spotlight, but this time felt different. She couldn't shake the feeling that facing an audience was a terrible idea. It wasn't supposed to be the case, but with everything that had happened lately, she needed time to heal. The nightmare and recollection had been haunting her; it worsened, and it was taking a toll on her appearance.Her eyes were always moist from crying late in the night despite her resolve not to shed tears. She couldn't brush off the pain, grief, and guilt that was eating her up.With thought
Zack shot out of bed and made his way to the door. Meanwhile, as Ivy watched him go, she felt a sense of trepidation. Who could be visiting her now?As Zack opened the door, he spoke in a low tone to Xavier. Ivy couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but she could tell that Zack was not happy.After a moment, Zack turned and walked back into the room, his expression grim as he locked eyes with Ivy."It's your manager."*****Meanwhile, Susan had already made herself at home in the living room, sitting on the couch, sipping a glass of water that Xavier had offered her.As Zack entered the room, Susan stood up, a bright smile plastered on her face. "Zack," she said, extending a manicured hand. "It's so good to see you."Zack's expression remained grim, and he ignored Susan's outstretched hand. "What are you doing here, Susan?" he asked bluntly.Susan's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "I came to see Ivy, of course," she said matter-of-factly. "I've been tr
Zack and Ivy exchanged glances, wondering who it could be. But then Ivy began to have a sinking feeling in her stomach. "I can take a rough guess," she said, slumping back on the bed and mouthing, "Judy." Zack's expression hardened, and he quickly got up from the bed and strode out of the room. "Let her in," he instructed Xavier, and Xavier nodded and hastened down the stairs. Zack followed suit. Judy was allowed in shortly meanwhile Zack had already taken a seat in the living room, his expression twisted in annoyance as he locked eyes with her. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice flat, as if bored by her presence. Judy's eyes were soft and gentle, scanning the whole room, expecting to see Ivy, but there was no sign of her. "Where is she?" Judy asked, her voice slightly trembling, her eyes scanning the room again as if hoping to catch a glimpse of Ivy. Zack's expression remained impassive, his arms crossed over his chest. "She's not available to see you right now,"
Zack's arms wrapped tightly around Ivy, holding her close as she sobbed uncontrollably. He knew a storm was raging within her. He had somewhat expected she would feel broken, but this—it was way more than he had anticipated. She wasn't just broken; she was shattered. The pain and anguish that ravaged her face was evident.Zack held her close, trying to absorb some of the pain that seemed to be tearing her apart. The truth behind her emotions seemed to be consuming her.Ivy's sobs slowly began to subside, and she pulled back from Zack, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She looked up at him, and for a moment, their eyes locked in a silent understanding."Ivy," Zack whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry about your mom. Irene told me everything."Ivy's eyes searched Zack's face for a moment before she wiped her tears. "She did?"Zack nodded and took her hands in his, his eyes locked on hers. "Whatever happened was devastating, and I'm extremely worried about you." He hesitated
Ivy tossed and turned relentlessly in her bed, her eyes fluttering open to a scene that felt all too real. She was standing in her living room, but it wasn't the warm and cozy space she knew. It was cold and tense, with police officers looming over her dad."Mr. Steve, I'm afraid with the evidence we found, we need to take you in for questioning," one of the officers said, his voice firm but polite.Steve's face was pale with shock, his eyes wide with fear. "What evidence?" he demanded, his voice trembling.The officer hesitated, his expression unreadable. "We can't disclose that right now. But we do have enough to arrest you on suspicion of murder."Steve repeated, his voice shaking, "Murder? No... I didn't kill anyone."The officer's expression remained stern. "Steve, please turn around and put your hands behind your back. You're under arrest."Ivy watched in horror as the officers handcuffed her dad and led him away. She tried to scream, but her voice was frozen in her throat.She
Irene stepped into her house, closing the door behind her as if trying to shut out the world. She stood still for a moment, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings as if seeing them for the first time.Everything around felt hollow. If she knew recollection of the past would cause her this emptiness, she wouldn't have done it. Now she felt like she had traveled back to the past experiences she wanted to shut out for so long."Hey, why are you back so late? It's midnight," Dave sprang up from the couch, but then he noticed the distant look in Irene's eyes. "Irene?"Irene didn't respond. She just walked past him, her feet carrying her on autopilot to the bedroom. Dave's eyes followed her, concern etched on his face."Irene, what's wrong?" he asked, getting up from the couch to follow her.Irene stopped in front of the bedroom door, her hand on the doorknob. She turned to face Dave, her eyes empty and haunted."Nothing," she said flatly, "just tired."With that, she slammed the door
Fifteen-year-old Ivy's feet wobbled, drained from all the running, as she pushed through the door of her home. She panted heavily, catching her breath and meeting the stunned silence in the house.It was odd; she had expected to see her mother standing in the doorway, ready to scold her for running off like that, or perhaps to be welcomed by her sister's taunts, but there was nothing.She raised her head only to find the living room empty."Mum? Irene?" she called, scanning the room, but then someone else emerged—someone she didn't expect to see."Dad? Dad!" She kicked off her shoes and enveloped him in a tight embrace. "I've been looking for you, Dad. Where were you?"Steve pulled away, his expression somber. "I, um..." he began, his gaze on Ivy's face faltering. Ivy noticed the way his voice quaked; her eyes scanned his face, and she caught his hand trembling at his side."Dad, why the face?" Ivy asked, concern etched on her face.Steve looked away without responding; his eyes seeme
"Where could she have gone?" Zack muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration and fear."Xavier!" he called, massaging his temples. To be honest, he was lost on where to find Ivy."Sir." Xavier raced down the stairs, his movements hurried as he could sense something was off with his master."Was Ivy here?" Zack asked, his eyes wide with hope, but Xavier's response shattered it to pieces.He massaged his temples again, thinking just maybe... maybe she's okay, maybe she's just ignoring me, maybe she's... no, no, no, think, Zack, think... where would she go? Who would she turn to? Irene? No, she was just with Irene, and Irene said she left... left where? Left to go where? His mind was a jumbled mess, thoughts racing in every direction, none of them making sense... Ivy, where are you?Suddenly, his eyes flashed with realization. Judy! Her aunt Judy! Ivy had always been close to her aunt, and it seemed Judy was one of the few people who truly understood her, even though he