The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1983

“How am I supposed to know when she started her schemes! Dad, I’m telling you, she’s had it in for me from the get-go, just can’t wait to stick it to the Dunhills! If you don’t set her straight this time, she’s just gonna push us further!” Clara was fuming, her eyes red as if she had been wronged deeply, “Dad, I have a plan to teach her a lesson, but I need your support!”

Finn looked at her puzzled. “What’s your plan?”

Leaning closer to her father, Clara whispered her scheme into Finn’s ear. He nodded in agreement, giving her the green light to proceed.

Ivy and Nolan had enjoyed a meal together at a restaurant near their high school, where they reminisced about old times. The air was pleasant and Ivy felt more at ease than before.

After finishing their meal, Nolan offered to drive Ivy home, but she declined once again.

“I’m sorry, Nolan. I really appreciate it. But Balfour… well, he doesn’t take kindly to me getting too chummy with other men. He might get it wrong if he saw us together. I better just hail a cab,” she said.

Nolan didn’t insist any further. He waited with her until she got into a taxi and watched her leave.

walked alone to the high school

of the school stirred a mix of emotions

things truly beyond

Balfour sitting in the living room, his face clouded with a dark mood.

him

approached cautiously, “Mr. Howard, what brings you home early today?”

Balfour’s

Ivy knew that telling him the truth

better to keep it to herself

been?”

stroll. What’s wrong?” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant as she

if trying to see through her. “Ivy, I’ll ask you again. Where exactly have His piercing eyes sent a chill down her spine, and she couldn’t help but avert his gaze, “I… I really just went out, what’s the big deal?” “Very well.” Balfour

Ivy picked up the