The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2286

Dean shook his head with a sigh, the lines on his weathered face deepening with concern. As an elder, he found himself in a delicate position, hesitant to step in directly and halt the unfolding drama.

“All we can do now is hope Mara gets the message that she’s barking up the wrong tree, that she has the sense to back off before things turn uglier than a Thanksgiving turkey left in the oven too long.”

Alyssa felt a pang in her heart for Ivy. She was relieved that the recent awkward confrontation had not unfolded before Ivy.

If Ivy had witnessed that mess, Alyssa could only imagine the storm of hurt that would have churned in Ivy’s heart.

“This can’t go on. I need to find the right moment to have a heart-to-heart with Balfour. The man’s married, for heaven’s sake. He should not be cozying up to another woman like that.”

knew no amount of sweet talking

pins and needles, each day at work filled with the

thought of twiddling their thumbs

two sat together, each with a box

the audience is roasting us like we’re the main course at a barbecue festival. It hurts to see, especially since none of this

being thrown their way, making even the

didn’t stir this pot. Let them rant if they want to!” Thalia said

belonged to others and were beyond her control. What mattered was their conscience. They knew

the table. The

was almost too much to bear. She longed for the day they could