The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2523

“Listen, Alyssa, I’m sorry, okay?” Mara pressed closer, her voice simmering with frustration as Alyssa cautiously gripped the railing, stepping back.

Alyssa said, “I apologize. But life’s long, and you’ve got plenty ahead of me, unlike me. I’m practically six feet under already. Why not let go of Balfour and find someone who truly loves you?”

Mara’s laughter held a bitter edge, and with a swift, fierce motion, her hand struck Alyssa’s arm. A sharp cry escaped as Alyssa missed her grasp on the banister and tumbled down the stairs.

“Ah-”

The dispute had erupted in a secluded corner, away from prying eyes. As Alyssa fell, her scream was the only sound before a sickening silence took over.

Mara’s hands shook uncontrollably. “You brought this on yourself, so don’t blame me.”

Blood slowly pooled beneath Alyssa’s head, her eyelids fluttering before closing into

unconsciousness.

in a blind spot, away from any

a matter of minutes before someone discovered

help! Alyssa’s fallen down

guests downstairs, who had been enjoying convivial chatter and fine wines, sobere up instantly. “You’ve got to be kidding. Alyssa was just fine, chatting with

about such matters. The crowd stirred, clustering around the scene of the

heard the dreadful news and sprang up, his glass shattering unnoticed on the

sound snapped Ivy out of her daze. Rubbing her foggy head, she said, “Althea, what did you just

and see for yourselves. The

the drink she’d had that evening; if only she hadn’t indulged, she wouldn’t be so weak-kneed now, unable to

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