The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel 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.

Once she was gone, Nolan walked alone to the high school gates.

The familiar sight of the school stirred a mix of emotions in him.

Are some things truly beyond repair once missed?

Ivy arrived home by taxi only to find Balfour sitting in the living room, his face clouded with a dark mood.

What brought him home today?

It was odd for her to see him here. She approached cautiously, "Mr. Howard, what brings you home early today?"

"Where have you been?" Balfour's voice was cold.

"Never seen this model before, but she's landed a sweet gig right out of the gate. Now we know why!"

"Looks like she's got a backer."

"Climbing the ladder through scandalous relationships. I won’t buy the products she endorses!"

"I heard she wasn't the original choice for the endorsement. Suddenly it's her. So that's why!"

"What... what is this? Who took these photos!" Ivy looked up at Balfour, her eyes filled with panic, "Balfour, don't believe this! It's not what it looks like, let me explain..."

"The pictures are pretty clear; what else can you explain? I'm gone for just a few days, and you can't stand the loneliness?" Balfour had no patience for her explanations and got up to leave.

"Balfour! Wait..." Ivy dropped the iPad, reaching out to grab his hand, "It's not like that, the photos are taken out of context. I didn't do anything with Nolan! I was just shooting a commercial for his company, that's all!"