The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2535

"Never mind, you wouldn't understand," Leo said with a pat on Quinton's shoulder. "Just do the job you've been given, and do it well."

He was all too familiar with the online chatter; clearly, Seren's example hadn't deterred them.

Leo was not above using stronger measures to teach a lesson about what happens when someone crossed Ivy.

The moment Ivy swung open the door to the dance studio, she sensed something was off.

Her instructor had her practicing in the innermost room, which meant she had to walk past the other rooms.

Other students were there too, practicing, and they usually greeted her warmly.

Today was different; there were greetings, sure, but Ivy felt their eyes appraising her more than acknowledging her presence.

It made her skin crawl.

Especially after they gave her the once-over, they'd huddle and whisper among themselves, making her the topic of some unsavory gossip.

Rubbing her arms for comfort, Ivy decided to ignore them. She quickened her pace, eager to grab her coat and let her instructor know she might not be coming back for a while.

But someone blocked her path.

Ophelia had often been the most enthusiastic to greet her, as if they'd known each other for years. Ivy found it unsettling but had never avoided her.

Now Ophelia's face twisted with contempt.

"So you're still playing innocent, huh? God, not only are you a jinx, but you're also a goody-two-shoes! If it weren't for you, would the Howard family have all that bad luck? And your sister, she spilled the beans online, claiming ever since you were born, the Dunhill family's business has gone downhill. Seriously, stay away from us. We don't want to be cursed by you, having our careers over before they even start."

"Is Clara at it again on social media?"

Ivy frowned, too busy with Alyssa’s incident since yesterday to check online gossip.

She was astounded that in such a short time, her dear sister had managed to sling more mud at her.

Talk about relentless!

Ever since Ivy was born, Clara had been especially spiteful, fighting for attention, blaming Ivy for everything, setting her up, and even stealing their mother's love.