The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2474

But what could she do? She was the stepmother, and it felt like she had to outperform everyone a thousandfold just to earn a begrudging ninety-nine points of approval.

Not that she hadn't harbored resentments, but every time she thought of her husband, she swallowed the bitterness and soldiered on in silence.

Yet, she had never imagined that her sacrifices would ultimately cast her as the villain.

Why?

With that thought swirling in her mind, Tessa fainted.

When Finn found her, the tears on her cheeks were still wet.

Finn had been a golden boy in his youth, but ever since his father passed away, the Dunhill family took a hard hit, and he never quite got back on his feet.

He wanted to restore the Dunhill family to its former glory, though business acumen was never his strong suit.

At the company, he struggled just to maintain the status quo, always wary of being outmaneuvered.

A week had passed before Ivy heard that Tessa was in the hospital. She had already locked down a schedule with her studio for a fan meet-and-greet, meticulously planning the gifts she would offer.

When Evadne brought the news, Ivy's hands paused over the wrapping of a present.

"Did they say what's wrong with her?"

"They're saying it's a stroke. Apparently, she was delayed getting treatment, so she's not yet regained consciousness."

Ivy was silent for a long while before finally acknowledging Evadne, who, sensing her mood, said nothing more.