Chapter 36

Serena's POV Grandmother Blackwood glanced at the receipts, then let out a cold laugh that sent chills down my spine. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the papers directly into Ivy's face. "Have I gone senile? I don't recall any connection between the Blackwood family and you, Ivy Hart. These clothes you're buying—why should the Blackwoods pay for them?" The humiliation on Ivy's face was immediate. Around us, the store employees began whispering, barely concealing their amusement at her predicament. I fought to keep my expression neutral, but inside I was experiencing a shameful sense of satisfaction. "Mrs. Blackwood, I was only—" Ivy stammered, her usual confidence crumbling. "Don't think I'm unaware of your recent antics," Grandmother cut her off with brutal efficiency. "You've been dismissed from Blackwood Enterprises. Where you work now is none of my concern, but if you ever misuse the Blackwood name again, I won't be so lenient!" Her eyes narrowed dangerously, radiating an aut