Seeing that things seemed to have calmed down, Luke breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced over at her, determined that it was time to take decisive action. Since the issue at hand involved him, it was only natural that he should step up to handle everything, including the consequences. "Ivy! I'll take you home," Luke called out to her, grabbing her attention. Ivy immediately nodded in agreement. It was time to make a safe retreat. He moved closer to her, but once again, Mariko intervened. The Japanese girl held onto his arm tightly, stubbornly insisting on keeping him in place. Looking at the scene, everyone knew that things weren't over yet. Whether Ivy or Luke stopped their performances, this Japanese girl wouldn't cease her efforts to disrupt everything, just to create some chaos tonight and keep the two of them apart. Who knew what disadvantages awaited Mariko after he and Ivy left? Mariko couldn't help but worry. It was better to be safe than sorry; prevention was better than c
Finally, Mariko let go, and Luke immediately distanced himself from the girl. Everyone could see Luke's intention. Not stopping there, he deliberately let out a sigh of relief, letting everyone know how incredibly comfortable and even amused he felt. Mariko couldn't believe he would do that, pretending to be relieved to be free from her. His actions indirectly admitted to the world that he didn't like her, inadvertently embarrassing her in front of everyone. But that's the way it was; he didn't like her. Admitting the truth—what's wrong with that? It was because Mariko stubbornly deluded herself about his feelings. She imposed her personal thoughts on others, so now she had to bear the consequences. Who's to blame? The girl looked pitiful, but it's her own fault. If not loving someone is a crime, then everyone in this world would be condemned. If Luke's behavior is judged as unworthy of a man, then it's a misunderstanding. Luke is not wrong to push away other women when they try to a
"You can't make me silent because everything I say is the truth," Mariko mischievously mocked Luke. "The 'truth' you speak of is nothing but your own fabrication. Stop manipulating and meddling in Ivy's affairs," Luke disregarded the onlookers, openly rebuking Mariko. "When I used to behave decently and honorably towards you, you should apologize to Ivy as well as the guests present tonight and quietly leave. Otherwise, I will escort you out of here in unprecedented disgrace." "Luke, do you dare? I don't believe." Mariko openly challenged him. Before Luke could respond to Mariko, Ivy quickly intervened. "Hey, please focus on the person you need to converse with. Don't ignore me like that; it's very disrespectful." Ivy's voice cut through the tension, interrupting the battle between the two. She decided it was time to end it; she was exhausted. Ivy wished she could go home, take a shower, and rest. All the energy she had accumulated just to deal with this mess was truly wasted. I
No one can believe what's happening. The Yamagi household must be in turmoil over Mariko's immature behavior. "Mariko, You..." Ether started to move forward, but Tegan stopped him. He looked at his older sister in confusion. Tegan simply requested that he stay put, believing Ivy could handle things gracefully. And as Tegan predicted, Ivy quickly took action appropriate for the situation. "Black rose fragrance, mesmerizing and intense, a high-end perfume brand from France," Ivy chuckled, history demanding her poise. "I happen to be allergic to perfume, so please excuse me if I keep my distance." Ivy waved her hand, and Mariko understood that Ivy was criticizing her unglamorous behavior. Mariko felt embarrassed and reluctantly complied with Ivy's request, stepping back. However, Mariko's eyes were like daggers, poised to pierce Ivy with their intensity. The enmity no one wanted had already surfaced, eager to vanquish the opponent; if not promptly restrained or extinguished, I fear t
The entire room seemed frozen, everyone immobile as they watched Ivy's graceful and dazzling steps. Only when she disappeared from the entrance did they awaken. The crowd murmured, some expressing admiration, others praising Ivy. Luke seized the opportunity to quickly hand over all the belongings to his old sister, then hurriedly followed Ivy as she vanished from the elegant room. Mariko had tried to stop him, but neither Tegan nor Ether hesitated to intervene. They could only endure so much. If Mariko continues to act impulsively and irrationally according to her own whims, the situation will indeed become irreparable. Tonight ends here. It's enough for scandals and controversies. Luckily, the guests were all close acquaintances, carefully chosen and invited, so discretion could be ensured. There weren't any reporters, media outlets, or paparazzi sneaking in here. Abe rarely dealt with the media, preferring a low-profile approach. "I think we can't leave her alone, especially at th
"I'm telling the truth; no lies here." Seeing Ivy's skeptical look, Luke immediately defended himself. "Think about it; why would I deceive you? I don't gain anything from it. I'll even have to give you some money as a reward." In a moment of contemplative silence, Ivy smiled, thinking simply that helping others made her happy, even if what she did wasn't grandiose. Moreover, he was right; she didn't lose anything by trusting him. "So essentially, I've resolved my part; the rest is entirely up to you, isn't it?" Luke nodded in agreement with her opinion, showing his personal desire. "Will we have a chance to have tea together?" He hoped to establish a connection for the future. Because he knew that once Ivy left, he wouldn't have any reason to seek her out anymore. Not meeting clients after a deal ends was a principle that had to be followed. And he was sure Ivy always adhered to principles, not only at work but also in her personal life. "As friends." "I don't think so." Ivy shoo
The audience erupted into a commotion again following the correction announcement from the chosen heir of the Evans family estate. Mr. Evans had demonstrated his talent by controlling the guests and then smoothly resolving the scandal, ensuring it didn't leak out. Meanwhile, Luke stepped into his hotel room only to be assaulted by his older brother. "You're out of your mind, Luke," Ether said, glaring at him with accusation, advancing and grabbing Luke by the collar, shouting into his face. "What possessed you to act so recklessly, causing harm to Mariko, do you even realize?" "I don't care about her, no matter what she is like. She did it all herself, not me," he replied indifferently. Luke hadn't forgotten being betrayed by his own flesh and blood, leaving him vulnerable in front of everyone. If it weren't for Ivy's quick thinking, he might have lost control, letting the demon within awaken. The consequences would have been unpredictable. "What do you mean, you don't care? She's
"No, Father. I will change that myself," he finally declared with firm determination, lifting his head high to meet his father's gaze. "Until now, I have always followed your guidance and direction, but that ends now. From this moment on, I will live my own life." It was a tense battle of wits, with neither conceding to the other. For the first time, Mr. Evans witnessed Luke's absolute determination and unwavering resolve. Mr. Evans wondered what had caused Luke to become like this. Then he chuckled, perhaps? He suddenly remembered the remarkable girl tonight, Ivy, who had indeed gained the favor of many, including Luke's father. Mr. Evans was truly curious to know more about their relationship, but now was not the time. Instead, Mr. Evans probed about Luke's audacious plan. "It seems you've made preparations. Any regrets?" Mr. Evans inquired. "None," Luke affirmed confidently. "Absolutely none." Leaning back in his chair, his father appeared contemplative. "Tell me about your p