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
Seeing Ivy, Mason exclaimed excitedly, "Secretary Ivy, you're here!" Listening to his voice, one could tell that Mason was very cheerful. Of course, he had every reason to be happy, as Ivy had appeared at the company safe and sound. Honestly, both he and Ryan had thought that Ivy wouldn't come to work today. They assumed she wouldn't be in the right mindset, or perhaps she'd fallen ill. Who would have thought she'd overcome last night's dreadful incident so easily? "Good morning," Ivy greeted as he stood before her. Mason's smile made her feel a bit flustered. "I just got here. What are you doing at my desk?" "Oh my goodness, I'm so relieved to finally see you. I was worried that something bad had happened to you," Mason brushed off her question and explained, "I couldn't reach you last night; I searched for you everywhere." Talking about not being able to contact makes Ivy feel extremely worried and sad. This morning, upon waking up, she remembered leaving her purse at the hotel,
At that moment, there were only two people left in the room, and the young woman displayed profound disappointment. She had to let out her frustration, so she didn't hesitate to voice her objections and argue with Luke, disregarding what might be improper or whether she should or shouldn't do it, despite her prestigious background. "Luke," Mariko called out. "Why did you treat me like that in front of everyone? Do you know how embarrassed I felt? It's humiliating for someone of my status to be humiliated like that." “If you dare to do something, you dare to bear the consequences. Why turn around and blame me?" Luke responded calmly and frankly. "Luke," she protested indignantly. "When I speak kindly, you should know how to control yourself," he lectured sternly. "You crossed the line I allowed. The punishment is justified." "But I didn't do anything excessive!" the girl argued. "I just..." "Are you not listening to me?" He cut her off. "I said there is no relationship between us
In the face of Luke's reaction and attitude, Mariko suddenly found herself at a disadvantage, feeling anxious and afraid. She wondered: What's happening here? Everything was unfolding completely contrary to the scenario Mariko had envisioned. It was nothing like what her mother had predicted, boosting her morale before going into battle. Everything was messed up, not to mention being turned back to attack Mariko's spirit. Indeed, human plans are no match for divine arrangements. Unconsciously, Mariko swallowed hard under the pressure that Luke had just put on her. Mariko should have known better than to get involved with such a resolute man, one with a cool head who always carefully considers his words and actions before speaking or acting. Standing directly in front of Luke was already difficult, let alone dealing with him. "I just wanted to help you see through that deceitful person," Mariko said, feeling confused and hesitant. "I thought you would open your eyes and see who truly