"Tell me," he said, his voice firm, "in this apocalypse, many people own land. But can that land protect you?"
Silence. No one answered.
"They could not protect it," Drake continued, "because they lacked the means. It is Ivy who provides that protection."
His expression hardened further. "So how can I claim any credit? Everything you see here… exists because of her."
He paused before adding, his voice turning colder, "Let me make this clear. I admire Ivy. She is my savior. If anyone dares to insult her again, I will personally remove them from here."
With that, he cast one final glance at Sherry before turning away.
A heavy silence lingered behind him.
Ivy, who had been watching quietly, could not help the small smile that formed on her lips.
'Being protected like this…' she thought, warmth spreading faintly through her chest, 'it feels… surprisingly nice.'
She stepped forward, walking toward Tammy.
Tammy was still glaring at Sherry, her anger not yet settled.
