She looked at her phone screen and saw Scarlett's name. She sighed and looked out the window. Suddenly, her driver appeared at the car window. Startled, she relaxed when she realized it was him.
The driver opened the door and she stepped out.
"You've been sleeping in the car," he said. "It's evening now, so I came to check on you."
He helped Ivy with her bag. Ivy glanced at her phone to check the time: 5:17 AM. She brushed her hair back, looking exhausted, then took her bag and forced a smile. She walked into the mansion.
As she entered the dining room, she saw Mr. Sheldon and Bruce laughing with her family. Her smile faded as she watched them talk among themselves. She stared coldly at Sheldon and Bruce.
Sheldon noticed her and she quickly forced a smile.
"You're finally here, Ivy. Where have you been?" Sheldon asked.
"Mr. Sheldon, can you believe I fell asleep in the car?" Ivy said with a small chuckle. The others laughed along.
"My baby must have been so tired," Mrs. Joseph said sympathetically.
"Go and change, then come have dinner with us," Mr. Joseph said. Ivy nodded with a smile.
"We're waiting," Bruce added cheerfully.
Ivy gave a slight smile and went upstairs.
As she climbed the stairs, Scarlett was coming down.
"Oh, you're back," Scarlett said. "I called you just now, but you didn't pick up."
"I was already home, that's why I didn't answer," Ivy replied in a tired voice.
"You sound and look exhausted," Scarlett said. "Why don't you go and rest?"
"Maybe after dinner," Ivy answered quietly as she continued upstairs.
Scarlett watched her go, then returned to the dining room. She sat beside Sheldon and looked at him.
"Mr. Sheldon, you know you didn't have to follow this stubborn boy to apologize to Mr. Appleford and Leo." She glanced sideways at Bruce while speaking to Sheldon.
"I wanted him to feel some shame so he won't do it again," Sheldon replied.
"I don't believe Bruce will change," Scarlett said.
"Why are you out to get me, Scarlett?" Bruce asked.
"I'm not out to get you. I'm just stating the obvious truth," Scarlett replied, cutting into her steak.
"You're trending in the news now," Mr. Joseph said. "So humble, always ready to take responsibility."
"Don't say that. I just did what had to be done," Sheldon replied modestly. Then his phone rang.
A few seconds later, he set it down.
"Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, I have to leave now," Sheldon said, standing up.
Scarlett looked at him sadly.
"Okay, until another day, right?" Mr. Joseph said.
Sheldon nodded.
"Let's go, Bruce," Sheldon commanded and walked away.
"I'll stay," Bruce said. "I want to have a word with Ivy."
Without arguing, Sheldon left him behind.
Scarlett gave Bruce a disgusted look.
"Mrs. Joseph, may I speak with Ivy?" Bruce asked.
"Of course, once she's done changing," Mrs. Joseph replied.
Just then, Ivy came downstairs and walked to the dining table.
"Where is Mr. Sheldon?" she asked.
"He left just now—something urgent came up," Mr. Joseph answered.
Ivy nodded and sat down.
"Ivy, can I have a word with you?" Bruce asked, searching her face for a reaction.
Ivy looked at her parents. They shrugged.
"Okay," she replied and stood up.
Bruce followed her to the kitchen.
"Why don't you want to be my girlfriend?" he asked.
"Because I don't," Ivy said, turning to leave.
"I could tell them who you really are," Bruce threatened.
Ivy spun back around. "Your parents… Scarlett… they would know who you truly are. You wouldn't want that, would you?"
"Are you threatening me?" Ivy asked, tension rising in her voice.
"Obviously," Bruce said, stepping closer.
"We were kids, but I still remember. To make it worse, my father will remember you after all these years. Then your life will be turned upside down." Bruce smirked.
Ivy's eyes widened in fear. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of her forehead. She bit her lower lip. Bruce snapped his fingers and slipped his hands into his pockets.
"So… will you be my girlfriend?" he asked with a wide, triumphant grin.
Ivy's face turned pale.
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