CHAPTER 3
IVY “And how is that your business?” I shot him a glare. “We just ended our relationship, so we’re now strangers. What I do shouldn’t bother you, Mr. Leon.” His face paled in shock at my audacity. He moved closer, ready to hit me, his usual form of abuse. But this time, I stood my ground. “One more hit from you, and I’ll sue you for assault! We are no longer a thing,” I declared boldly before walking out of the room. As I stepped outside, I realized I had nowhere else to go, but I didn’t care—I was finally free from the abuse. --- Three Hours Later Lewis Hotel, Seattle I stood on the open-roof balcony of the Lewis Hotel, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. I repeated those words to myself as I stood there, a wine glass in hand, trying to sip away my sorrows. After leaving Leon's house, I felt lost, with nowhere to turn. I had been trying to reach Jenny, my best friend from the South Side, but my calls went unanswered. I guessed she was at work. With no other option, I checked into this hotel. My savings were dwindling, especially since I had just quit my job, but I hoped it would last me a few weeks. As I leaned against the railing, the words echoing in my mind—“not good enough”—made my heart ache even more. The wine I was savoring suddenly turned sour. I knew I needed to move on. I slipped into a hoodie and jeans, determined to face the day after crying for hours. Thirty minutes later, I hopped into a cab, my destination being a nearby coffee shop. Once inside, I found a secluded table at the back and quickly took a seat, seeking refuge from the world. “Good morning, ma’am. What would you like to have?” The waiter’s soft smile felt warm. Without glancing at the menu, I replied, “I’d like some green tea.” I’d heard green tea was good for uplifting one’s spirits and setting the day right. Of course, I needed it. I shouldn’t be in a hotel crying my eyes out; I should be looking for a new job. As I waited, my gaze drifted out the window, and memories flooded my mind. I remembered how passionately Leon had loved me when we first met, always looking out for me. But that love had twisted into something dark—verbal and physical abuse that left me shattered. I slowly pulled up my hoodie to glance at the blisters and scars he had given me. Who knows, leaving him might be the best thing for me! When my tea arrived, I savored each sip, trying to find solace in the warmth. I wanted nothing more than to retreat to my hotel room, exhausted by life’s relentless challenges—no man, no job, no money, and no family to lean on. After finishing my tea, I reached into my jeans pocket. “How much is the bill?” I asked, trying to shake off the heaviness. “$75, ma’am!” the woman replied politely. I sighed, handing over my debit card, a twinge of anxiety creeping in. “Just take it from there; I’m low on cash.” I wasn’t supposed to use that card for anything other than fashion school. The waiter swiped my card and handed it back to me to enter my PIN. My heart raced as the lights beeped red—an unmistakable sign of an unsuccessful transaction. “Ma’am, it says insufficient funds!” she said slowly, her eyes wide with concern. Confusion clouded my mind. That couldn’t be right. I had over $6,500 in that account, set aside for fashion school. This was the only card Leon didn’t know about; I had kept it hidden for a reason since he often used my other card for his small indulgences. “Please, try again,” I urged her, desperation creeping into my voice. I knew I had enough money in that account to last at least a month. She obliged and tried it again, but the result was the same. I blinked rapidly, trying to comprehend the situation. What had happened to my money? Sliding out my phone, I hoped for a glitch in the system. But as I opened my email, the first message sent chills down my spine: “Miss Ivy Hall, you have exhausted your days to repay the loan of $1 million from Sky Investments. You have less than 48 hours to pay back.” I read it again, my heart pounding against my rib cage, threatening to shatter. My hands shook as I quickly scrolled through the email, checking the dates when the loans were made. I was sure I hadn’t taken any money from Sky Investments! I almost collapsed in front of the young lady, who looked at me with pity, when I realized it was Leon who had taken out a loan in my name. The loans were all dated from when we were still together. Had he done this behind my back? Had he hidden these loans from me for months, maybe even years? Panic surged through me. I wanted to call him to confront him, but I knew he would deny everything. I had only one option left: I needed to visit Sky Investments and plead for more time. A million dollars was an insurmountable sum, especially with Casper, the ruthless owner, known for his unforgiving nature. But maybe, just maybe, a miracle could happen.IVYMinutes later, I was still on the bed, stylishly using the blanket to cover my half-naked body. I still couldn't believe we had sex and breached our contract last night. I felt both ashamed and nervous, not knowing exactly how to face him. I hate to admit it, but the sex with him was fantastic. Leon has never treated me this way or satisfied me in this way.I forced myself out of bed, yawning and stretching as I groggily walked into the bathroom. I didn't have a choice, knowing I would be seeing the queen in the next few minutes. I needed to dress elegantly and be on my best behavior. I was also relieved that Casper had left; if not, I wouldn't be this comfortable around him. But then again, I felt a pang of disappointment that he just left. I didn't want him to go just yet. I still yearned for more of his intimacy, to bask in the warmth of his presence, to feel his eyes on me and hear his voice whispering sweet words in my ear, just as he did last night.The shrill ring of the al
The following day, as soon as it was 7 AM, I was already dressed and almost ready for my visit to F&K Financials. My eyes widened with anticipation as I looked at my reflection in the mirror; my pulse quickened. Nothing else mattered right now. I couldn’t stop smiling—my whole face radiated excitement.When Casper woke up, I could swear he rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated by how early I was up. Well, I wouldn’t blame him. He was born with a silver spoon and could never imagine what it meant to grow up in New York, struggling on the streets of Seattle without parents. Just when I thought things were looking up, I met a boyfriend who turned out to be a serial cheater and abusive jerk. I doubted he ever knew the feeling of fulfilling a long-held dream.“Didn’t you check your email yesterday? I sent you your schedule for the week,” he grumbled as he climbed out of bed.“Of course I did.” I didn’t bother to look his way.“Your first stop is F&K. You’re their major shareholder, overseein
“I don't know; it's all over the news outlets in Monaco. You're the trending topic right now, and it's that bad,” Leon continued.Casper's eyes widened in horror as he rushed outside with Leon. From his reaction, I could tell it was serious, but my mind couldn't help but wonder who had leaked those photos to the press. Casper had boldly claimed that there was no access to phones in that part of the palace. It had always been a sanctuary, keeping the royal family away from media scrutiny. But clearly, that was no longer the case—someone was trying to sabotage him.If only he had let me speak first, he would have heard the bad news from me. I wasn’t trying to be the bearer of bad news, but I had intended to tell him before that jerk snatched the opportunity away.I let out a disappointed sigh. I knew I had been cold toward him these past few days, but I didn’t want him to endure the media's scrutiny in such a negative light. I picked up the file he had meant to show me before Leon inte
The door swung open, and my attorney stepped inside, a stack of files in hand. “Hello, Mr. Casper,” he greeted.I sat up straight. “Are you finished?” I asked eagerly. He nodded and placed the files on my table.I picked them up for a quick glance. “So now all she needs to do is sign, and the incoming fashion line from Sky Investments will belong solely to her, right?”“Yes, sir,” he confirmed. “Every ounce of revenue will go to her, and she will oversee everything while Sky Investments funds her debut.”A proud smile spread across my face. “That’s great. Thank you!”Once my attorney left, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I began reading through the files, knowing Ivy would be thrilled. At the very least, this could serve as a small incentive for not being completely honest with her. She hadn’t spoken to me in two days.She was avoiding me as if I had a plague.I missed holding her hand and our late-night conversations. It was unusual for me to try so hard to impress someone, but I co
For a moment, I felt lost. I stood in absolute silence, too stunned to speak. How was she able to recognize me? And what was the big deal about meeting me in a random boutique? Before I could utter a word, the young lady quickly whipped out her iPhone and snapped a quick selfie with me. “I’m sorry for disturbing you,” she politely apologized. “You can go on with your shopping.” In the next moment, she was out of my sight—actually, out of the boutique. She looked so excited and happy. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a thing in Monaco. “Good day, ma’am! Welcome to Kleist Boutiques!” the receptionist chimed, her warm smile accentuating her perfectly contoured cheeks. “We're delighted to have you here. How may I assist you today? What kind of wear are you looking for? I promise you, we have all the top brands, and you’ll love it.” I scanned the lavish lobby, taking in the sleek marble floors and crystal chandeliers as I entered the private VIP section. “Wow, this place is s
For a moment, I felt lost. I stood in absolute silence, too stunned to speak. How was she able to recognize me? And what was the big deal about meeting me in a random boutique? Before I could utter a word, the young lady quickly whipped out her iPhone and snapped a quick selfie with me. “I’m sorry for disturbing you,” she politely apologized. “You can go on with your shopping.” In the next moment, she was out of my sight—actually, out of the boutique. She looked so excited and happy. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a thing in Monaco. “Good day, ma’am! Welcome to Kleist Boutiques!” the receptionist chimed, her warm smile accentuating her perfectly contoured cheeks. “We're delighted to have you here. How may I assist you today? What kind of wear are you looking for? I promise you, we have all the top brands, and you’ll love it.” I scanned the lavish lobby, taking in the sleek marble floors and crystal chandeliers as I entered the private VIP section. “Wow, this place is s