Chapter 004

CHAPTER 4.

IVY

It was around 10 a.m. when the cab dropped me off in front of Sky Investments. This was only my second visit to this part of Seattle; the first was for a rather ridiculous party at the home of a tech mogul whose name I can’t remember. But this time, it was for something much more important.

I took a bite of my freshly baked chocolate cake as I gazed up at the gigantic building before me. There’s something comforting about the flavor of chocolate cake, even if my predicament was anything but exquisite. Jenny always recommended freshly baked cakes when someone was feeling down, saying they uplift your spirit.

Perhaps she was right, but it was hard to enjoy the cake given my current situation—especially with a loan I had to repay in forty-eight hours.

I’m not one for a pity party; I take pride in my dignity and am content with what little I have.

Looking at the building, which resembled a tourist center in Dubai rather than just an office, sent chills down my spine. I picked up my cell phone to call Jenny, hoping she could offer some encouraging words, but she still wasn’t picking up.

I put my phone back in my bag, squeezing my eyes shut to hold back the tears threatening to spill. I didn’t have time to cry; I needed to think!

A million dollars. Where the hell was I going to get a million dollars? I could hardly cover my rent these days, let alone deal with being jobless.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my shaking hands, but it didn’t help. I stood there for another five minutes, too scared to go inside.

My clothes felt all wrong for such a fancy place. I would have loved to rent something classy, but that felt too extravagant, especially since I had spent all my money on gifts for Leon instead of on myself.

Finally, I took a big breath and decided to go in. But before I did, I looked at myself one last time. "Oh no, how could I show up like this?" I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

Sky Investments wasn’t meant for someone like me. I couldn’t understand how Leon could have borrowed money from them. I felt out of place and small.

Even though I was scared, I walked to the door and stepped inside. The cold air hit my skin, making me shiver. It had been a long time since I’d been in a nice place like this.

As I brushed my hand against the glass door, I winced, almost forgetting the bruise on my arm from when Leon had splashed hot tea on me two mornings ago. He had hurt me in so many ways, and now my skin was marked. A wave of anger surged within me at the thought.

I glanced at my arm, which was turning into a sore. I hoped it wouldn’t leave a scar.

I had never been in a building this grand before. I had heard scary stories about the owner, Casper Forbes. He was wealthy and didn’t like women. But all I wanted was more time to pay off my debt.

I reached the receptionist's desk and felt lost. I didn’t know how to discuss my debt with a stranger; it felt so awkward.

“Hello, ma’am. Can I have a moment of your time?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She looked at me and set her work aside. “Do you have an appointment with someone, or is this about a financial matter?”

Her question caught me off guard. I quietly nodded, “Yes.”

She gestured encouragingly toward the elevator. “Go to the top floor and head to office one. His name is Mr. Casper.”

When I reached the top floor, I found office one easily. Two men in black suits stood by the door, and four women nearby were chatting. They looked important, and my nerves intensified.

I hesitated, wondering if I could face this powerful man. What would I even say? What if he refused to give me more time? The thought made my stomach turn.

Just as I was about to turn back, I felt eyes on me. My heart sank when I noticed the woman smirking at me.

“Hello, miss?” one of them started, a sassy smile that screamed insincerity.

I took a deep breath. “Good morning. I wanted to see your director,” I said.

Within minutes, she ushered me into an office.

I swallowed hard when I finally faced Casper Forbes, one of the richest and most powerful men in the city. He was striking, with a strong build and sharp features, dressed in an expensive suit. I felt small in his presence.

As I glanced around his desk, my eyes landed on the nameplate: “Director 4 - Lucas Hills.”

Shit! This wasn't Casper Forbes! This must be one of his staff members!

“I—I'm sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to—” I started, but he cut me off.

“How dare you?” the man shouted, his eyes blazing with anger. “You had fifty days and then an extra ten to pay what you owe. You’ve kept my money for five months!”

“There’s no negotiation. You have two days to pay up!” he added.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Leon had set this up, making me look bad while hiding behind me. The woman outside looked at me like I was a criminal as the man shouted.

“You can leave my office now!” he said, his tone harsh and final, not allowing me to speak.

I felt my whole body shake. He wouldn’t even let me explain. Defeated, I stood up and walked toward the door. The whispers of being a thief echoed in my head.

Fucking pencil-dick! He wasn’t professional at all! I thought as I rose from the chair and walked out of his office. His bullshit was the last thing I needed today. Why couldn't I catch a break?

Why couldn’t the universe give me one good thing without it being tainted by an asshole boyfriend or a million-dollar loan? Just one good thing…

As I tried to enter the elevator, I slammed into someone hard, and my phone fell from my arm, the casing and other parts scattering everywhere.

I grumbled under my breath, dropping to my knees to gather the pieces. “I’m very sorry; I just happen to be having the shittiest day ever,” I said to the other person.

To my surprise, my “victim” crouched down across from me. It was a man—a strikingly handsome one at that. His golden-brown hair shone in the sunlight streaming through the huge windows, and his dark eyes were sharp and arresting. That jaw… I swear I could cut diamonds on it.

For a moment, I forgot everything but him.

“I’m the one who should apologize; I wasn’t looking,” he said, his voice shaped by an accent I couldn't place. He picked up my casing and handed it to me, and I felt slightly embarrassed that he had to do that. “My phone is a mess!”

“And I’m not having such a good day myself,” he added, “but from what I just saw and heard, it seems like yours might be worse.”

What did he mean by that? Was he trying to mock me because of my phone?

“You were eavesdropping on me while I was with—”

He quickly interrupted. “Not on purpose, but your voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.”

There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, and under different circumstances, I might have found him charming.

“If you say so, then thank you!” I replied. I rose, but unfortunately, he stood up at the same time. I wobbled, trying to avoid bumping into him, but that only sent me careening backwards.

Before I could hit the floor, he grabbed me and pulled me toward him. I collided with his chest, knocking him back to the floor, and somehow, as I was flailing, my head came up, and my lips accidentally met his.

I froze.