In a fleeting kiss, Ivy had moved so quickly that Shawn hadn't even had time to react. She then turned around and walked quickly toward the hotel.Shawn stood there, stunned. His lips still held the lingering taste of Ivy's kiss. He unconsciously touched his lips with his slender fingers, and the determination in his eyes instantly crumbled.But in the next moment, he noticed his assistant's maternal smile in the rearview mirror. His dark eyes turned cold."Drive!" he ordered."Yes!"The car quickly disappeared into the crowd.Landing back in City A had caused quite a stir, so there were many reporters gathered at the hotel's entrance that day. Most of them were there for Erica and the representatives of the Alter family, Kevin and Tanya.As Ivy was about to enter the hotel, she happened to see Tanya being interviewed by reporters while holding Kevin's hand.Tanya had spotted Professor Smith and Ivy from a distance and was about to wave them over, but she was held back by Kevin."Don'
"So, Young Master Alter's invitation was forged," one of the guests commented with a low laugh. Others chimed in, "The Alter Group claims to be a real elite family, is this the manner of the elite?"As the mockery around them intensified, Kevin loosened his tie and suppressed the anger boiling inside him. "Today, there seems to have been a misunderstanding that has upset Professor Alter. When you have the time, we'll visit and apologize in person."He then turned to Tanya. "Let's go."While Tanya wanted to turn back and explain, Kevin gently pulled her along, lowered his voice, and said, "Can't you see? This is a trap set intentionally to humiliate us!"Tanya, hearing his words, looked back at Erica, then shifted her gaze to Ivy. Her initial helplessness had turned into loathing and anger.Ivy! It's you again!She was determined to ruin Ivy's reputation.Meanwhile, Ivy, who had been enjoying the spectacle, suddenly felt a shiver down her spine. She looked around and realized that ever
Thinking of this, Ivy looked up at the rearview mirror and had a momentary eye contact with Shawn. Suddenly, it all made sense.Cato Alter was known for being low-profile and cautious, and if he had chosen his wife, he must deeply love her and wouldn't want her to suffer. That's why Shawn, who rarely saw Cato’s wife, used her to describe.With this realization, Ivy had no doubts.She obediently sat in the back seat, listening to the conversation between Shawn and Erica.Erica continued to ask Shawn, "But that doesn't sound like a suitable woman to marry into a wealthy family. She dislikes socializing and avoids anything unrelated to work. Such a person wouldn't be a suitable match for Cato. Cato is the head of DT Investments, and his wife should be capable, confident, and able to navigate high society."She turned slightly and looked at Ivy. "What do you think, Dr. Jones?"Ivy nodded in agreement. She thought Erica was right.While the online world often advocates love conquering all
Ivy slumped back in her chair, staring blankly. Her face was ashen, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead. Despite her efforts to suppress her fear, a tremor that she couldn't control gave her away.She was afraid.Shawn noticed everything and held her hand, brushing it against his face gently. "Don't do something you'll regret. Just trust that I've got everything. What Cato can do for Erica, I can do the same, or more.""Shawn...""You've always admired Professor Watson, right? This is a rare opportunity. If you can earn his recognition, it's the greatest form of respect for you. And who knows, maybe someday he'll go the extra mile to hire you and bring you into his lab. Don't you like that?""I do," Ivy whispered. "But I'm afraid I'll end up like three years ago...""Three years ago, you neither went to prison nor had your license revoked. You're in the right. What are you afraid of? You haven't done anything wrong.""Professor Watson rarely invites people personally. If you miss th
"What do you mean by new romantic interest?" Ivy frowned and looked at Shawn.But the man turned awkwardly and averted his gaze. "You heard it wrong.""Exactly, you heard it wrong," Jasson didn't have the heart to joke around. If his words led to an argument between the two, he'd truly be in trouble."Shawn, I don't want our misunderstanding to continue into the next day," Ivy said seriously. After all, it's said that conflicts between couples should not last overnight.But Shawn had no misunderstandings at all. He just wanted Jasson to come and give him some advice. He never expected this simple request to lead to a misunderstanding.With this in mind, Shawn subtly glared at Jasson and gently tousled her hair. "There's no misunderstanding between us. He came here completely drunk, misheard what I and Luke said, and now that he's sober, he doesn't remember anything else, but he'll remember what he shouldn't.""Yes, yes!" Jasson, like a lapdog, leaned over to Ivy and patted her shoulde
Shawn sighed, rubbing his temples.It was beyond salvation."Jasson Brown! How dare you?! Give it to me!" Ivy took Jasson's phone angrily and dialed Lilith's number using his phone."Hello, Jasson, you don't need to take responsibility. I'll come clean with my parents later!"Lilith assumed it was Jasson calling and thought he might be trying to persuade her to have an abortion. So she went on, "I went to great lengths to get pregnant. You don't have to doubt it. I was attracted to the good genes of the child from the beginning. You're smart, and your family background is good. Even if the child falls short like me in the future, it won't be that bad. I'll take good care of him. You don't have to worry. I don't love you, and I was only bothering you for today. Now that your task is complete, we're done!"Ivy took a deep breath. "Lilith, where are you?""W-What? I... Ivy?" Lilith was taken aback. "How... how is it you? I...""Where are you?" Ivy patiently repeated.Lilith thought Ivy w
Ivy and Lilith soon arrived at Smith's home.Lilith's parents hadn't seen their daughter for three months, and they had been eagerly awaiting her return. Without waiting for her to speak, they questioned her, "Where have you been all this time?"Lilith was already accustomed to her parents' tone and simply gave them a knowing look when she met Ivy.Lilith’s father sat upright in the main seat of the living room's sofa, looking at Lilith with a disheveled appearance. Suppressing his anger, he ordered, "We can talk about your running away from home without permission later. Hurry and take a shower and get ready. I'll take you to meet the Chairman of the Alter Group later."Upon hearing this, Lilith immediately protested, "Even if Kevin’s engagement is a fake one, can't you see how close he is to his fiancée? If I go now, I'll just be embarrassing myself!"She had been trying to escape this mess by pretending to go on a blind date with Kevin. How had it come to this?Lilith’s mother trie
Shawn had just finished a meeting and, upon hearing Jasson's report, his expression darkened."There's a foreign medicine for severe burns that hasn't entered Country A market yet. Instruct the subsidiary company to obtain it immediately." He instructed his aide.Normally, he wouldn't get involved with Smith family affairs, nor would he waste his time on such people. But since they had injured Ivy, he had to take action.With his decision made, he also ordered his assistant, "Leak the information. DT Investments will start suppressing the Smith family's businesses. From tomorrow, anyone who dares to cooperate with them will be at odds with DT Investments!""Yes, sir!"The following day, DT Investments' crackdown was quickly confirmed. The Smith family had initially been preparing for reconciliation with several companies that had shown favorable attitudes. However, overnight, these companies changed their stance and refused to answer their calls.Confused, Mr. Smith eventually found o