"If you want to marry someone beautiful, then you better see if you have the skills to handle her!" Joshua thought about it and retorted, "So, did Mommy trick you?"Everyone was speechless."Even if you knew she tricked you, you would have willingly played along, right?"Joshua continued, "So by your logic, since Ivy is so beautiful, she must be the best at tricking people, right? Did she trick you, Uncle Aurum?"Shawn remained unfazed. He replied, "You'll understand when you grow up."Although Joshua's words were innocent, Ivy almost could not keep her expression in check. She was not as good as Shawn. Fortunately, Aurum was not looking at her, so he did not notice. After all, whether it was Ivy tricking Aurum, or Aurum tricking Ivy, or both deceiving the other, it was all about who could be more skillful and emerge as the true winner."Alright, alright, you two always end up bickering. What are we here for today, guys? Do you remember?" Gale changed the subject. Nicole an
"Yes, your child. Anyway, we have a boy and a girl in our family. No matter what gender your child is, there's a chance to become in-laws!" Gale said, winking.Ivy and Aurum smiled. He squeezed Ivy's hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of it. He seemed very much in love with her. However, the bitter reality of it all was known to Shawn, understood by Aurum, and deeply felt by Ivy. Only Gale was blissfully unaware.Aurum's home was especially lively today. The laughter and chatter never stopped. With Joshua, the cheerful one, brightening the atmosphere, and the presence of the obedient and sweet Nicole, time flew past quickly.Aurum and Ivy had also prepared gifts for the two children."Don't buy so many things next time. We have everything at home; there's no need to spend so much," Gale said. Ivy replied, "That's not possible. Today is my first time meeting the children, so I definitely have to give them gifts. Besides..." She looked at Aurum. "We are gifting them together.
"Bye bye!" Joshua was very shy at this moment. After kissing Ivy, he ran away, slipped behind Gale, and hid behind her with half of his head peeking out.He knew it was wrong to steal a kiss but he could not help it.Moreover, he pecked her on her face."Joshua!" Gale quickly pinched his ears.She was both angry and humorous, and did not know what to say.After a while, she controlled herself not to laugh out loud, and said with a serious face, "This is not allowed, you know? Joshua, there are differences between men and women. Boys cannot kiss girls casually.""But I'm not a boy, I'm a child."Gale was speechless.She could not hold herself any longer and wanted to laugh. His logic was sound. A kiss from a child on the cheek was truly innocent. Though, it was not encouraged behavior.She wanted to change it. Some things must be taught and cultivated from an early age!"Shawn, you need to educate your son." Gale directly threw the problem to him.Ivy said, "It doesn't matter
However, Shawn had always been impossible to understand. Ivy was also very skilled at disguising her true feelings. No matter, the main event was yet to come. People could act, but evidence could not lie.After getting into the car, Shawn glanced in the rearview mirror. From this angle, he could see Ivy clearly. She was looking in this direction, her eyes somewhat fixed, lost in thought.Shawn's keen sense of perception made him aware that Aurum could not have arranged this dinner just for the sake of it. There had to be another purpose. He hoped Ivy would be clever enough to protect herself, respond appropriately, and safeguard herself from Aurum as much as possible. Even if she had to abandon evidence, she must prioritize her safety.As the vehicle drove away, Aurum's home gradually returned to its quiet state. After the bustle, it felt empty again."I envy Gale even more now. Just seeing her marriage, I already thought she was incredibly lucky. Seeing her children, I feel like h
Ivy's heart trembled uncontrollably.She knew it could not be this simple. She knew there was a catch, but she always found herself moved by Aurum's words."That's too fast." Ivy shook her head. "Let's take it slow.""See, I'm willing to marry, but you're not willing to be wed."Ivy leaned into his chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat."We have plenty of time. If the love is long-lasting, why worry about the morning and evening?" Ivy said.However, the reality was her time with Aurum was diminishing. Ivy closed her eyes. She gave herself five minutes to indulge. Aurum quietly held her without speaking.It was actually a beautiful moment.After five minutes, Ivy pushed him away. "I should get back to the hotel. I have scenes early tomorrow morning.""Not staying the night?"When a man asks a woman to stay the night, everyone understands what that means."No."Aurum did not let go. "I can take you back and make sure you don't miss your shoot. If it really doesn'
The man in black nodded, glanced at Ivy with a flash of admiration and then left. Ivy felt uneasy under his gaze. Aurum did not seem to care at all; he was focused on the folder in his hands."What is this? Someone drove all the way here to hand it to you personally this late at night," Ivy asked."This is something I've been waiting for all day. It arrived just at the right time."Ivy could not tell what was inside. It seemed like just a few thin sheets of paper."Then open it and deal with your matters. I won't disturb you. Even though I'm your girlfriend, you deserve your privacy," Ivy said.She hurriedly said this and still wanted to leave. Aurum grabbed her elbow firmly. "No, this document is for you. Ivy, you need to stay and open it with me."Ivy sensed something was off, but she could not figure out what."For me?""Yes, let's go inside first."Aurum almost forcefully dragged her into the villa, through the living room, upstairs, and finally to the study. His grip was
Ivy's head felt like it was about to explode. Why was there a fingerprint report? Whose fingerprints were they analyzing? Hers? Then, Ivy looked at the bugging device she held in her left palm. Could they determine if she had ever touched the bugging device or if she had seen it by checking for her fingerprints on it?This was bad. She was done for!Ivy had no idea that Aurum's mind was so meticulous that he would go as far as to analyze the fingerprints on the bugging device!No wonder that when she arrived at the Aurum house, he had considerately taken her bag and casually handed it to the butler to put away.It seemed thoughtful, but in reality, he was taking out the device from her bag and sending it for analysis right away.Today, Ivy deliberately carried that bag.Ever since she discovered the bugging device, she had not touched that bag again. She had an instinctive repulsion and fear toward it. However, she had to carry it that day, intentionally showing it to Aurum to in
Her relief lasted only two seconds. As she exited, Ivy looked up and saw two tall bodyguards standing firmly at the door. "Ms. Park, please come back.""I... ""Please come back." The bodyguards pushed her back into the study and closed the door behind her.Ivy took a few steps back, stumbled, and fell to the floor. She tried to get up again but found herself without strength. Cold sweat broke out on her back, one wave after another."The ground is cold and dirty." Aurum walked over, extending his hand toward her. "Come, Ivy, let me help you up."He was so gentle. However, Ivy only felt colder and more afraid of what was to come.After hesitating for a few seconds, she reluctantly placed her hand in his palm. Aurum gently pulled her up from the ground. She bumped into his embrace.However, before Ivy could react, Aurum abruptly grabbed her by the neck."I'm not patient enough to continue this charade with you..." Aurum's true face was fully exposed. "Ivy, I really underestima