Joshua quickly argued, "She's always beautiful! She looks beautiful now too!""I mean, a happy Ivy looks even better!"Ivy patted Nicole's head. "I understand what you mean, Nicole. Thank you both for coming to see me.""Good thing we came, or we wouldn't have known you were sick. You looked even prettier last time when you smiled," Nicole said.A person's mental wellbeing is reflected directly on their face. Even the kids noticed Ivy's weariness and exhaustion, and Gale understood too. However, she did not get it. Ivy had Aurum now. Her career was smooth sailing, her love life was thriving, so what could be troubling her? Was it still about what happened that night with Paul? Gale only dared to think about it, not to ask.So she looked at Aurum. "You're not doing a great job as a boyfriend. Since Ivy has been with you, she hasn't become happier. You have a lot of responsibility.""Exactly!" Joshua chimed in. "Uncle Aurum, how are you taking care of Ivy? If you can't, let me do i
"You need to listen to your parents, be a good kid, and study hard. Joshua, if you and Nicole miss me, you can call me anytime, and we can even video chat," Ivy said as she gently patted his back. "But today, I called you so many times, and no one answered."Ivy paused for a couple of seconds before saying, "Oh, my phone was charging, and I didn't notice."Joshua, hugging her and with his arms around her neck, said, "Ivy, if you see my missed calls next time, you have to call me back right away.""Of course, Joshua."Aurum stood nearby, and Ivy deliberately shifted her body slightly. Taking advantage of the moment, Ivy kept one hand on Joshua's back while slowly moving the other hand downwards. She quickly slipped her hand into Joshua's pocket and gave a gentle tug.Joshua felt the pull and looked at her with confusion, about to say something, but Ivy stood up."Alright. Goodbye, Joshua," she waved.Nicole raised her arms. "I want a hug too!""Okay, okay, come here, Nicole."
It was hidden in her mouth. Ivy had been holding it there the entire time. The bug was too important. It was the only evidence she had, and she had to get it to Shawn. If Aurum discovered the bug, he would realize she had never intended to submit to him. Who knows, he might use even more brutal methods against her.Earlier, Ivy and Shawn never had a chance to get close. With Aurum constantly watching, she could not pass it to him. After much thought, Ivy used the hug to slip the bug into Joshua's pocket. Joshua, despite his young age, was clever and sharp. He would not let her down. She pinned all her hopes on him."Are you satisfied with my performance?" Ivy withdrew her gaze and turned to Aurum. "Can you trust me now?""What have you done to make me trust you?""Aurum, suspicious people don't live happy lives.""Not getting the person you want is what truly makes one unhappy."Ivy asked, "You still haven't given up on Gale? Aren't you going to marry me?"Aurum lifted her chin.
As she ate, Ivy pondered whether Shawn would rescue her and expose Aurum's misdeeds to the public or if she would remain in Aurum's grasp, becoming one of his pawns. If Aurum threatened Shawn with her life in exchange for keeping the contents of the listening device secret, what would Shawn do? Although Shawn is ruthless and cold, he might still consider her safety because of Gale.If Shawn decided to just hold onto the evidence without making it public, that would be bad. Ivy had worked hard to get the evidence; she could not just let it go to waste. Lost in thought, she suddenly chuckled.Aurum glanced at her. What was going on?"Nothing, don't mind me," Ivy said, biting her spoon with a smile. "I just thought of something really funny."Aurum looked away."This food is really delicious. I've avoided eating rice for years to maintain my figure. Now, after not eating for several days, I feel like white rice is the most wonderful food in the world," Ivy said, poking at the rice in
At that moment, Gale and the children were all there; if a conflict had erupted, they could have been in danger! Thankfully, Joshua kept his composure. Truly, he was Shawn's son through and through. Shawn gripped the steering wheel, pressed the gas pedal, and raced toward Aurum's residence.Ivy must have been in trouble. Maybe she had been exposed. Otherwise, why would she take leave from the set and look so haggard at the Lefting's? Has Aurum already taken control of her?Shawn opened the bug, connected it via Bluetooth, and after a crackling static, Aurum's voice came through. Ivy's voice was there too. On the way to Aurum's house, Shawn listened through the entire contents of the bug.Sure enough, Aurum had not succeeded. This evidence was just too perfect. If Shawn remembered correctly, Aurum had placed the bug in Ivy's bag, but Ivy unexpectedly turned the tables and recorded Aurum's incriminating evidence. Well done!After all this time, Shawn finally had solid proof. Gale wou
"Did you hear me? Aurum, release her," Shawn asked.He used a commanding tone. Aurum despised Shawn's high-and-mighty attitude. It triggered him."You want me to release her, so I just have to let her go? If Ivy wants to go with you, I have to let her go with you? Impossible!" Aurum gritted his teeth."Ivy is an artist under Wood Group. It's reasonable for me to take her away.""I'm her boyfriend!"When Aurum said this, Shawn and Ivy laughed. Aurum was still stubborn. Hearing their mocking laughter, Aurum's face turned red and white in turns, feeling a sense of anger and shame. Is Shawn going to win? How? Ivy was in his hands. He did not reveal any evidence earlier. How would Shawn be able to win?"Aurum, Ivy is on my side. She and Galey will always be. She won't be deceived by your sweet words and benefits… You should know that, right?" Shawn said."I also know that you are pursuing Ivy for some purpose. Unfortunately, Ivy is not Natalie. She will not love you to the point of l
Shawn had the confidence of a man in the comfort of his own home."Since I dared to come alone, I'm confident I'll be taking Ivy with me. Aurum, do you think you can stop me?" Shawn said.Shawn had long sensed something amiss with Ivy. Her worn-out appearance, pale face, not even makeup could conceal it, she had lost all her vitality. Clearly, she had been mistreated by Aurum.However, Gale was right beside him, and the two children were there too. Shawn had kept quiet and suggested leaving early. He could not involve his family; he had to ensure their safety. He did not want Gale and the children to witness this scene.So, Shawn planned to first send them back to Temperley Hall before returning. Unexpectedly, Joshua surprised him by handing over the bug. Shawn had been fully prepared for this confrontation with Aurum. In the entire Sea City, no one could match him."Whether I can stop you, let's find out. Shawn, you're overly confident!" Aurum said.As Aurum spoke, he glanced ar
Shawn said, "Yes"."It's impossible! I've checked you thoroughly; there's nothing hidden on you!" Aurum exclaimed.Ivy gave him a glance. "I did hide something. It's in my mouth.""You!" Aurum's face turned instantly livid."I've already planned for this. If I can't keep it in my mouth, I'll swallow it. Then, I'll get it back after having my stomach pumped. Luckily, you only cared about whether I had anything hidden on my body, not my mouth," Ivy continued calmly."What if it's in your mouth! How did you give it to Shawn!" Despite being several meters apart, Shawn and Ivy maintained no physical contact."I wouldn't be foolish enough to hand it directly to Mr. Wood. Aurum, it's so obvious. Can't you tell?" Ivy replied expressionlessly. Aurum clenched his fists, recalling everything, and suddenly it dawned on him."Joshua! You gave it to Joshua! You held him!" Aurum exclaimed.Ivy nodded. "Yes, it looks like your rationality isn't completely gone.""You wretch!" Enraged, Aurum