Chapter 16

Liam strode into the room, his tall frame and confident demeanor commanding attention. Ivy, still seated on the couch, gazed up at him with a mixture of disdain and boredom.

"Are you having fun?" Liam asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ivy's response was laced with venom. "Yes, of course. Would you like to switch roles with me?"

Liam chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Not at all. Anyway, I don't have time to waste. Victor said you have to be ready at 7 p.m. He's going to take you somewhere."

Ivy's expression turned icy. "And what's the purpose of this outing?"

Liam shrugged. "No idea. But I'll pick you up at sharp 7. And I don't like waiting."

Ivy's voice was cold, detached. "Yes, I understood, sir."

Liam flashed a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good."

He paused, seeming to savor the moment. "By the way, your clothes and stylist will come in the evening, so you won't have any problem. Consider it a favor from my side. Victor didn't say this, by the way."

Ivy's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her face. "Wow, and the reason for this kindness?"

Liam's grin grew wider, and he winked at her. "Pity."

Ivy's gaze turned fiery, her anger simmering just below the surface. She glared at Liam, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Liam, still smiling, turned to leave. "I'll see you at 7, Ivy," he said, his voice dripping with condescension.

As he walked away, his laughter echoed through the room, leaving Ivy seething with frustration and resentment.

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Ivy stood in the bedroom, her eyes fixed on the door as it swung open. A vision of loveliness entered, carrying a garment bag and a large makeup case. The woman's long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her bright smile lit up the room.

"Hi, Ms. Ivy," she said, her voice warm and friendly. "I'm Jane, your stylist."

Ivy nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She hadn't expected a stylist to arrive, let alone one as beautiful as Jane.

"Hi, Jane," Ivy replied, trying to sound calm.

Jane's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "So, shall we begin? We have a lot of work to do to get you ready for tonight."

Ivy hesitated, feeling a sense of unease. "Okay, but I'll take a shower first."

Jane nodded, setting down her cases. "Yes, of course. Take your time."

Ivy quickly showered and changed into a robe, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. When she emerged from the bathroom, Jane was ready, her makeup brushes and hair tools laid out on the dresser.

"Let's start with your makeup," Jane said, her hands moving deftly as she worked her magic.

Ivy watched in the mirror as her face transformed, her eyes enhanced, and her skin glowing with a radiant complexion.

Next, Jane styled her hair, weaving an intricate updo that showcased Ivy's slender neck and delicate features.

Finally, it was time for the dress. Jane unzipped the garment bag, revealing a stunning off-the-shoulder gown with a daring side cut. Ivy's eyes widened as she took in the revealing design.

"This is... quite a dress," Ivy said, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Jane smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, you'll look stunning. Liam chose this dress himself."

Ivy's heart sank, feeling a sense of unease. She had no other option but to wear it, so she took a deep breath and slipped into the dress. The fabric hugged her curves, showcasing her skin in a way that made her feel vulnerable.

"Whoa, Liam has great taste," Jane said, helping Ivy with the zipper. "You look absolutely breathtaking."

Ivy gazed at her reflection, feeling a mix of emotions. She looked beautiful but also exposed, like she was wearing a costume rather than a dress.

"Well, what do you think?" Jane asked, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

Ivy took a deep breath, trying to find her voice. "I... I look different."

At precisely 7 pm, Liam arrived to collect Ivy, his sleek black car purring outside the mansion. Ivy slid into the passenger seat, her eyes scanning the interior with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Liam settled beside her, a cigarette dangling from his lips as the driver navigated the evening traffic.

"So, you're also a cousin of Victor's," Ivy ventured, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Liam's laughter was low and husky. "No, I'm his best friend and business associate."

Ivy's gaze narrowed. "By the way, where are we going?"

Without waiting for a response, she snatched the cigarette from Liam's lips and took a long drag. Liam's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but Ivy just exhaled a plume of smoke, her eyes flashing with frustration.

"Do you smoke?" Liam asked, his tone laced with amusement.

Ivy's gaze turned icy. "I've smoked since I was 17. But sometimes, when I'm under a lot of stress, I need something to take the edge off. You guys seem to know everything about me, so how could you not know this?"

Liam chuckled. "You're weird."

Ivy's reaction was swift. "Say something I don't know. I'm not some poor girl who can be easily controlled. By the way, you still haven't told me where we're going."

Liam's grin faltered for a moment before he replied, "We're heading to a mafia business dinner. All the top leaders will be there, including your three brothers."

The words hit Ivy like a punch to the gut. Smoke got stuck in her throat, and she frantically rolled down the window, spitting out the cigarette as she coughed. Liam's concern was immediate.

"Ivy, are you okay? What happened? I thought you'd be excited to see your brothers."

Ivy's face was a picture of panic. "Seriously, couldn't you have told me this earlier? Oh my god, Julian will kill me for smoking again, Lucas will yell at me, and Ethan... Ethan will definitely disown me."

Liam's laughter boomed through the car, causing Ivy to glare at him in confusion.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

Liam's eyes sparkled with mirth. "I remembered what you said earlier – 'I'm not a poor girl who can be easily controlled.' But here you are, afraid of your brothers, unable to face your fiancé, and trapped in his house."

Ivy's death glare only made Liam laugh harder, his amusement echoing through the car as Ivy seethed with irritation.

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