Ivy was halfway being introduced to her third uncle, James given that Peter was second in line after his eldest sister, Patricia when his youngest brother, Charles entered the hall.

“Ai Lee, you’re very beautiful compared to what Peter had always described…” James praised as Ivy smiled courteously.

“Thank you, Uncle James. My dad tends to exaggerate sometimes. We all are beautiful in our own way after all.” Ivy replied humbly as James nodded satisfyingly before laughing loudly.

“This daughter of yours will be brilliant when she takes over from you brother… Unfortunately, how I wish I had the luxury of handing down my business to someone who could handle…” James lamented as Ivy raised an eyebrow, questioning Peter who was keeping his courteous smile on while blinking to signal Ivy that he will explain another day.

James caught Ivy’s questioning look as Ivy’s eyes darted around the room not to see any of James’ children but instead many muscular men who looked like thugs. James sighed as he explained. “I may have long retired from the underground thugs and dealers business but I am still looking for someone suitable whom I can trust to hand down…” Ivy stopped darting her eyes and nodded while trying to empathise with his situation. Although learning about her uncle’s notorious past was shocking, she continued to keep her composure.

“James, you should probably consider this young man here…” Charles spoke as he approached the trio with a young man whom Ivy was surprised to see at the dinner. This time it caught her off guard that she let out a gasp audibly for her dad and Uncle James to hear while she tried to keep her face’s reaction calm.

“Meet Jeremy Rahi…” Charles introduced as Jeremy’s eyes were fixated on Ivy for a while before he flashed a smile and shook James and Peter’s hand. At the sound of Jeremy’s last name, Peter then realised Ivy must have met him before and knew that anyone Charles introduced was never of a clean background.

When Jeremy finally offered a handshake to Ivy, Ivy hesitated.

“Nice to meet you again, Ms. Ophal…” Jeremy said on purpose hoping to shake up Ivy but Ivy had already suspected him of being up to no good as her brothers approach them with an instinct telling them they should guard Ivy.

“Oh, you both know each other? That just made things easier isn't it?” Charles chimed to everyone as Ivy hooked her arm on her dad’s.

“I thought this was supposed to be a family dinner, Daddy… What’s an outsider doing here?” Ivy snarled and retaliated sarcastically as her brothers stood in front of her and Peter, trying to shield them. James stood by Ivy’s side, feeling bad about the entire situation as he knew Charles had always wanted to take over from him ever since he had retired but James knew better than their youngest brother who had remained single but with lots of scandals outside was never up to anything good.

“That’s right… Why is an outsider invited into this hall? Get out now!” A sharp piercing voice was heard from behind them. Ivy turned around to find a very strong aura lady in her purple evening gown who was led down towards them by a bald tall man whom Ivy suspected must be her eldest Auntie Patricia and her husband. She had been standing behind the crowd for quite some time to take the chance to observe her niece’s performance and indeed she was pleased with the outcome.

Charles was scurrying in front of Patricia trying to explain himself. “Older sister, look he isn’t any outsider… He is going to take over from James’ business soon and we are all a family just like James’ men…”

“Stop messing around with me tonight… James at least has more sense of responsibility than you do… Get rid of your useless people before I call security in. Tonight, it’s to celebrate the return of our long-lost niece. Do not let me take any drastic measures…” Patricia squinted her eyes at Jeremy before Charles quickly pulled Jeremy out of the hall.

Only then was everyone at ease as Ivy’s brothers walked closer and stood by Ivy especially Ray who stood close to Ivy as though afraid of her being harassed. Ivy couldn't help but feel delighted at their protection but also a little frustrated that they had to keep on ensuring her safety. She wondered if the family was that dangerous as she tried to fight her way up to prove herself.

“Auntie Patricia…” The boys greeted in unison as Ivy nodded with a smile instead when Patricia only nodded slightly in acknowledgment to the boys but kept her eyes locked on Ivy as though expecting more from her.

“Auntie Patricia, it’s nice to be meeting you finally…” Ivy held out her hand for a handshake but Patricia nodded in acknowledgment again with her more relaxed facial reaction.

“You have been gone for too long young lady… You better prove your worth from now on.” Patricia said without looking at Ivy as she walked past her before Ivy could reply. However, it didn’t stop Ivy from replying.

“I wouldn’t disappoint especially my father. I will ensure I fulfill my duty as his filial daughter. That… at the very least, you don’t need to worry about.” Ivy retaliate as Patricia halted her steps to listen. When Ivy was done, Patricia continued walking to her table triumphantly as Ivy noticed her four sons were very stiff and business-looking like individuals whom Ivy nearly mistook as the waiters. They do look older than her brothers and herself as she wondered how old were they.

Ivy couldn’t help but feel amused at her thoughts as Peter took her to the side when James walked over to his men.

“Ai Lee, bear in mind to always show respect to your elders…” Peter nagged as Ivy tried to lead him over to their table.

“Dad, I was merely exchanging greetings. And… Uncle Charles is not a good person. Jeremy can never be trusted. Make sure you don't do any dealings with him.” Ivy nagged in return as the boys chuckled.

“Smart of you to have see-through him…” Jin teased as he adjusted his glasses. “It’s because I have met him before…” Ivy said as she took a seat.

“How did you meet him?” Peter asked worriedly. Ivy contemplated for a moment to tell them the truth but thought she should.

“He is Jason’s younger brother… We met at their family dinner with him bringing over his fiance and there was an episode of his ex-lover coming to create chaos in the dinner…” Ivy explained as her dad gasped in surprise while Jin and Ryu couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What? You went to visit his family already… Ivy, are you engaged without Dad’s permission?” Ray who was surprised too was teasing his older sister as Ivy snarled at him and threw a peanut that was on the side dish plate at Ray.

“Excuse me! Don’t be ridiculous!” Ivy scolded playfully sending the brothers laughing as Peter held on to Ivy’s hand. Ivy knew Peter might be worried so she quickly tried to give him assurance. “However, this does not mean our business venture would be in trouble, Daddy. It wouldn’t affect anything as he isn't involved in the business with Jason. As far to my knowledge, he wasn’t very useful either, to begin with, and has no future type of person.” Ivy explained to her dad as she took a sip of water.

“That’s very unexpected from the brothers…” Ray said as Ivy raised an eyebrow.

“Well, the three of you are very different too but of course not as drastic as them… So are Dad’s siblings…” Ivy’s comments made Peter clear his throat.

“Ai Lee, don’t try to meddle in the conflict any further…” Peter warned as Ivy squinted her eyes.

“Dad… You’re the second in line because of a sister before you but that does not mean you should let her trample all over you… You have worked so hard to shoulder the responsibilities for her. I know you’re a nice person who would give her some leeway but don’t stoop down too low till you lost your dignity. You know you’re much better than this, Daddy.” Ivy comforted as Peter surprisingly find himself feeling a lot better.

“You and your sweet mouth…” Peter teased as he chuckled while Ivy smiled and hugged him. As the night continued on, they all enjoyed their meals separately according to their own family or circle of guests. It had been like this all along that Ivy’s brothers sometimes wonder about the point of coming out on such a lavish occasion only to enjoy it by themselves.

Even the only agenda of waltzing on the dance floor was a competition this time around as before, everyone could only watch their aunt taking the dance floor with her husband all by herself. It all made sense to Ivy on the reason Patricia was reacting the way she was as no one else was to compete with her after Auntie Lenny passed on. Hence, she might as well conquer all the attention and privileges. Ivy took a look at her dad who had been smiling a lot tonight as she noticed Patricia was getting ready with her husband on the dance floor in another corner.

“Ivy, don’t disappoint…” Ryu teased with a wink as Ivy smiled.

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“Ai Lee, stay low profile, would you? I don’t want to overpower her…” Peter pleaded with Ivy as Ivy felt he was once again suppressing his excitement. She nodded to play along before they stood from their seats and walked over to the dance floor together.

As the music started in the background with the dim lights, Ivy knew her aunt’s purple dress would only be blending into the dim background as her white and black swirls dress was standing out when she twirled with her dad on the dance floor. Ivy couldn’t help but thanked Cassandra in her heart as she tried to keep her dad’s focus who kept looking at his sister, on her instead as she knew he was afraid to overpower his sister.

“Daddy, why do you love waltzing?” Ivy asked as Peter looked into her eyes and was reminded of Lenny. He smiled momentarily, admiring his daughter’s beauty “Cause your Auntie Lenny loved it…” Peter grinned widely before twirling Ivy and catching her again.

“Sorry, I haven't come back sooner… “ Ivy apologised as Peter shook his head.

“I am just glad you’re back…” Peter beamed even more. “I promise I will waltz with you whenever we have a chance, Daddy…” Ivy smiled as Peter nodded before sending her out for another twirl. Peter watched her take down the dance floor gracefully just the same as his memories of her when she was young. He told himself if Lenny was around, she must be very proud too.

Ivy knew she had fully captured her dad’s attention as she began to twirl more and it had caused Patricia to try and stand out more but the more Patricia did, the more she felt she was overexerting herself. Everyone’s attention including Patricia’s nerdy sons was on Ivy who was dancing flawlessly in her dad’s arms. James couldn’t help but feel proud of his brother as he was moved to tears.

“Your sister said whom did she learn the waltz from again?” Ray asked Ryu in awe.

“Jason I think…” Ryu recalled as Jin cleared his throat. “Guess her first dance wasn’t dad after all…” Jin commented but couldn’t help but grin as he watched his dad smiling so gleefully finally.

“She is mesmerising…” Ray admired while Jin shoot a video for Cassandra to look at her brilliant dress made into good use.

“You’re brilliant, honey. Hope my sister gives justice to your work…” Jin sent the video to Cassandra.

Cassandra took a few minutes to finish the video as she was captivated by Ivy’s beauty and talent. “Your sister is absolutely stunning! She is a catch. I will definitely make her more dresses. Totally worth it!” Cassandra complimented as Jin send her an emoticon of love.

After the dance ended with everyone applauding loudly while both couples bowed, Ivy excused herself to the washroom. Before she stepped back into the hall, she caught a glimpse of Patricia standing in front of Ray in one corner of the lobby. She began to inch closer to try and listen in to their conversation.

“You should keep watch of your sister more! It doesn’t mean that you’re the second in line you can shrug away your responsibilities! Look at your father, he is still shouldering all the responsibility! So, you must guard your family members well! Don’t ever disappoint any of them!” Patricia was lashing out her anger at Ray as Ivy was raging over the injustice. She was waiting for Ray to retaliate but he stood quietly as Patricia fumed.

Ivy could no longer take one more second of the sight as she walked over to them.

“Auntie!” Ivy sternly called out as she stood in front of Ray while Ray tried to pull her away from meddling further. “Ivy, stay away from this…” Ray whispered but Ivy ignored him.

“In what way did my family offend you? In what way did Ray do anything wrong to hurt you? He is a man and he is my brother. So, does it mean I need to be so weak for another gender to protect me? I am older, why can’t I defend him and my family or myself? What society are we living in now? What era is this for you to think that way? Besides, my brothers and I are not your responsibilities. Aren’t you supposed to bother with your sons instead? Do you think you’re the eldest so it gives you the privilege to meddle with your other siblings’ families? Who do you think you are?” Ivy daringly retaliated as Patricia didn’t barge but walked closer to Ivy. Ivy walked even closer but Ray tried to hold her back.

“Ivy, control yourself…” Ray warned but Ivy squinted her eyes at Patricia who had bloodshot eyes fuming with anger.

“Back then you could bully your brothers all you want… Bully my brothers all you want... But now, with me around, I would never let you put any pressure on any of them! Cause you would have to go through me! Let’s face it… You’re also a woman and the eldest. We both are in the same position but I do not long to be pampered only instead, I want to share their burden and shoulder whatever that comes our way with all of them. If this simple task you cannot make do and understand, you do not deserve at all what your brothers had sacrificed and provided you with especially from my father!” Ivy raised her voice quite loud that passers-by were looking at them. At that point, Peter quickly rushed over after hearing the commotion and managed to hear Ivy’s last line.

“Ai Lee! Stop being insolent! Apologise to your Auntie!” Peter scolded as Ivy stared back at her dad while Patricia raised her head up high waiting for Ivy to apologise only to have Ivy chuckle. “Ray, head home…” Ivy instructed before she left her aunt fuming all by herself.

Ivy walked over to Peter and dragged him back to the hall. “Ivy… Did you hear me?” Peter scolded again as James went up to them when they reached the hall.

“Uncles and cousins, I hope you all would understand that we have to make a move and I hope all of you would continue to enjoy what my dad had treated everyone to tonight. We apologise that we can’t stay longer but I will make sure the next time we meet, it can be as casual as it is. Goodnight everyone.” Ivy said before dragging Peter who was half frustrated and fuming but again he began to understand Ivy’s actions.

Ivy was defending her father and her brothers while protecting them like how they all were protecting her. A part of him was proud and at ease with how his daughter had grown.

Jin and Ryu caught up with Ivy who had dragged Peter to where Mr. Jin was at the lobby car park only to stop halfway when she heard Peter call out gently to her. “Ai Lee, you can stop now. I understand …” Peter said as Ivy closed her eyes holding back her tears of anger as her mind recalled Patricia’s words hurled at Ray. She began to worry about Ray that she wanted to go look for him. She let go of Peter’s hand to walk away without turning back to look at her dad but only to be stopped by Ryu.

“Ivy… Don’t worry… Ray had already driven home himself…” Ryu explained as though he could read Ivy’s mind while Peter took her hand instead.

“I’m sorry Ai Lee for the scolding earlier…” Peter apologised as Ivy sighed and hugged Peter.

“Daddy, I have told you before this, haven’t I? With me around, I will protect all of you like how you all would do the same for me… So, stop giving in…” Ivy let go of him and looked him in the eyes.

“You’re such a filial daughter and full of tricks that I could no longer keep up…” Peter complained as he chuckled while Ivy giggled.

“Well, let’s get home first. I have gifts for all of you…” Ivy said trying to lighten the tense mood before she hurried into the car. When they reached home, true enough, the house lights were lit up as Ivy quickly went into her room when the lift reached their unit and grabbed all the pens she prepared previously. She gave each of them their surprise gifts in the living room. “Ta-dah! My welcome surprise gift!” She cheered as she held onto Ray’s one.

“Wow, lovely!” Ryu admired his pen as Jin smirked and looked at Ivy to praise her. “Good for signing… I have lots of signing to do…”

Peter sighed. “You’re such a thoughtful girl you know, Ai Lee…” He stood to hug Ivy before Ivy let him go. “I will send this to Ray… Rest early all of you.” Ivy said hurriedly. “Goodnight!” Everyone said to each other as she rushed up to the second floor to find Ray sitting all by himself with his coat by his side and his bow tie was undone while his shirt was half tucked in. Despite the messiness, he still looked charming to Ivy under the moonlight by the balcony as she stepped in and gave him a hug after taking a seat next to him.

“It must have been hard on you all this while… I’m sorry I came back this late. You have done a great job, baby brother… From now on, you have me to shoulder the responsibilities with you…” Ray was moved and touched by her words as he let her go from his arms to look at her in her eyes. He couldn’t help but blink away his tears as Ivy helped him to wipe them away with a big smile.

“Here... A gift for a sad boy and a reward for all his great efforts all this while…” Ivy handed over the pen in a box to him as he opened it up and saw his name engraved on the end of the pen. He smiled and patted her head. “When did you even have time to prepare this?” He asked as he sniffed.

“Not too long ago…” Ivy giggled as she leaned her head on his chest. “Tell me… I have already judged our family by myself. Was I right about it?” Ray took a deep breath as though he could finally breathe in relief letting go of such a heavy burden.

“You did very well I must admit… Only you alone could go against Dad that way… None of us dared…” Ray praised as Ivy held his hand.

“I didn’t want to go against him. But there are times when you need someone from outside to pull you out of a pit you have been lingering in for too long. Don’t worry, I know my limits and I know when to control myself. I need you to do the same too. I can tell you’re a very vocal person but your respect for Dad hinders you all the time. With me around, I will support you even if it’s Ryu or Jin or Daddy standing up for any one of us or us going against Daddy, I will still support all I can.” Ivy reassured him as Ray tightened the grip on his hand.

“I’m so glad you’re back, Ivy… Don’t get into trouble. Don’t ever leave. Stay well and worry-free, would you? So that I could enjoy the luxury of such a brilliant sister’s company always.” Ray asked as Ivy giggled. “Those two must be jealous if they hear you…” Ivy teased as she yawned.

“There’s nothing much to be jealous of when you’re Jin’s twin and Ryu’s ex-crush. Now, as my brilliant sister…” Ray chuckled as Ivy was caught by surprise when she looked up at Ray. “Say what? Ryu’s ex-crush? What do you mean by that?” Ivy questioned surprisingly.

“Ryu actually had a crush on you when you played basketball with us. That’s why he asked for your number that night but was disappointed when he knew you were a couple with Jason. Then, seriously why did you have to give him hope again by explaining it was all an act? And look he must have been very disappointed when you turned up to him as his sister… If any of his fangirls found out about this, they might just strangle you alive!” Ray chuckled as Ivy couldn’t help but giggle together and sighed as she leaned her head on her brother’s chest. “I’m surprised he has a fan club!” Ivy squeaked. “Of course he has… They all were rooting for him to join the nationals..” Ray chuckled.

“If only my love life was that simple…” Ivy muttered as she slowly closed her eyes. “Ivy… Perhaps it’s time to sort things out with Jason?” Ray suggested as Ivy hummed in agreement. Ray then noticed her falling asleep in his arms as he carried her up in his arms and walked her into her room. Halfway through, Ivy yawned and stopped him from putting her in bed.

“Let me down... I will go wash up first. You too… Go ahead, don’t worry about me...” Ivy said gently as Ray put her down before heading out of her room.

“Ray…” Ivy called out as Ray turned around. “Goodnight, baby brother…” Ivy smiled and blew kisses at him. “Goodnight, sister…” Ray smiled before closing the door feeling all loved.