Marcel went on with his task while Ivy texted Cassandra to ask about her and also told her to prepare several evening gowns as well as formal wear.

Before she could hit send, she was interrupted by the team who headed into the meeting room. As she got updates from each department, she realised her major issue was cash flow management.

“HR side are you sure we do not lack of staff?” Ivy asked skeptically, already knowing her answer.

“Are… we able to hire?” The HR manager, Wen Li questioned.

Ivy nodded while thinking. “Give me a second. I will come back to you.”

“Logistics seems fine am I right? Just that the money-wise is also a problem?” Ivy questioned Daniel as he nodded.

“Alright, which makes the marketing side have the same issues.” She concluded as Desmond who was the assistant manager of Ryu nodded.

She looked at Marcel hoping she could think of a solution to control the situation although she knew she would have funds coming in from John as promised in the morning. As Marcel met her gaze, she flashed a smirk with an evil grin as an idea brewed in her mind.

“Alright, the meeting is adjourned for now but in the afternoon, Desmond, get Ryu on and we have a team meeting. I will get back to all of you on the finances.” Ivy instructed as they all nodded and left the meeting room.

Marcel waited for everyone to leave before he confronted her. “I guess you have something in mind?”

“On the cash flow part, I can resolve it but I need to keep it under control. I have a charity event to go to tonight. I’m thinking of using it to our advantage.” Ivy raised an eyebrow in a mischievous grin as she explained to Marcel her plan.

Marcel nodded at the end of her explanation as she clapped her hands in excitement. Jeremy who was looking at them from outside the glassdoor envied Marcel for a moment to be able to boost her mood that way. That made him hesitate with the request he had on hand but the pressure from Charles was unavoidable.

Forgive me. He thought to himself as he entered the meeting room, disrupting a cheerful environment.

“And what brings you here?” Ivy folded her arm with a snarl as he passed the file to Marcel.

Marcel then passed it to her after he read it. It was a request for five million funds without any reasons stated.

“Why do you think I should approve these funds for you?” Ivy asked in return as she threw the file on the table.

“You made an agreement with me to not question.” He reminded as Ivy smirked.

“Sure.” Ivy agreed easily which surprised him but in fact, she already had a plan in mind.

Jeremy nodded. “I expect the funds within today.”

“What’s the rush? Enjoy the party tonight first.” She teased as she got up and walked out of the meeting room with Marcel.

“Where on earth are you getting so much from?” Marcel questioned with a hinge of little worry.

“Well, he requested it of course his accomplice should pay, don’t you think?” Ivy mumbled as Marcel looked at her in surprise.

“Don’t worry I know my stepfather would help but that would be a last resort. As explained I would use his funds to execute the exit plan he proposed.” Marcel was very impressed with Ivy’s management skills which surpassed his expectations and her brothers’ performances not even Jin.

Jin was sharp but only with numbers and he was not a sociable person. His strategies are mostly adverse while Ivy was a risk taker and she was lucky to have so many backups. He wondered if it was all taught by Jason as he counted his blessings.

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Ivy then quickly contacted Melody over the phone.

“Hello?” Melody’s cute wobbly voice was heard.

“Melody? How are you? I’m sorry I haven’t gone to see you and all the chaos.” Ivy wanted to dive into business but when she heard Melody sniffing, she paused.

“Would you like to head to Manes over the weekend with me?” Ivy questioned after a while and Melody was surprised by the question.

“Huh? But there have been no basketball matches lately due to semester exams.” She said sadly.

“Melody, isn’t your fan club Ophal’s free marketing channel? I have announced the launch of phase one of the historical town project, how can you all not be there?” Ivy tried to sound professional as she heard Melody’s giggles.

“Alright, stop crying and listen to me. Tonight, I have a charity event to go to and I intend to promote the launch. I need your team's help to come to publicise and also make known my whereabouts and what I do in the company to save it. Can you convince the team to do it? Oh, another thing, if possible involve Ryu less but let him know of the results only.” Ivy explained as Melody was delighted to hear her offer.

“Yes! I will let the girls know. Send me the event details.” She instructed as Ivy smiled.

“Now, that’s my girl. If I have any event I will need all of your help. So, I guess keeping you here for a while with me to do that is it alright?” Ivy unexpected herself to make Melody such an offer impromptu but it did comfort Melody in the end.

“Yes! For you and Ryu’s family and business, I can.” Melody sniffed to wipe away her tears over the line.

“Good girl. I will see you all tonight alright? Oh, about the weekend, hmm… We can travel together by car. I will make the arrangements.” Ivy said as Melody cheered.

Another call was coming in as Ivy hung up. Marcel was still waiting in front of her.

“Sorry, let me pick up this call first.” She told Marcel as he nodded.

“Ivy! Are you alright? It’s so surprising of you to find me for more dresses! Have you been sleeping well?” Cassandra asked in a worried voice.

“Cassie… Cassie…” Ivy tried interrupting but to no avail.

“Are you eating alright? Are you used to the new bed? Do you still have sleep paralysis?” She went on and realised Ivy was quiet.

When Cassandra finally quieted down, Ivy chuckled. “Cassie, I’m doing alright. Just very busy. I’m sure you saw the news. That’s also why I need more clothes. Having said so, I hope you don’t mind getting busy in the store. People would definitely ask where I got them from and I will definitely introduce you. That’s why I am calling to get your permission first. You know given the entire situation and the location all…” Ivy explained to her.

“Oh, that… But…” Cassandra hesitated for a moment.

“Let me be honest with you. You could tell Jin it doesn’t matter. I’m trying to put myself in the limelight so that every single one of you won’t have to worry about me. Besides, earning a little more for yourself and my brother, doesn’t seem like a bad idea hmm?” Ivy offered as Cassandra chuckled.

“Indeed an Ophal after all.” Cassandra teased her like what Peter would always say.

“How’s dad?” Ivy could not help but ask.

“He is still in a coma. The doctor said it depends on his will… My dad is with him. Don’t worry, Ivy.” Cassandra explained briefly as Ivy put on a smile to push away her worries about Peter.

“Alright, good. I got to go… Speak soon again. Love you.” Ivy said as Cassandra bid her farewell and hung up.

“Would you want to visit him?” Marcel asked as Ivy shook her head.

“It’s not the time yet. I cannot possibly show my vulnerable side. Instead, there’s someone I think I could meet instead.” She looked up at Marcel with Permisla in mind.

As she instructed Marcel to make time on her schedule soon to meet her before she headed to Manes that weekend, she wondered if Permisla would like mung bean pastry like her.

Ivy did not realise she skipped lunch till Marcel left a box of sandwiches on her table. However, it was too late to grab a bite as the marketing team meeting was due.

She rushed into the meeting room to find everyone ready. She also noticed from the monitor screen was Ryu watching her with glistening eyes. She pushed away her emotions as she dived right into business.

“Our historical town phase one will be launched in two weeks' time. I know the rush but it’s inevitable. I hope the marketing team will work with the vendors and tenants to ensure preparations are in order for the opening ceremony. Speaking of which, I am personally dropping by this weekend to negotiate with the related parties and escalate your preparations. What we need to discuss today is your strategies in the long term. Go ahead.” Ivy began the meeting and passed it on to Ryu who was still a little lost.

“We are suggesting to have a theme but the frequency to change it is open to discussion,” Desmond responded. Ivy noticed Ryu was still not paying attention as she sat up straight and clasped her hands in front of her. “How often should the theme be changed, Mr. Ophal?” She asked formally in a stern voice. Ryu cleared his throat upon noticing everyone’s attention was on him.

He flipped his notes and stuttered a little. “I expect everyone to be prepared from now on whenever there is a meeting. Time is money and is very crucial at this stage.” Ivy warned as Ryu cleared his throat again, feeling overwhelmed by her seriousness. He could not get used to her being serious as she had always been the heart of joy in the family.