“I would suggest for it to either be on monthly or quarterly. Considering cash flow is tight, monthly would be difficult. Hence, quarterly instead but potentially to turn out boring if the theme is too mundane. I would suggest adding in small events monthly instead.” Ryu finally got back his composure and replied formally.

“Then, how much funds would be required for such small events?” Ivy questioned as she sipped her tea.

“Free. We would be using the outsourced resources.” Ryu replied. Ivy pondered for a moment on the reliability although she knew it was his fans club but formally, they still needed a solid report documenting the plan.

“Write out a report of the small events details and submit it as soon as possible. On the first major theme, what are the ideas?” She pushed on as Ryu’s screen changed to show a slide show for their ideas.

“The team brainstormed on several ideas but concluded with the history of the indigenous community. The concept will include culture, entertainment, crafts, and delicacies and a section of phase one will include a small exhibition of the indigenous community's history and culture. Thereafter, the entire year, depending on the feedback collected from visitors, each of the mentioned concepts will become the main focus each quarter. The last three orders would depend on the results of the surveys. We will kick start with culture.” Ryu explained as Ivy eased back feeling a little sentimental being reminded of Peter’s community and missing him.

“Alright, how far has the preparations been made?” Ivy asked enthusiastically.

“The outsourced resources are prepared to set up the history exhibitions. The vendors for crafts and delicacies are in negotiation. As for entertainment, it’s challenging to secure performers on short notice but we are still in the process of it.” Ryu updated as Jason’s band members crossed her mind.

“I will give you contact later. Try and see if they would like to help out. In addition, get them to reach out to the first two winners of the earlier this year band competition as well. At the same time, research on the traditional songs playlist so that they can prepare in advance their score sheets if they agreed to the offer.” Ivy explained as Ryu nodded and smiled knowing whom she meant.

“Alright, we shall adjourn the meeting for now. Keep me updated. Thanks, everyone.” Ivy said as she searched her contacts for Nick’s contact before she realised Ryu was still on the line while everyone else had left the room physically and virtually.

“Getting Burning Ember to perform I see?” Ryu teased as Ivy raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Yes. That’s the plan. You could do one performance too yourself.” She suggested.

“Not without you. That song needs you to brighten it.” Ryu coaxed as Ivy smiled knowing which song it was. It was the one they sang during his fans' meeting.

“Only if you agree.” She didn’t mind as he smiled.

“Cool! I heard of the plan tonight. Stay safe.” Ryu’s face turned serious.

“I will. Love you.” She said before he went offline. She forced herself to blink her tears away when Marcel was coming in. She pretended to stretch and yawn only to figure she had a sore neck.

Marcel alerted her it was time to get dressed for tonight’s event. “Can I not go?” Ivy sighed and whined as Marcel chuckled.

She then saw a text message from Melody telling her there was a group of fans who would do a coverage together with the press that night which made her more motivated to head to the event.

“This is the very first time I hear you laugh candidly.” Ivy chuckled along as she did some stretching.

“You were tough on him,” Marcel said. “I had to. Look at how he just zoned out in a meeting.” Ivy vented. “I understand. You did well and I am sure he can reason with it.” Marcel praised as she smiled.

“I will go. I had a lot of promoting to do after all. Besides, my little future sister-in-law and my brother’s fan base is already there.” Ivy lazily stood from the chair and headed out to fetch her belongings from her office only to remember that she did not drive that day.

“Ah, crap. I forgot…” She mumbled to herself as Marcel pointed to her office.

“What? Cassandra made arrangements to deliver the dress here and a couple more I kept in the car. Will send over to the Rahi’s house.” He asked as she stepped in to find an elegant deep purple maxi dress hanging on her coat hanger coupled with striped violet heels. “Why, thank you very much for the arrangement with Cassie. No, no keep them here for emergencies. Now, I don’t have a car.” Marcel wriggled his car keys to her.

“You drive me. I am too tired to drive. Pleasy pleaseeee…” Ivy begged as Marcel smiled and nodded.

“Sure. I will wait outside while you change.” He said as he stepped out, locking her door, and Ivy blinded out her window panels.

By the time she arrived at the charity event, it was a long queue of cars. She could not bear to make Marcel wait so she decided to alight and walked over.

“Come on no one does that,” Marcel protested the moment she alighted.

“Well, let me set the precedent. Bye, see you in the office next week! I’m heading to Manes tomorrow with the girls. Rest well!” She stepped ahead without waiting for an answer as Marcel shook his head in disbelief and laughed.

A part of him was glad to get home early while a part of him was worried about her. However, looking at her entering the building without any hassle, he delightedly drove off, escaping the jam.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

Ivy stepped to the main entrance only to be greeted by a group of reporters. She quickly spotted Melody and the small group of fans. She discreetly winked at Melody as she was given her first question by the reporters.

“Why are you walking in from far Ms.Ophal? Don't you have a driver tonight?” A reporter raised the question followed by many others agreeing in unison.

As she heard the question she raised her hands.

“Firstly, walking is good for health. Save the environment too. Besides our new launch refurbished town would like to focus on doing more outdoor activities like gardening on those crops that are used in the traditional cuisines of Manes. For instance, brinjals are not just the ordinary purple ones you see. There are orange ones and also greenish-white in Manes. They are easy to grow and they make ridiculously sumptuous fish soup. Oh, by the way, thank you for the great news written recently. I love it!” She praised the press as her gaze met Jeremy's from afar next to her Uncle Charles while putting up her thumb. Jeremy was admiring her charming self in front of the press.

The press sounded very happy with her input but they were still not satisfied.

“Why didn’t Mr. Rahi pick you, Ms. Ophal?” She smiled at the reporter’s question as she pointed behind revealing Jeremy to the press. He raised an eyebrow at her impressive impromptu diversion skills and happily took his place next to hers.

As the couple headed out on their first public appearance at a charity event with Charles who was the construction in charge, Ivy knew she had to give Jeremy some limelight. She instinctively gave him a kiss on his cheek.

“This fiance of mine arrived beforehand to ensure my Uncle Charles is accompanied.” She praised as she placed a hand on his chest. The press was smitten.

“Tonight is a charity event, how much are the Ophals planning to donate?” A reporter asked which had Ivy stunned for a moment at the unexpected question but she could tell Jeremy was rubbing her back to soothe her tense self as she fell back into her act.

“Hmm considering my Uncle Charles is their contracted construction company, he had already allocated a million at least on our behalf. You see my dad's condition has been worrying that it slipped my mind. Uncle Charles is indeed generous and thoughtful on this part.” Ivy eyed Charles’ direction with a sinister smile.

“Anyway, I have given quite a lot of input. Let's continue in the press conference over the weekend in Manes alright?” She concluded as she led Jeremy a little further away and before the couple could speak, they had met with Charles.

“Uncle Charles, congrats on the charity event.” Ivy wished as Charles put on a laugh.

“So I heard you told the press…” Before he could finish, Ivy interrupted him.

“Uncle Charles, you're always so thoughtful. I would be grateful for the help. Besides, I received a funds request today for five million. Could you help your lousy niece out with such a tough time?” Ivy fakely pleaded as Charles fell for her pretense. He was left with no choice but to agree with so many guests by their side listening.

“Sure! Uncle Charles is a noble person. My niece is in trouble I will help out. I will send you 3 million and donate 2 million instead.” Charles announced as Ivy smiled satisfyingly.

Ivy put on an act like she was so grateful. “Thank you very much, Uncle Charles. I hope the funds can come in soonest possible, please.” She stepped closer to him and whispered. “If possible today. Right now?” It was the exact words Jeremy told her.

She stepped away and pleaded. “Please…” She continued on with her pity act. Charles was not happy but he knew he was forced to oblige rather than lose face.

“Young girl take it easy. Alright alright, let's send over the funds tonight. Make arrangements.” He announced to his underlings before dragging Jeremy with him.

Jeremy knew instantly Ivy’s request was deflecting punishments to himself and could harm Ray. He quickly alerted Ray to be careful of the shipping that night as Charles would find ways to regain his five million back.

Charles then drank with Jeremy the entire night like usual but he was deliberately trying to get Jeremy drunk. Ivy accompanied them and made a lot of acquaintances but she knew how to control her liquor limits. There were several ladies who had been watching her elegant dress for a long while when Ivy decided to approach them.

“Cheers, ladies.” She greeted as they clunked their champagne flute with hers.

“Ms. Ophal, your dress is very dazzling tonight. Who are you wearing tonight?” A lady in her midi skimpy pink dress asked.

“Oh, it’s just my friend’s boutique downtown. Cassie’s wear. You should visit soon. I love her designs.” Ivy introduced as expected when the ladies quickly did research and discovered it was a strange-looking boutique.

“Are you sure?” The lady earlier asked as Ivy nodded. “Don’t judge the look by its cover.” With that, Jeremy approached her wobbly with Charles who was half drunk.

“My dear niece, why don’t the both of you head out to the dance floor for a moment? I remember you were waltzing with your dad better than your aunt. Let’s show everyone what you got.” Charles forced it on them as he laughed out loud. Ivy’s gaze fell onto Jeremy’s who was emphasizing that they should oblige. She was worried about his condition and that he might embarrass himself being half drunk but she knew they had no choice at that point.

“Lean on me. We will move less.” She whispered as he leaned on her lightly but when she led him to move, it felt as though they were floating on clouds which slowly made him slightly sober. He slowly stood on his own till she met her gaze right under his face.

It took Ivy into a trance as she focused on keeping him balanced while trying to figure out the butterfly feelings she was getting from his gentle gaze as they moved.

What is this feeling again? Whenever he throws such a gaze, I keep getting this vibe. Why Jeremy? Are you drunk or sober now? Why are you showing me as though you care for me? Ivy questioned in mind as she spun around with him on the dance floor.

Jeremy could not take his eyes off her as when she danced, she was graceful especially when she spun into his arms. When the music stopped, he held her close and could not help the urge to draw her in for a kiss which surprised her as her eyes twinkled, finding her lips kissing him back. She knew it was supposed to be an act as she played along but it was feeling surreal that she let her guts take the lead. It sent the crowd into a round of applause when they broke away.

He winked at her with a smile as he began to get wobbly again. She quickly held on to him tightly.

“Hold on to me closer.” She whispered as Charles walked up to the couple half drunk and announced he was leaving for the night. They followed Charles to send him off to the lobby.

“Have a good night my dear niece! Funds has… been … transferred…” Charles announced before getting into the car with his slurry words. Ivy nodded and kept her smile watching his car drive off.

Jeremy began to gag by her side. “Hey! Keep your vomit down!” She scolded before dragging him with her to the next car only to decide to pull him to the side of the pillar and smack his back. True enough he threw up by the side while Real, one of his underlings came by to help Ivy hold him.

“Ms. Ophal, you can enter the car first.” Real said as Ivy shook her head.

“Call me Ivy. What’s your name?” She asked as Real told her while she smacked hard on Jeremy’s back to make him throw up all he wanted.

“Just how much did you drink?” She complained as they dragged him into the car while she figured to pry some information from the driver and Real on the way home.