“Yes, thanks for coming out despite the sudden heavy downpour. But again we have the rain to thank for the blessings it brought to Manes economy. This exhibition would bring out the known history of this town to keep it alive in the young ones. One of the main aims of this as suggested by my fiance, Mr. Rahi was to create more job opportunities to keep the young ones here instead of outside of Manes like myself.” Ivy pretended to chuckle a little in embarrassment.

“That way, Manes would be able to sustain its glory,” Ivy explained as Jeremy took a look at her taking his random comments into serious action.

Ivy winked at him as she smiled and continued on her speech. “Having said so, Ophal had a collaboration with Rahi’s consulting business recently. Rahi’s side has been actively doing talks all this while. As you all know our main speaker…” Ivy paused a moment to keep herself composed as Jeremy glanced at her, wanting to hold her hand which she was gripping tightly but she had continued with her speech.

“... Jason Rahi has passed on and we had our new speaker and manager, Nick Lahau. This project was a strong push by the late Mr. Rahi. Ophal and Rahi's cooperation would like to thank Mr. Lahau for the effort he put in during these critical moments. Despite so…” Ivy’s voice switched to anticipation which lifted the somber mood she unintentionally put on the crowd.

“... the company needs to grow as well. Having said so, moving forward, we would like to thank Mr. Charles Ophal here for providing manpower for us to introduce our brand new segment, security guard services for events as such.” The press was impressed as they applauded the announcement while Ivy kept her smile. Charles who was upset but had to suppress his offensive behavior due to the press stood closer to Ivy while gritting his teeth. It made Jeremy panicked for a moment as he too stood and held on to Ivy’s right hand.

“What’s this about?” Charles asked while trying to maintain a smile.

“Oh, smile Uncle Charles. For the press. Thank you very much.” She bowed in appreciation to him as she enjoyed the look of Charles.

“Not forgetting, his hard work from his construction business brought us this successful launch of phase one. We look forward to bringing phase two to launch within two months. Knowing his business, he had too many orders lately including the construction of a charity home. I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his generous donation on behalf of the Ophals to the charity home.” She said as she clapped with the crowd to Charles who had no choice but to maintain a forced smile.

“Thank you for your attendance today. This concludes the press conference.” Ivy announced as the press continued snapping more pictures.

“Since there’s so much happy news, let’s wish for this couple to throw us an engagement party soon! With that please join us for some refreshments!” Charles invited everyone to a celebration while the excited press requested for the couple to stay a longer while.

As Charles was leaving the stage, he warned Jeremy discreetly to see him later as he was extremely furious after learning from his minions shortly after about the cancellation of the two million funds request by Ivy. Charles deliberately showcased the couple and kept repeating hoping their engagement party would be soon as he left the stage.

“When will the engagement party be?” The press repeated the question several times while taking pictures of the couple which made Ivy feel rather uncomfortable especially the sight of Charles whispering to Jeremy discreetly.

“Let’s just wait for my father’s approval. It’s still too early to say.” She said politely while Jeremy had been holding her by her waist

“It seems there has been a lot of progress lately with the both of you. Many are wondering previously you’re both not linked to each other but you worked closely with Jason Rahi. Why the sudden change? Were you two-timing back then, Ms. Ophal?” The press asked as Ivy chuckled at the question and shook her head finding it was hilarious. At the back of her mind, she was wondering if it was Charles who deliberately led the press in this direction. She glanced over at Charles’ direction as he smirked at her.

On the other hand, the question was offending Jeremy who then held her even closer which startled her for a moment.

“Do you think she would allow such a thing?” Jeremy asked furiously and upon learning the change in his mood, Ivy placed a hand on his chest.

“Oops, looks like my fiance is angry at that statement. So, guess that’s your answer you see. I had never had any romantic relationship before. This is my first with Jeremy Rahi. With the late Jason Rahi, we were very close business partners. Unfortunately, he could not see his effort brought to success these days.” Ivy explained which left the press deciding to respect the dead and proceed to take more pictures of the couple.

“Could you pose more for our pictures?”

“Could you look here please?”

“Could you stand closer?”

To play it real, Jeremy decided to pull her in for a kiss as Ivy had to swiftly receive it with her thumb blocking their lips this time but the tenacity of his anger at the question earlier made him pull her hand off, leaving their lips brushing each other gently like when they waltz.

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She was a little taken aback by his sudden action as she tried not to snarl at him but kept her smile as Jeremy winked at her before ushering the press to Charles’ celebration.

Seeing Melody broke Ivy’s heart as she signaled Jeremy to proceed first.

“Are you alright?” Ivy asked Melody as she hugged Ivy and buried her face in Ivy’s chest.

“I understand. It’s alright. Come, let’s board my car both of you. Where’s Sun Li?” Ivy asked Yan Shu who stood by Melody’s side.

“She will leave with the rest cause they had a separate discussion on tasks. I have to join them too.” Yan Shu explained as she was distressed with Melody who was sobbing in Ivy’s arm. Ivy nodded as she discreetly hid Melody in her coat and walked up to Chiang’s car.

Ivy got in first and Melody sat next to her. “Jeremy’s in the reception with Charles. Head down and check on him. Don’t let him drink too much.” Ivy instructed as Chiang and Real got down leaving her alone with Melody.

With that Melody sobbed even more in her arms. “I’m sorry, Ivy. I’m so sorry…” Melody kept apologising as Ivy took some tissues and gave her to wipe her face.

“Is there a reason you told him that?” Ivy asked as she gently caressed her cheeks.

She took a deep breath to calm down before explaining to Ivy her real intentions, trying not to tear up again.

“It’s alright. You did well.” Ivy pulled her in for a hug as she rubbed Melody’s back to comfort her.

“Good girl. I was not wrong about you. That way, keep it up till finals are over. By then, proudly claim back who is yours.” Ivy supported which made Melody grin.

“As of now, focus on studies. The marketing work will continue but you will need to face him quite often. Will that be alright?” Ivy asked as she nodded with a sweet smile. Ivy knew Melody was still the same smitten girl who fell head over heels for her brother.

“Then, keep it professional.” Ivy reminded as Melody nodded again.

“Alright, go ahead and rest. Cry it off but remember to take care of yourself. Call me. I will help you or listen to you.” Melody was touched by Ivy’s offer as she hugged her another time.

“Thank you. I will continue to support together with the fans club. Take care, Ivy. Jeremy seems to need you more. He seems like he genuinely likes you.” Melody said which made Ivy take a step back in her mind and think over the events recently to find Melody did have a point.

Ivy smiled. “Don’t think too much. Don’t worry about me. I know what to do.”

“I should head back to the girls. The boys are pulling Jeremy back.” Melody pointed out as Ivy turned to see a half-drunk Jeremy being supported by Real and Chiang.

“Alright, go ahead. Take care!” Ivy said as Melody alighted from the left side of the car while she opened the right side of the car to let Jeremy in.

“That wasn't necessary earlier.” Ivy scolded him as she snarled at him.

“For the media. Come on. I love the media.” He said as Chiang drove.

“Then stay that way.” She said angrily for being surprised earlier but it also meant she could use the power of media to ensure the safety of herself is known to her loved ones.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Jeremy asked as though feeling challenged.

“Nothing. Just letting you do what you love.” She said bluntly looking outside the window. A hinge of sadness lingered on Jeremy who had always heard that line and wished to be under control sometimes.

“That's the only way I could seem to get through you.” He hissed which made Ivy feel bad but did not flinch as they sat quietly till they reached home and he had fallen asleep feeling rather uncomfortable after drinking earlier.

Did he mean it? Was he fooling me or trying to trick me? Ivy thought to herself on the way to Landsfield.

Why is his behavior so erratic lately? What exactly is he up to? Ivy wondered as she shook her head again. Don’t let yourself get wavered, Ivy.

She warned herself in mind before alighting the car and heading into the house with Jeremy. Jeremy then stormed off upstairs at the sight of Daisy who nodded with a smile at Ivy.

“Did you really kiss?” Daisy asked as she heard the slamming of the door from upstairs while Ivy chuckled and shook her head hoping the press would not show the obvious picture of her thumb being lifted.

Daisy sighed a relief.

“There was a thumb in between in the nick of time,” Ivy explained as Daisy smiled rubbing her heart to calm it down.

“Don’t let him try to take advantage of you…” Daisy said before heading back upstairs.

“Mum…” Ivy called out solemnly as Daisy took her hands.

“Has he ever wanted something so bad that it got him upset and he used the wrong way to get your attention only to figure it wasn't what he wanted?” Ivy suddenly felt stupid asking the question when she knew the answer as she shook her head.

“Sorry, don't answer. I don't know what was I asking.” Ivy shook her head even more as Daisy gently patted her hand.

“That silly boy giving you trouble again isn't he? What is it he wanted this time?” Daisy asked gently.

“He was sad when he said something about finally getting my attention but only by using the media,” Ivy explained as Daisy smiled lovingly.

“It's his little way of saying thank you. His little rebels are usually his ways of hiding his real vulnerable feelings.” Daisy comforted her. Thank you for? She wondered to herself.

“Many times when he was young it took me a long while to figure this son of mine was lack of attention which he constantly hungered for. He loves compliments too. Guess the media move was a good idea. Just not the moves he makes on you.” Daisy said with a hinge of apology as Ivy smiled.

“That's alright. I'm entrusted to teach him a lesson after all.” The ladies walked up the stairs and before they entered their respective rooms, Ivy could not help but ask.

“Mum, have you ever thought of abandoning him before?” Ivy asked as Daisy frowned.

“I'm a mother. How could I?” Daisy answered as Ivy was relieved to know that at least one person would never give up on him. “Goodnight, my dear.”

“Goodnight, Mum,” Ivy said watching Daisy’s room door closed as her eyes darted over to Jeremy’s room wondering how was he doing after drinking again but decided to take a shower and call it a night instead.