That night, Charles was gathering with his friends while Mr. Oshia brought along Kyle.

“Charles meet my son, Kyle.” Mr. Oshia introduced as Kyle bowed respectfully to Charles.

“Nice to finally meet you Mr. Ophal.” Kyle greeted respectfully.

Charles let out a big laugh after pondering for a while on his intentions. “How can I help you?” Charles immediately got down to business as he never liked surprises.

Kyle gave his father a doubtful look as Mr. Oshia nodded. “I would like to make a deal with you. I would like to marry your niece and that way our family would be able to benefit from each other’s business. Not forgetting, your niece has a lot of shareholdings elsewhere…” Charles raised an eyebrow with a smirk at Kyle’s proposition which made him wonder exactly how much Ivy had.

“Looks like this young boy done his homework…” Charles let out a laugh as he poured them each a glass of whiskey.

“You can try and convince my niece. She is a very tough nut to crack. As for the collaboration, no problem! I always welcome more money provided you can handle my rascal niece! Tick tock, the clock is ticking. At first, I thought she would rebel against Jeremy who knows it seems to be progressing fast.” Charles laughed as he toasted to Kyle and drank his cup.

“Haven’t you heard of the past encounter I had with your niece?” Kyle raised an eyebrow with a smirk which made Charles wonder again but knew Kyle was determined to help him seal this deal. Charles then stood and cheered with Kyle to his glass of whiskey to seal the deal before discreetly asking his minions to find out about the news Kyle brought.

“Let’s call her in to meet up tomorrow!” Kyle cheered as he accompanied the old ones to drink the whole night. At the back of Charles's mind when he invited Ivy to the bar the next night trying to match them while relegating Jeremy, he also created a small chaos in the construction site for Ivy at the same time for delaying his funds request and humiliating him during the opening ceremony yesterday.

Ivy was in a meeting after meeting the next day starting with the reporting of the weekend’s event and to review the tourism board’s feedback. She was also on schedule to meet with Mr. Archwabal in the afternoon.

“Congratulations on a successful weekend event. Hence, with this, I shall formally announce the migration of all of you by phase to the new company. Naturally, I would like to have HR there first to begin the recruitment. The core team is essential to be shifted there within these two weeks. I don’t have much time left.” Ivy announced as everyone nodded in agreement before her phone rang.

“I shall submit my resignation today.” Wen Li said before Ivy nodded and picked up her call. It was an unknown number and she suspected it must be the construction site's leader. True enough it was him as she sighed in relief but the next news he brought, made her panic.

Before she could react and decide on the next course of action, Jeremy had stepped into the meeting room.

“I will head there now. I will resolve this matter. Don’t worry. Keep the workers under control.” She hung up as she kept her gaze on Jeremy who was equally worried.

“Marcel you’ll take charge of the progress. I have to go. There’s an urgent matter at the construction site in Manes. Marcel, update me on the progress of the rest later.” She said before Marcel nodded and she rushed off with Jeremy.

“This is definitely his way of getting back at me for the weekend,” Ivy said in the car as Jeremy held her hand instinctively wanting to calm her down.

“It’s not your fault. You should stay strong to fight this….” Jeremy comforted but Ivy finally had to tell him the message she received from Charles the night before.

“He asked me to meet him at the bar tonight,” Ivy said which made Jeremy’s eyes shuddered in worry and terror.

“No, you shouldn’t go. I will go…” Jeremy said as Ivy smiled and shook her head.

“Let’s go and see what he can bring to me after we solve this matter.” She told him as they alighted to the construction site.

Ivy was immediately greeted by raging workers as the leader explained the situation to both of them. She already had an idea playing in her mind as she let all of the workers vent their frustration.

“Alright, so all of you have spoken your thoughts I believe?” She looked around and everyone was either angered and not looking at her or nodded meekly.

“Alright, in that case, I shall announce from today onwards, that all of you are Ophal estates workers.” Jeremy and the construction leader, Mr. Bawli looked at her in surprise.

“Bring in your current contract to our personnel later and we will provide you with a new contract. As for the severance pay, we shall compensate all of you within today.” Ivy announced as though she was prepared for it.

“Handle the contract part. Get them to provide their account number and if we have to pay them cash, ensure you request a reimbursement. I shall speak with Marcel on the rest.” Ivy instructed Jeremy who got to work with Real as she gave Marcel a call. There were many questions Jeremy wanted to clarify with IVy but he had no choice at that moment as the workers were swarming over him and Real.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Marcel, there’s another update. I have just decided to put all the construction workers under Ophal’s estate.” Ivy informed as Marcel frowned.

“No, we can’t. Our cash flow is dire especially after we raise 2 million transfer.” Marcel protested.

“Put that request on hold. Use that to pay the severance pay which Jeremy will claim as reimbursement or if there are accounts we shall transfer to them instantly. Forget about the funds transfer request. We will offset them. Another thing, the legal team reviews their contract and provides each of them with a new one. I want them to complete the construction within a month. That would be my timeline which I will announce soon for the launch of phase two. Thereafter, we have a new department and source for new work.” Ivy explained on the way to the car as Marcel was getting worried about things looking south.

“Marcel. I know you’re worried but we have already decided to let things be that way. Focus on the migration but also this side job for the show. Get me Mr. Archwabal’s number. I will have a conference call with him now.” She instructed as she hung up and moments later dialed Archwabal’s number.

“Hello, Ms. Ophal. How have you been?” Archwabal’s courteous voice was heard over the line as Ivy smiled.

“Hello, Mr. Archwabal. I’ve been struggling. The company needs you.” She blatantly upfront told him the truth which he respected.

“But you must have known the reason I left.” He brought it up. “Yes, I didn’t say it was going to be as arduous as before. Marcel will still handle the rest and as for you, I need you to oversee the core team in a newly incorporated company. My HR Wen Li has resigned today. She will oversee you on interviews and who to bring over as the core team. As for the funds, no worries. I will settle them. Name me the price. As for the logistics I would reckon to be last as I will need them to help me in navigating with some loose ends. The marketing leader can leave within two weeks. I will foresee you supervising them on the launch of phase two within a month. I have the construction under my radar too.” Ivy explained as Mr. Archwabal listened in convincingly and was proud of how Ivy had turned out.

“You’re very well versed. How long have you planned all these Ms. Ophal?” He asked as she smiled.

“I have strong backups. And you’re one of them whom I need now. Deal?” She offered as Mr. Archwabal chuckled.

“Send me the contract. I shall not fail your expectations as long as you keep me running behind the scenes.” He counteroffered as Ivy grinned happily.

“That’s assured. Now, I have got to go. I have issues settling on-site. I hope to see you for tea soon.” Ivy concluded as Mr. Archwabal agreed. Ivy then walked straight back to Jeremy’s side and assisted them with the registration of the construction workers till late afternoon.

That evening, they went back to Landsfield all exhausted as Ivy struggled to keep her reddening eyes open. Jeremy pulled her into his embrace as she lightly leaned onto his chest.

“Relax. Stop being so tense. Sleep. I promise I will wake you when we reach his bar.” He coaxed as she finally was at ease and fell asleep in his arms. A part of her was slowly beginning to trust him and as for him he was being more bold at expressing his concerns and care to her not just for show but because he meant them.

Although they reached the destination on time, he did not want to wake her so he let Real and Chiang patrol around the area while he held her. As it got darker, she began to stir with bits and pieces of the explosion she encountered with Phoenix and the last moments with Avinha before being startled awake.

“You’re alright? Sorry, it’s getting darker.” He gently rubbed her back to soothe her. “Why didn’t you wake me?” She protested as she rubbed her eyes.

“I couldn’t… You’re so tired and this is an insignificant meeting.” He argued as she yawned and sighed. “Let me meet him briefly with Real. You stay here with Chiang.” She knew he would protest as she held his hand tightly.

“Trust me. There’s Real.” She pointed out as he had no choice but to let her go ahead with Real.

“Wait for me outside. I will text you to enter if needed.” She instructed as Real nodded and obliged.

Ivy walked into the private room as Charles and his friends were chuckling. However, before she could release the door, Real could tell Ivy was getting nervous at the sight of Kyle as he held the door open a little to be able to hear their conversation. It did indeed take Ivy by surprise as she stood dumbfounded for a moment forgetting where she was and her motives as well as her games with Charles.

“Why, hello hello Ms. Ophal. We meet again…” Kyle greeted as he passed her a glass of whiskey when Charles chuckled.

“Ai Lee, I have been made to understand that both of you know each other. He is our guest of honor tonight. Kyle Oshia is Mr. Oshia’s son. Looks like we have a deal to make. They are offering to build a shophouse opposite our cultural site in Manes.” Charles explained as Ivy squinted her eyes at Kyle before glaring at Charles. Her anger took over her nervous self as she gripped her hands into a fist.

“Oh didn’t you know? I just took over your construction workers. They all are reporting to me now cause I paid their severance pay. Are you that poor lately Uncle?” Ivy provoked as she walked over to Charles while he chuckled to hide his anger.

Kyle walked over and tried to toast to her drink which made her suspicious of the glass of liquor. “Why don’t we toast first, Ivy?” Kyle suggested quickly to keep them appeased.

“What’s the hurry?” She glared at him before turning to Charles. At this point, Jeremy was already at the main door of the private room and was grateful for Real being smart to leave a little opening as they all were hearing their conversation.

“So, I’m not agreeing to this project. Whatever it is, I decide what projects to pick moving forward.” She warned Charles.

“Not so fast, young lady. There’s also our major business partner here, Mr. Oshia to consider.” Charles pointed as Mr. Oshia smiled and nodded.

“Whatever the deal was with Charles, is none of my concern. There’s no reason for me to speak with you. Saving your time..” Ivy wanted to leave but Kyle caught hold of her arm as she glared at him.

“Not so fast… We should at least toast for all time's sake.” Kyle insisted which made Jeremy furious watching Ivy fisting her other hand so tightly he could feel the pain on her behalf. He could not bear to watch anymore as he barged in.

“Wow, wow. What did I miss?” Jeremy questioned as Kyle refused to release Ivy’s arms while Ivy unwillingly gave Jeremy a pleading look as Jeremy fiercely looked at her reminding her to not look vulnerable.

Ivy then quickly forcefully pulled away her arm from Kyle’s hand as Jeremy scooped her by her waist to his side. “There, there. Need a toast. Let me. Be a gentleman and let the lady go. After all, didn’t you know, she is my fiancee.” Jeremy snatched the glass of wine from Ivy’s hand as she watched worriedly since she suspected it was spike but too late to do anything when he clanked to Kyle’s glass and downed the whiskey at once.

“See ya, Charles! Taking your niece on a nice date after this!” Jeremy concluded before dragging Ivy out of the room leaving Kyle furious.

“Slowly, young boy. Didn’t I tell you my niece is a tough nut to crack? Well, what can I say? Even my workers are gone now. Try again I guess.” Charles chuckled as he continued his party throughout the night while Kyle sat plotting his master plan to get back at Ivy and Jeremy.