The couple rushed off to the hotel prepared by Real to change into their working attire before making their way to the construction site without having much chance to talk things through.

While at the site, Ivy was busy changing plans and schedules with Mr. Bawli on phase two to make it in time for the launch. As for Jeremy, he was chipping in ideas as and when he was not on a call with Real or Chiang who were ensuring Kyle and the opposite shophouse site as well as the underground operations were in check, away from troubles.

His gut feeling knew Ivy was still rather afraid of Kyle and she still needed time to adapt to many changes most notably, their newly developed genuine relationship.

After forcing her to take a bite of her favorite mung bean cake for lunch and occasionally water, he wanted her to accompany him for dinner. With that, he dragged her off the construction site with the excuse of meeting someone important at the end of the street.

“Who exactly are we meeting?” She asked impatiently as he strolled with her quietly while smiling at her agitation.

“There’s so much work to do. There are so many changes made and I need to schedule everything. I haven’t had the time to look at the opposite plan. How was it? Oh! We need to practice later for the charity!” She gasped at the sudden reminder as Jeremy showed her his mobile screen where he already had the music scores.

That was when she noticed he was very quiet all along as she walked closer and hooked her arms on his. “Thought I brought a parrot along…” He teased, sounding tired as she chuckled while strolling closer to the end of the street and they stopped to buy some skewers before continuing their stroll.

“Tell me… We are meeting nobody isn’t it?” She asked as he chuckled and she knew she was right.

Ivy, you need to remember to make time for him. Otherwise, he will be too lonely, and don’t forget that your time with him might be short and unpredictable from now on. Saving the company and family is one thing but this man had done so much for you. He deserves better… You don’t want to repeat the same mistakes again. She reminded herself as she stopped midway on the street.

She gazed deep into his loving gaze before pulling him for a kiss.

The town had been flocked by visitors lately and so were the reporters. That moment was captured vividly by various reporters but Ivy did not bother as she knew at that moment he was the center of keeping her grounded.

As the couple broke away from their kiss and enjoyed a relaxing first date that evening, Ivy for once felt like her life was normal again.

“Thank you…” She said as he chuckled. “For?” He asked. “For being by my side…” She smiled as he kissed her forehead.

“How’s the site opposite?” Ivy asked as they strolled a little more. “It’s fine for today. Not much activity going on cause the main focus was on phase two but seeing so, I’m sure Charles or Kyle will be stirring some stuff. Anyway, that’s not for you to worry for now.” Jeremy shrugged it off to not bother Ivy.

“Are you sure?” She stopped midway to face him, wanting confirmation. He caressed her cheeks instead watching her eyes flutter at his touch. “Coming from someone who said she trusted me?” He teased her as she could not help but grin and let the topic go as they continued to stroll.

“What do you think of the changes we had made the whole day?” She asked while leaning onto his shoulder as they strolled.

“It's a waste that the statue of the iconic Phoenix and dragon had to be scrapped.” He said as she sighed.

“But they are the core of the history. The pavilion will be so empty. It would be a waste to sit and see nothing.” She mumbled to herself as he pulled her to an empty bench and let her wrap her arms around his waist.

“We could use something digital perhaps?” He finally suggested as her frowns finally disappeared when she imagined the idea in her mind.

“You could do it? Can you?” She asked excitedly as he smiled and nodded.

“We will have projectors playing a short skit of the history in brief at specific hours. Normal times we would put out the pair in different designs.” He explained his ideas as she was intrigued.

“Alright while you're at it, could you also prepare the statue sketches? I want them built eventually as it's part of the history.” She clung to him happily while leaning onto his chest.

“Alright, alright. By the way, would you like to head to my bar and the office you went to that day when we are back in Landsfield next week? I work better in those places…” He asked as a few moments passed in silence.

Only then did he realised she had fallen asleep as he chuckled to himself and held her closer to him. As he enjoyed the rare moment he wondered how many chances he would have left before he had to leave her.

True enough, on the next day’s news, their date made headlines.

Kyle threw the papers off the ground. “You’re testing my patience!” Kyle vented as an idea struck his mind.

“So, you’re using media to your advantage. Then, let’s see how will you handle it when I cut that off…” Kyle said to himself.

“Find me information on the girl who had been controlling social media news for the Rahis and Ophals,” Kyle instructed his sidekicks.

Meanwhile, Ivy practiced last minute with Ryu and Jeremy who were thankful for the score sheets that evening.

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“I cannot believe you didn’t practice with him last night. You’re lucky these are simple songs.” Ryu whined at Ivy who quietly scrolled her tablet to check on the progress of the new company and financial reports of the current company from Marcel.

She sighed at the borderline red cashflow report after approving all the payments including payroll for the month which agitated Ryu as she was not paying attention to him.

“Ivy!” Ryu vented as Jeremy walked closer in case they were to have a sibling fight but instead Ivy put aside her tablet and stood to hug Ryu tiredly.

“What are we going to do with no money, Ryu? Will we be able to feed ourselves for the next few months or pay for Dad’s medical bills soon?” She absentmindedly whined to him as she yawned and closed her eyes, leaning onto her brother.

“It’s that bad?” Ryu was shocked at her sudden actions as he pulled Ivy off him while she yawned again.

“Are there any backup plans? We have to come up with something…” Ryu said worriedly as Ivy gave him a smirk before lazily opening her eyes.

“Don’t worry. I got it sorted out while you whined.” Ivy concluded as Ryu sighed in relief.

“Knew you would have your ways! The best Director ever!” Ryu cheered as Ivy forced a smile, forcing herself to not let her tears slip while bidding farewell to her little brother.

A part of her wished she was as gullible and carefree as Ryu while a part of her was glad she was doing her best with all her plans falling through. Jeremy held her hand as she met his gaze before smiling and leaning onto him as he led her back to the hotel, not wanting to ask anything cause he knew she needed all the rest and peace she could have by his company.

Their performance on the next day drew the attention of the media as Ivy made use of the chance to announce the launch of Phase Two in three weeks while Nick who came to attend the event with Phyllis was surrounded with queries to participate in the Phase One event and also bid for phase two’s activities vendors.

“I’m glad you announced the news…” Nick said while they were wrapping up as Ivy let out a long sigh.

“Sounded like many things are bothering you?” He said as she smiled.

“It’s a long story. Speaking of which, Phyllis and you? I haven’t got the chance to ask… A drink?” Ivy questioned while putting an arm by her waist as he chuckled.

“Just friends… Encountering a similar situation… She lost her husband to cancer six months ago. Well, we have another drinking session tonight since it’s Nancy’s birthday… Just plans we make to move on in life…” Nick explained as though it was just another conversation and Ivy could not help but feel happy for him.

“Glad you’re doing well… Just make sure you look after yourself when you're drunk.” She gently patted his shoulder.

“Would you like to join us?” He offered as she chuckled and shook her head while tilting her head a little at the sight of Jeremy standing behind Nick. Nick turned around and smiled at Jeremy as Jeremy nodded politely.

“Is he and you serious now?” Nick leaned forward to whisper to her ear as she grinned keeping her gaze stuck at Jeremy who was unfazed. She hummed in agreement as Nick took a good look at her glowing face which reminded him of the same look she had while with Jason.

“Whatever it is… I trust you know well Ivy. If you ever had any issues, don’t forget there’s still me.” Nick reminded as Ivy’s eyes reddened at the gaze of Nick who was messing up her hair like he always did. Ivy grinned even more and nodded as they bid their farewell.

While she walked towards Jeremy who was waiting for her, she caught a glimpse of someone familiar. It was Ann, the accountant who was fired by Jason due to embezzlement standing in front of her with a rather pale boy in her arms. Ann looked away feeling guilty as Ivy instantly called out.

“Ann… Haven’t met you a long time. Are things well?” She asked politely as Ann blinked away her tears.

“I need to talk to her. Give me a moment…” Ivy told Jeremy who nodded as Ivy moved forward to lead Ann out with her son to a park nearby to catch up.

“I’m sorry… I know what I did back then was so wrong but I really had no choice…” Ann apologised to Ivy as they watched the little boy play by himself at the park.

“I understand…” Ivy said sincerely as she finally found herself to be able to understand Ann’s actions after all she had been through.

“I understand your desperate measures. Back then perhaps I was too young to understand. No matter how Jason explained to me, it just made no sense to me for your sudden betrayal… The one that I still didn’t understand was the friendship we had.” Ivy explained.

“Ivy… I mean, Ms. Ophal…” Ann corrected as Ivy smiled.

“Ivy, please. I’m still your little bookkeeper who always helped you with data entry.” Ivy comforted which made Ann feel very touched as she broke down.

The little boy rushed over to them, worrying about Ann. “Mummy is just too happy to finally meet an old friend.” Ivy comforted him as he nodded to her.

“What’s your name?” Ivy asked.

“Astophose…” Ivy smiled. “That’s a very unique name. How old are you?” She asked again while Ann recovered from her break down with Ivy gently rubbing her back with one arm.

“Six years old.” He replied as Ivy gently patted his head. “Good boy. You will grow to be a healthy and successful young boy to take care of your mummy and daddy alright?” Ivy encouraged as Astophose shook his head.

“Daddy left us…” Ivy gasped at the sudden news as she watched Astophose hug his mother.

“I’m sorry…” Ivy apologised to them both.

“Ivy… I don’t know how I could repay you after all I had done. I didn’t even get to apologise to Mr. Rahi and he…” Ivy gently patted her hand to comfort her as Ann sobbed even more.

“Are you still working?” Ivy prompted as Ann shook her head. “He had been in and out of surgery and the funds I took are all paid for his medical expenses. No job would afford the lifestyle I’m living…Besides, his father was divorcing me back then. That’s why I sorted out that desperate measure. I didn’t mean for us to end that way either. You were a very nice lady and still is Ivy. I’m sorry.” Ann said sadly as she gently patted Astophose’s head.

“Ann, are you still familiar with the company’s accounts?” Ivy asked with a plan in mind. Ann frowned in confusion before nodding as she wiped her tears away.

“Would you… like to come join us?” Ivy offered but did not finish telling her where.

“No, no. I don’t think I can handle such a big account of the merger.” Ann rejected as Ivy smiled.

“I didn’t say which company yet.” Ivy teased her as Ann blinked in surprise.

“You have another company?” Ann questioned. “I have more than you think I do. But yes, this is a newly incorporated company and the accounts would be still quite simple. As time comes by, I hope you can learn from the team working in this company and climb up?” Ivy offered as Ann was very touched.

“Ivy I … I’m so sorry. I never expect you to… No, no… I can’t.” Ann rejected her again which made Ivy sad knowing her dire situation.

“If it helps to make you feel better, I would like to help out with his medical fees. In return, I hope you can help me out with this company. Having said so, the job will be in Landsfield, and shifting there, the medical help is much better too.” Ivy offered as her vibrating phone call from Real reminded her she needed to leave as she could sense something was not right.

“Ann, I got to go but I hope you would give this some thought. Here’s my name card. I hope to hear from you soon.” Ivy offered as she stood and gave Ann and Astophose one last hug before leaving them to think of her offer.

Jason, I finally understood the lesson you taught me on friendship. You must be proud of what I just did, aren’t you? Ivy questioned in her heart, sincerely hoping Ann would come to terms with her offer.