Carlisle's face darkened immediately. "Ivy, are you saying Wren didn't pick you up?"

Ivy nodded, her teary eyes glistening as she played the part of the wronged fiancée. "Mr. Zachman, please don't blame Wren. He must've had something urgent to take care of. I'm sure that's why he didn't have time to come for me." "Stop making excuses for him!" Carlisle's voice boomed, his expression growing stormy. "This is getting out of hand. He's been acting out too much lately."

Without wasting a second, he pulled out his phone and dialed Wren. The call rang for what felt like an eternity before automatically disconnecting.noveldrama

Carlisle's grip on the phone tightened. He tried again and then a third time, with the same result. His jaw clenched in frustration as he turned his sharp gaze back to Ivy.

"Do you have any idea where he's gone?"

Ivy hesitated, biting her lip for effect. She needed Carlisle on her side, but she couldn't seem too eager. "I... I'm not entirely sure, but-" "Speak up! stop beating around the bush!"

Herhead dipped, her voice trembling, as she reluctantly revealed, "I think Wren might have gone to look for Clara. She hasn't been answering my calls and has avoided me ever since she found out about our engagement. Maybe Wren was worried about her and went to check on her." Zachman's face tumed a shade darker. "When he can't even prioritize what's important! Always running after that girl!" Clare wasn't someone Carlisle particularly disliked, but he didn't care for the idea of her meddling in Wren's life-especially now, tuture Mis Zachman being groomed as the

w, with Ivy bei

"Mr. Zachman, don't be mad at Wren," Ivy implored, her voice soft and forgiving "He probably just didn't want Clara to feel abandoned. After all, they did grow up together."

"Enough!" Carlisle snapped, wanting her off. "I'm going to find out where he is. Even if I have to drag him back kicking and screaming, he will be at that

Ivy's beat leaped with satisfaction, but she maintained her sorrowful facade. "But... Mr. Zachman, what if Wren resents me for it? What if he doesn't want to go through with the engagement?"

"That's not your problem to worry about," Carlisle said timly, his tone brooking no argument.

Just as he Timeshed speaking, the sound of a car door shutting outside drew their attention. A moment later, Katrina walled into the house, her heels clicking gainst the tile. She looked around and immediately sensed the tension in the room. Carlisle spotted her, and has mood soured further. "Katrina!"

barely glanced at him as she crossed the foyer, her expression as distant as ever. She walked past him without so much as a greeting.

"Stop right there!" Carlisle bared, his voice echoing through the house.

Katrina paused and turned to face him, her expression cold. "What is it now?"

"Why hasn't Clara come back yet? And don't tell me you don't know where she is. Tomorrow is Wren and Ivy's engagement party, "Cat won't be there, and neither will I," Katrina replied, her tone ley. and I expect you both to attend!"

Shirley descended the staircase, her face contorted in exaggerated distress. "Why are you always so difficult? Why can't you support Ivy and Wren? Is it so hard for you fu wish them well? Katrina's eyes nanowed, but Shirley pressed on, her voice rising. "I know you're protective of Clara, but she's just Wren's sister! Ivy is his fiancée. Or are you hoping doesn't show up, Ivy will be

Shirley placed a dramatic hand onbest. Tomorrow is the engagement party. The invitations have already gone out. If Wien d loumiliated. How could you be so selfish as to let that happen?"