Liam could only play dumb and answer vaguely, "Ms. Jones, I'm just an assistant. How would I know of Ms. Salford's whereabouts?"

Ivy's expression turned cold, and she fixed Liam with a scrutinizing glare. "Mr. Parker, there are things I haven't said outright, but you still shouldn't lie to me. I don't believe you don't know anything.

"Of course, I understand your concerns, since it was Wren's orders not to disclose his whereabouts. But I am asking about Clara's location, so even if Wren asks about it later, you'll still have an explanation ready."

Ivy continued talking, "Besides, you are well aware of what my relationship with Wren is. Even though there have been some unexpected developments, at the end of the day, we are still a couple. If all goes as expected, I will be his wife in the future." "Mr. Parker, you should be smart about the situation. If you do me a favor now, I won't forget it in the future. But are you sure you want to offend me over something so trivial?" Ivy's tone had turned threatening.

Ivy couldn't wait to assert her status, desperate to prove she hadn't been abandoned by the Zachmans.

Liam's gaze slowly grew icier, and his expression reduced to nothing more than a professional smile.

"Ms. Jones, I really do not know anything. No matter how often you ask, my answer remains the same." Liam spared her no more courtesy as he stood up and gestured toward the door. "I still have work to do. If there is nothing else, please leave." "Liam, you dare to kick me out?" Ivy shot up from her seat, glaring at Liam with displeasure written all over her face. "Don't you forget. I am Wren's fiancée. How dare you brush me off like this?"

Liam smiled lightly, "Your engagement party with Mr. Zachman hasn't been successful, so you are not his fiancée yet. Besides, I really have no clue about Ms. Salford's whereabouts. Please don't make things difficult for me." Liam's words felt like a knife plunging straight into Ivy's heart.

She never imagined that in just one short week, everything could be turned upside down. The privileges that Wren once gave her had vanished so quickly, and even Liam had the audacity to treat her like this now. Ivy clenched her fists in discontent and resentment, her eyes red-rimmed with rage.

The mask she had always been hiding behind had been ripped to shreds in this one week, and she could no longer keep up her pretense.

Clara's foot, which had started to heal, became swollen again after she stood all morning. She couldn't help but limp slightly when she walked.

Several students noticed and asked if she was okay. Their concern warmed Clara's heart and lifted her spirits considerably.

She didn't return home at noon and had her lunch at school instead. Ethan noticed her awkward gait, and after learning that she had sprained her ankle, he had his family doctor deliver some medicated ointment.

"You should give this a try. It's very effective in treating sprains," Ethan said.

Clara froze for a moment when she saw the medicated ointment Ethan handed her but accepted it and thanked him without hesitation.

"I'll give it a try, then. Thank you, Mr. Stone," Clara said.noveldrama

Ethan smiled and didn't say anything else. He turned and left. Neither of them realized this scene was witnessed by Ryan and Nina. Ryan's expression was dark and stormy when he saw the smile on Clara's face.

Nina's eyes gleamed as she intentionally remarked, "She always acts so cold and aloof around us, barely giving us the time of day. But the moment Mr. Stone shows up; she has this fawning look on her face and practically lights up.I guess we're just not good enough to deserve her attention."