Aurum stood there with his hands behind his back, looking down at her from a high vantage point. "Didn't you want me dead? Why did you suddenly let go?" she asked. "If you die in my house, how am I supposed to explain it to Gale?"Ivy laughed. "In the end, the person you love most has always been her. You've never loved me, not even a little bit."Aurum responded, "What right do you have to be compared to her?"In Aurum's heart, Gale was always unquestionably the first. No one could surpass her. From childhood to adulthood, the person Aurum loved the most was Gale."Fine, I understand." Ivy took a deep breath, slowly recovering, feeling less miserable than before. "If that's the case, then why are you with me?""She wanted me to be with you. So, I did as she wished."Ivy laughed again. Just because Gale wanted it, he did it—such a pathetic love."Aurum, does that mean you would do anything Gale asked? Even if it meant walking through fire or climbing a mountain of blades?"

"Just a warning," Aurum replied coldly. "Ivy, you've deceived me, yet you can still stand here unharmed. That's already me showing you mercy.""I deceived you? What about you? What did you do? You handed me over to that filthy man, Paul!" Ivy shot back, her voice trembling with anger. Ivy had pieced together the whole incident, understanding clearly what had happened. She and Gale had been drugged while Aurum and Paul remained sober. Aurum took Gale away, and Paul took her. Would Paul have dared to take her without Aurum's approval?"Does it matter to you?" Aurum suddenly laughed. "Ivy, let me tell you something. I don't care. You were unconscious and unaware; you don't even remember what Paul did to you. When you woke up, it was all over.""You didn't lose your purity, so of course, you can say such heartless things!""I'm just stating facts. Do you know how much I don't care?" Aurum looked at her, his eyes suddenly filled with a strange tenderness. "Ivy, I can marry you."She

"I am willing to marry you."Aurum smiled and asked, "Really?""As long as you legally marry me." Ivy nodded. "The status of Mrs. Lefting is indeed too tempting.""Good that you understand."Aurum burst out into laughter. It was a deep, booming laugh that echoed throughout the room."Come here. It seems you are sensible and a smart person," Aurum beckoned. Ivy walked over as he wished. He reached out, letting her sit on his lap, lifted her chin, and scrutinized her closely."Beautiful, truly beautiful, enough to make a man lose his mind and itch with desire. But alas, tainted. So regrettable," Aurum said.Ivy retorted, "Do you regret that Paul had me first?""A bit. But it's already happened and can't be changed. Let it be."After all, he could not possibly touch Ivy.He truly had not made up his mind about marrying her. It was just an empty promise, not like they required a marriage certificate immediately. The most important thing for now was to keep Ivy calm and appeased

Ivy bit her lip. "Are we not filming the movie anymore?""We can shoot other scenes first and film yours later!""Aurum!"Ivy chased after him, trying to prevent him from closing the door. She did not want to be trapped in his house. She grabbed the doorknob, pulling with all her might. "I've listened to you, isn't that enough? If you're not reassured, you can have someone monitor me 24/7!""Of course, I'll monitor you and control your every move in the future, but that's for later. Right now, you must stay here!"With a loud bang, the door was shut. Ivy desperately shook the doorknob, but it was useless. She was being kept in the study by Aurum.The study was a place full of secrets, company documents, files, contracts, so it was heavily monitored. Several surveillance cameras were watching her every move.The windows were sealed tight, leaving no escape. She could only stay here."What to do, what to do. I can't stay trapped here... who knows what other methods Aurum will use

Shawn sat in the back seat, raising his hand to rub his temples. This time, he did not bring Fiona to the hospital and had the driver wait at the entrance while he went in alone."Mr. Wood, is your throat still bothering you?" the doctor greeted him politely."Yes, I've been coughing up blood.""Has the medication not been effective?"Shawn replied, "The coughing is less frequent, and my throat isn't as itchy, but there are still symptoms."The doctor thought for a moment. "Shall we continue with the medication? Your condition can't be rushed; it needs slow, careful treatment. With the weather cooling down, it's easy to feel unwell and develop bronchitis."Shawn's expression was indifferent. "I can continue with the medication, but I want to do more tests.""Weren't the tests already done last time...""Do them again. And send the results abroad for diagnosis by respiratory specialists," Shawn insisted.The doctor nodded. "Alright, I can arrange that, but sending them abroad w