"It's fine, Mom. Mr. Gardner talked to me about it before, and I was the one who decided to work that day," Ivy said calmly. "I'm the youngest amongst the interns this year, and I should be the one to take that shift."

That shift required her to leave home by ten. It meant she would be counting down the end of the year at the station.

It was the first New Year's that Ivy would be spending with her family, and even Avery, who did not care much about details, struggled to accept that her daughter would be spending New Year's Eve alone.

"Hayden hates companies that value seniority." Avery knew that she could not change Ivy's mind but still wanted to discuss the matter. "Willingness to compromise might give others the license to bully you. Sometimes, it's easier to be more demanding and selfish."

Ivy nodded and noted Avery's advice.

"Mom, I guess I'm just used to it." Ivy had told herself that she could not be picky because she only managed to get the opportunity with Harry's help, a