Ivy knew Walsh owned a company, but she had no idea about his actual wealth. When he casually dismissed the amount-five million dollars-she was stunned.
"Um... I wasn't planning to tell you this, but I'm truly desperate right now. If you really have that much money, could you lend it to me? I'll write you an IOU, and I promise to pay you back once I have the means," Ivy said, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"Five million? Do you really think I'd ask you to payback? The fact that I'm planning to meet your parents already shows how serious I am about being with you. My money is your money," replied with a sincerity that touched her deeply.
"Mio, you're so good to me," Ivy said, moved to tears.
"You're my girlfriend. If I don't treat you well, who will? Now, your brother is still in their hands, right? Givethe address, and we'll go there now. It's the first day of the new year-let's get him out so you can all reunite. I even bought sgifts to bring when I visit your mother later," said confidently.
"Okay," Ivy replied, her earlier nervousness fading. Mio's calm demeanor reassured her.
"Mio, I don't know what I'd do without you. I've tried everything, but no one else was willing to lendsuch a large amount. I couldn't even tell my mother about this-her health is so fragile. She'd never be able to handle the shock. Earlier today, when she made dumplings for me, I felt so guilty. She's sacrificed so much for us, and I can't bear to let her suffer any more pain," Ivy confessed, her voice trembling.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything. Your mother will be fine," said firmly.
"Thank you, Mio." "There's no need for thanks between us," he replied.
The more Ivy thought about it, the more she realized that the person she had barely known for long was more reliable than anyone else she had considered family. Her gratitude for deepened.
As the car sped toward the casino, Ivy felt less anxious with by her side.
"Is this the casino?" he asked.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Yes," she replied.
"You go in first and wait for me. I'll park the car and join you shortly," instructed. "Alright," Ivy said cheerfully as she got out of the car, heading inside to meet the man from the previous day.
Once she was out of sight, Mio's smile disappeared. He pulled out his phone and made a call.
"I need you to do something for me," he said, his voice cold.
Watching Ivy walk away, her steps light with hope, Mio's lips curled into a sly smile. Spending five million dollars wasn't a problem for him-he would ensure he got a return on his investment.
Walsh wasn't just a businessman; he was a predator. Once he set his sights on something, he would strip it bare, leaving nothing behind.
Meanwhile, Genevieve sat alone in her apartment, watching television. Every channel seemed to be replaying last night's New Year's programs, but she couldn't shake an uneasy feeling, as though something terrible was about to happen.
The exaggerated gestures of the comedians on screen failed to amuse her. She sat stiffly, her thoughts elsewhere.
Then her phone rang. She glanced at it, wondering if it was Zachary. Her son had been away even during the holidays, and she was planning to scold him for it when he returned.
But the caller ID showed an unknown number. She hesitated before answering.
"Hello?" she said.
At first, she thought it was someone calling to wish her a happy New Year, but as she listened to the voice on the other end, her expression changed tically.
"What?! Zach's legs are going to be cut off? Ivy has to sell herself to pay the debt?!" With every word, her heart sank deeper. By the tthe call ended, she was so overwhelmed that she fainted, the phone slipping from her hand.
Years ago, when Genevieve worked in nightclubs, she occasionally encountered perverse clients. Whenever she experienced extrstress, her body would shut down and she'd lose consciousness.
Heart disease ran in her family, though it wasn't hereditary. But certain triggers could set it off.
After marrying Magnus, Genevieve had lived a life of luxury and indulgence, and her condition had remained dormant. But as she grew older, and particularly after the blows she had suffered in recent months-including three months in prison-her health had deteriorated.
Zachary's trouble had been the final straw, triggering her illness.
When Genevieve was released from prison, Ivy had taken her for a full medical examination, where they discovered her condition. That was why Ivy had kept the truth from her mother-she knew Genevieve couldn't handle it.
The once-resilient woman had becfragile, like a flower on the verge of collapse. Any additional burden could completely break her.
Unaware of what had happened to her mother, Ivy was negotiating inside the casino. "Miss Montgomery, you've gathered the money so quickly?" the man sneered. "My brother-bring him out," Ivy demanded.
"Of course," he replied, clapping his hands. Soon, Zachary was brought out.
"Zach, are you okay? Did they hurt you?" Ivy asked, scanning him anxiously.
"I'm fine. Did you bring the money?" Zachary asked, his eyes filled with worry. All he cared about was whether Ivy had succeeded in raising the money. He hadn't been harmed, but he hadn't slept a wink the previous night, terrified that his life was ruined if she failed.
"I brought it," she said firmly.
"Miss Montgomery, so decisive. Let's settle this-money for the boy," the man said, his tone mocking.
"Wait a moment. I'm waiting for someone," Ivy replied.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Are you playing games with me? I'm warning you-if you don't hand over the money today, neither of you is leaving this place," the man threatened.
"Stop yelling. If it's money you want, you'll get it," a voice interrupted.
Ivy turned to see walking in. Relief washed over her. "Mio, you're here." "And who's this?" Zachary asked, staring at the unfamiliar man.
"He's a friend, here to help us," Ivy explained, feeling reassured by Mio's presence.
"Since you have the money, hand it over. Stop pretending to be om important, the man snapped, still unimpressed by Mio. calmly pulled out a check. "Here's five million dollars." The man's eyes lit up with greed. "So, you're actually paying." "I'll give you the money, but first, you need to apologize to them," said coldly.
"I was blind to offend you both. I apologize," the man said quickly, smiling nervously. "We're just following the rules. Miss Montgomery, please don't take it personally."
Ivy knew these people only cared about money, so she didn't dwell on y, so it She simply scoffed in disdain. "Mio, let's go," she said.
handed over the check, then wrapped his arm around Ivy's shoulders and led her out.
"Let's go," he said again.
"Yes," Ivy replied, finally feeling vindicated.
As they walked away, glanced at his phone. A single message popped up: "OK." It was done. He smirked.
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