ログインEvery eye in the room was on Ivy. Of course, she was nervous. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out how to guide Nathan into saying something that would help her.Then Nathan let out a quiet laugh, his deep voice unexpectedly warm. "I know."He knew it was her without having to ask.Ivy's lashes fluttered, and a faint blush crept into her cheeks.No one in the room missed the intimacy in his tone, least of all Roger. He immediately smiled. "See? They are clearly doing just fine."The guests nodded in agreement."Don't get ahead of yourself, Dad," Edric said. "Keep listening.""What made you call me today?" Nathan asked.Ivy tightened her grip on the phone. "What, I'm not allowed to call you?"The smile in Nathan's voice grew. "Of course you are. You're my wife, after all."Smiles spread through the room.Anyone could hear the affection in his voice. They sounded like newlyweds still firmly in the honeymoon phase, so sweet it was almost embarrassing to listen to.Realizi
Roger turned to Ivy. "What is this?"Ivy was still reeling. She couldn't explain because she knew nothing about the woman in the photo.Edric stepped forward. "Dad, isn't it obvious? That woman is Mr. Lowe's mistress! Ivy's been fooling all of you. Mr. Lowe doesn't love her, and their marriage has been over for a long time. He couldn't even be bothered to come to your birthday party because he was too busy meeting another woman overseas!"Roger struck his cane against the floor. "Edric, that's enough!""Dad, you can shut me up, but you can't stop everyone here from seeing the truth!""Enough, Edric!" Tabitha snapped. "One photo doesn't prove a thing.""Stop making excuses for her. Mr. Lowe doesn't love Ivy."Edric turned to Ivy. "Go ahead, Ivy. Tell us I'm wrong. Your grandpa is here, and so is everyone else. Look them in the eye and tell them you and Mr. Lowe are happily married. Tell them he really loves you."Ivy's fingers curled into her palm as she frowned.Tabitha grippe
The moment Tabitha saw Edric coming over, her face hardened. "You're just in time. Dad's decided to put Ivy in charge of the Quinn family."Edric turned to Roger. "Dad, are you serious? You're really handing the family over to Ivy?"Roger nodded. "Ivy has always been capable. We've all seen what she can do. Now that she's married to Nathan and expecting his child, her position is stronger than ever. With Ivy leading us, I'm confident the Quinn family will only become more successful."Roger had absolute faith in her."I won't support this," Edric said. "I don't think Ivy should be the one to take over."If Ivy inherited everything, Noelle and Kate would always be treated like outsiders. They would never have a real place in the family.Ivy fixed Edric with a cool stare. "Grandpa is the one putting me in charge. What makes you think you get a say?"Edric looked back at her. "Ivy, how are things between you and Mr. Lowe?"Ivy hesitated. She had no idea why he was suddenly asking
Noelle took the phone from Kate. "Edric, don't listen to her. I know you want to protect Ivy, so we'll go along with whatever you decide. Kate and I will be fine."Edric's resolve immediately wavered. He had never been able to resist Noelle when she spoke to him like this. "Noelle...""Edric, all Kate and I need is to be with you. I don't care if I spend the rest of my life by your side without ever becoming your wife, or if Kate has to live her whole life being treated like an illegitimate daughter."Edric made up his mind then and there. "No. You and Kate have suffered enough because of me. I won't let either of you be pushed aside anymore. I'll put the picture up for everyone to see. Kate will finally be recognized as part of the Quinn family.""Edric, you've already done so much for us. But please, don't hurt Ivy. None of this is her fault."Once again, Noelle played the selfless saint to perfection."You're too kind for your own good," Edric said. "I swear, from now on, no o
Noelle knew exactly what she was doing. By playing innocent, she could push Edric to the front and have him fight the battle for her.Edric clearly hadn't expected to see a photo like this. "Does your friend know who that woman is to Mr. Lowe?""No," Noelle replied. "She just happened to run into them, but she said Mr. Lowe and that beautiful woman were laughing together and seemed awfully close. Edric, isn't he Ivy's husband? You don't think he's cheating on her, do you?"Edric's expression shifted. "Cheating?""It's your father's birthday today, but Mr. Lowe didn't even bother to show up. Instead, he's out with another woman," Noelle said. "How could anyone not be suspicious?"Edric frowned. "I see."Noelle pressed him at once. "So what are you going to do?""I'm going to tell my father."Noelle's face darkened at once. She should've known Edric wouldn't know what to do without running to his father. He had always relied on Roger to make every decision for him.Edric had spe
The crowd quickly chimed in. "We don't mind waiting. Mr. Lowe must just be tied up with work.""Getting to see Mr. Lowe at all would be an honor."Tabitha leaned closer to Ivy and lowered her voice. "Is he here yet?"Ivy looked at Roger. "Grandpa, Nathan isn't coming today."What?Roger stiffened. "What did you just say? Nathan isn't coming?"Tabitha frowned. "Why isn't he here? It's your grandfather's birthday. Didn't you say he'd come with you?"Ivy stayed calm. "There's a problem with one of Lowe Group's overseas projects, so Nathan had to fly out overnight. He feels terrible about missing your birthday, but he asked me to pass along his wishes and hopes you have many more years ahead."So Nathan had gone on a business trip.Roger wasn't pleased. Of all times, it had to be today. Still, he kept it off his face. "I see. Work comes first."Tabitha quickly smoothed things over. "Men have responsibilities. The Lowe family runs a massive operation. Nathan's the heir, so it's on
"What do you think I'm angry about?" Nathan asked."I might have an idea," Ivy answered. "I jumped to the conclusion that you were seeing some other woman, but that's not even the point. The point is that I didn't get jealous, so you think that means I don't care enough about you, right?"Nathan l
"No. Do you need something? I'm a bit busy right now, and I've got a meeting later," Ivy replied.Nathan paused before saying, "I might be home a little late tonight.""Okay," Ivy replied. "I might be late, too."Nathan sighed. "Alright, then. I'll let you get back to it."Ivy bade goodbye, then
Early the next morning, Ivy opened her eyes and realized she was in bed.She sat up. She remembered working late last night and falling asleep right on the desk. How did she wake up in bed?There was only one explanation: Nathan must have carried her upstairs.The spot beside her was already empt
Lottie tried to speak. "I…"Nathan tightened his grip on Ivy's hand. "You should apologize to my wife. You owe Ivy an apology."Lottie froze in place.Nathan gave a cold laugh. "What, you don't want to say it? Looks like you don't appreciate the chance I just gave you."The threat in his voice w






