Chapter 2

The operator was stunned for a moment. "Sure, but... Shouldn't we check inside first?"

I simply gave him a sharp look. "Do I need to repeat myself? The cargo inside is extremely valuable. It has to be cooled immediately, or it will rot."

The operator shuddered and did not say another word. The massive compressor soon rumbled to life.

On the display outside the container, the bright red numbers indicating the temperature began to drop.

Seventy-seven degrees Fahrenheit...

Fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit...

Forty-one degrees Fahrenheit...

Thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit...

The bullet comments flooded my sight again.

[This is insane! They don't have any clothes! They have to endure the coldness completely naked!]

[Gosh! This is way too exciting! Olivia is already freezing and screaming while clinging to Hayden!]

[It's not going to help, Hayden's body is cold too!]

[They're turning to each other for warmth! This is too much. I can't watch!]

[Don't tell me their skin is stuck to the metal already? If they tear themselves away, they'll lose a layer of skin!]

Robin, who had been thrown to the side, could only watch with wide eyes as he saw the numbers on the display. He slumped on the ground and struggled desperately, trying to shout. However, a security guard clamped a hand over his mouth, and he could make nothing but muffled whimpers.

The thrashing inside the container grew even more violent. I could even faintly hear the screech of fingernails scraping the metal. But thanks to the cover of the compressor's booming sound, anyone else would only think it was the sounds of a machine vibrating.

I had someone bring me a chair, then sat elegantly in front of the container. I watched the temperature fall on the display and found it deeply satisfying.

On my phone was the last message Olivia had sent me: [Ivy, thank you for sponsoring me. I'll work hard to repay you.]

A cute heart emoji followed that message.

Repay me?

Fine.

Then repay me with your life.

I, Ivy Greendale, was someone who repaid all grudges in kind. If they dared to do that, then they should not be afraid of me finding out.

And once I found out…

Their days would be numbered.

Half an hour later.

Several luxury cars sped over and braked hard in the open space by the port.

The doors opened, and Hayden's mother, Karen, stepped out as the cameras flashed. She was dressed in a glittering designer dress with several financial reporters following behind her. Anyone who did not know better would have thought that the queen herself had arrived.

"Ivy, where is Hayden?" Karen questioned me when she looked around and did not see her precious son. Her face darkened immediately as she continued, "What surprise did he prepare for me? Why isn't he here?"

I stood up at once with a troubled look on my face and sighed softly. "Mom, Hayden said he went to prepare the final step of your surprise. He specifically told me to watch things for him first. He said this project is his greatest contribution to the family, and you must witness it in person.

Her expression eased a little once she heard what I had to say. She immediately put on the smile of a loving mother as she faced the camera and said, "Oh, my! That son of mine loves me so much that he spends all day thinking about how to make me happy. I hope he isn't too tired!"

As she spoke, she glanced at me, her eyes still full of disgust. "Look at you. You dress in black and professionally every day without a shred of femininity. No wonder Hayden is always going out and refusing to come home. A woman should be soft and delicate like Olivia. Only then will people want to cherish you."

Karen did not care about my dignity at all, even when she was in front of the media

I suppressed the nausea in me and walked up to her, affectionately taking her arm. "You're right, of course."

My voice was sweet, even carrying a trace of flattery. "I'm usually so busy with work, so I really did neglect Hayden's feelings. He often tells me that you understand him best and love him most. That's why he said he wants to give you all the credit for this great moment."

I pointed at the huge container behind me, white mist emanating from it. "This batch of supplies uses the latest 'accelerated freshness-locking technology' Hayden developed. He said you need to be the one starting it so it can bring the company good luck.

"He also said the inspiration for this technology came from what you always say about keeping love fresh. He and Olivia came up with the name together. They thought it was especially suitable as a present for you."