Chapter 26: Let’s see how long that lasts
"Okay, Mommy, be good," Leo said cheerfully, planting a quick kiss on Ivy’s cheek before jumping out of the car. Without waiting for a response, he dashed toward the academy gates, his small figure disappearing into the crowd of students.
The moment he was out of sight, the warmth on Ivy’s face vanished.
She turned sharply toward Xander, her eyes narrowing.
"This is not what we agreed on."
There was no hesitation in her voice, only restrained anger.
Xander did not react immediately. He remained seated, composed as ever, his gaze following Leo for a brief second before shifting back to her. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if her accusation carried no weight.
"You didn’t specify anything about not having protection," he replied evenly.
The casualness of his tone only fueled her frustration.
Ivy let out a quiet, incredulous breath, shaking her head. "Fine. Then I’m specifying it now. I don’t want to be watched all the time. How am I supposed to be at ease like this?"
Her voice rose slightly, the control she had been holding onto slipping through her fingers.
This was not about guards.
This was about freedom.
"You’ll get used to it," Xander said, leaning back slightly, his tone dismissive.
That was it.
No negotiation. No consideration.
Ivy stared at him in disbelief. "Get used to it?" she repeated. "You think this is normal? Being followed everywhere like I’m some kind of prisoner?"
"You are neither," Xander replied calmly. "But you are under my responsibility."
"And that gives you the right to control every step I take?"
"It gives me the right to ensure nothing happens to you."
"I don’t need protection," she snapped. "I’ve managed just fine on my own."
"I don’t doubt that," Xander said. "But that was before."
Before what?
The question lingered, unanswered, heavy.
A tense silence settled between them.
Ivy exhaled slowly, then turned her gaze toward the guards standing at a distance.
Always watching.
"Fine," she said at last, her voice laced with warning. "But if anything happens to them, it’s not my fault."
"Don’t worry," Xander replied smoothly. "I’ll fire them."
"..."
Ivy blinked, staring at him in utter disbelief.
For a second, she could not tell if he was serious.
Then something clicked.
A soft, awkward chuckle escaped her lips, half amused, half incredulous.
This man was impossible.
Before she could say anything else, she had already stepped out. The next moment—
Thud.
The car door shut.
Ivy stood there for a second, watching as his car pulled away, leaving her behind with the so-called "protection" she clearly did not ask for.
"Madam, where should we head?"
The sudden voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
She turned and found herself facing a large, broad-shouldered man in a black suit. He stood straight, hands clasped in front of him, looking every bit as intimidating as the rest of them.
Ivy blinked. She then tilted her head slightly.
"What’s your name?" she asked, forcing a polite smile.
"Teddy."
There was a brief pause.
Ivy looked him up and down, her expression slowly shifting.
"Teddy?" she repeated, clearly unconvinced.
The man nodded once. "Yes, Madam."
She pressed her lips together, trying very hard not to laugh.
"I’m sorry," she said, holding up a hand. "I just... I was expecting something like Victor or Sebastian. You know, something equally terrifying."
Teddy did not react. Not even a flicker.
"I assure you, Madam, I am capable," he said in the same steady tone.
That did it. A small laugh slipped out before Ivy could stop herself.
"Oh, I’m sure you are," she said quickly. "It’s just... Teddy sounds like someone I should be offering cookies to, not someone assigned to guard me."
"I do not eat while on duty," he replied seriously.
Ivy blinked again.
Then shook her head, amused despite herself.
"Right. Of course you don’t."
For a moment, she simply looked at him, the tension from earlier easing just a little.
"Alright, Teddy," she said, a hint of playfulness returning to her voice. "Let’s make one thing clear."
He straightened slightly. "Yes, Madam."
"I’m not running away," she said. "So you can relax... at least a little."
"I cannot relax, Madam."
She sighed.
"Of course you can’t," she muttered.
Then, with a small smile, she gestured ahead.
"Come on then, Mr. Very-Serious-Teddy. Let’s see how well you keep up."
***
[Ford’s House]
Nora adjusted the last strand of her hair and gave herself a satisfied glance in the mirror. Every detail was perfect. The dress, the makeup, the confidence she carefully wore like a second skin. With a small, pleased smile, she stepped out of her room, ready to leave.
She had barely taken a few steps down the hallway when a voice stopped her.
"Where are you going, all dressed up, Nora?"
Florine stood near the staircase, her sharp eyes sweeping over Nora from head to toe, missing nothing.
Nora paused, masking the flicker of irritation that crossed her face. She turned with a composed expression and forced a light smile.
"I’m going to meet some friends, Mom."
Florine’s eyes narrowed instantly, suspicion and disapproval settling into her features.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Nora?" she said, her tone laced with annoyance. "Stop associating with people who can no longer match our standards."
She took a step closer, her voice growing colder.
"Our status is not what it used to be. You should know better than to waste your time on such people. Cut ties with those so-called friends of yours."
Nora stood there, listening, her expression carefully neutral.
The irony was not lost on her.
She had already distanced herself from most of them long ago, the ones she deemed useless, the ones who no longer served any purpose in her life. Florine did not need to lecture her about that.
But right now, this lie was necessary.
If she wanted to step out without raising further questions, she had to play along.
"I know, Mom," Nora said, softening her voice, adding just the right amount of obedience. "That’s actually why I’m going. To tell them it’s time we stop associating."
Florine studied her for a few seconds, as if weighing her words.
Then, finally, she gave a small nod.
"Good," she said. "At least you’re starting to understand."
Nora inclined her head slightly, hiding the faint smirk threatening to surface.
Without wasting another moment, she turned and resumed her steps, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she made her way out of the house.
The moment she stepped outside, the door closing behind her, the expression on her face changed completely.
Her smile widened.
"Sorry, Mom," she murmured under her breath, her tone far from apologetic. "But I have far more important things to do."
Her eyes gleamed with determination.
"I need to start working on charming Xander."
The name lingered on her lips, filled with ambition.
"That stupid Ivy thinks she can stay by his side?" Nora scoffed lightly. "Let’s see how long that lasts."
Xander may have ignored her call, but Nora was not discouraged. If anything, it only fueled her resolve.
He could ignore a voice. But he would not ignore her presence. Not when she stood right in front of him.
Not when she reminded him exactly what he was missing.
With that thought, Nora straightened her posture, confidence radiating from her as she walked forward.
Her destination was clear.
Globe International.
And today, she had no intention of leaving without making an impression.
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