Page 107

"Lina, this brat is here. Go bring something to drink for them," Christian’s dad, Hank, said, smiling as he spread his arms wide for a hug.
But Christian, clearly uninterested, walked past him and grabbed the paper off the table.
"Even at home, you’re reading finance news? You’re never going to do anything interesting, are you, Dad?"
Hank’s gaze turned sharp, his arms dropping. "You’re going to teach me how to be interesting now? How old are you? Are you bigger than me already?"
Ivy stiffened slightly, her eyes darting between the two men. It didn’t seem like they were fighting, but their serious tone and intense language made her uncertain about their relationship.
"Do you want me to teach you?" Christian asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Hank gritted his teeth and turned away, then glanced at Ivy with a smile. "You shouldn’t have married this brat. I don’t think he’s worthy of such a beautiful daughter like you. How about you divorce him, and I introduce you to some better options?"
Christian immediately dropped the paper on the table and walked over to Ivy’s side, frowning at his father. "Don’t teach my wife bad things. She’s innocent. If she really runs away, it’s on you."
"I won’t," Ivy interjected quickly, her voice filled with worry. She looked at Hank, her forehead creased with tension. "I won’t, Mr. Evans. Don’t worry."
Hank burst into laughter, shaking his head at Ivy’s serious expression. Christian’s grin returned as he glanced at Ivy, a look of admiration in his eyes.
Without thinking, he reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The small touch sent a warm shiver down Ivy’s spine, making her glance at him. His fingers lingered for a moment longer before he pulled away, but his eyes never left hers.
The maid, Lina, brought over some drinks and set them on the table before stepping aside. Hank turned his attention to Ivy. Hewalked up to her, brushing past Christian and patting her on the head, a gentle smile on his face.
"Dad has something important to talk to you about. Will you come with me? I’ll give you nice things." Hank said, his smile warm.
The man’s sophisticated air and kindness put Ivy at ease. She smiled, feeling more relaxed in his presence. "Of course," she answered.
Christian looked between them before speaking. "You have fifteen minutes, then come out quickly."
He reached for a glass of juice from the table and handed it to Ivy. "Drink this."
As she took the glass, he added, "I’ll cook something for you. When you're done, we’ll have dinner together."
Lina, who had been quietly standing by, let out a small laugh. "Mr. Evans, let the new daughter-in-law cook for the family from now on. You shouldn’t be entering the kitchen at all now that you have a wife. You’ll see how she becomes your personal maid soon, doing everything for you. The earlier she starts, the quicker she’ll learn!"
Christian shot a sharp, annoyed glare at Lina, his arm sliding around Ivy’s shoulders, his grip protective. His icy gaze locked onto Lina.
"What I do for my wife or what we do in our house is none of your damn business, is it?” He didn’t look pleased; in fact, he was visibly angry.
Lina’s smile stiffened, but before she could respond, Christian’s tone dropped lower. "You’re just a maid in this house. If I everhear you disrespect my wife like that again, I’ll break your legs before throwing you out."
Lina’s smile faded immediately, and she looked terrified, her face paling.
Hank remained silent, his posture stiff.
"Sorry, Mr. Evans. I—I didn’t mean anything by it," she quickly muttered, her confidence crumbling under his glare.
Christian’s gaze softened as he turned back to Ivy, the sharp anger melting into an affectionate stare.
"Don’t listen to anyone. You’re my wife. I’ll do everything for you," he muttered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Ivy’s heart pounded. The way he looked at her—like she was the most precious thing in his world—left her breathless. It was as if his entire universe existed within her.
It was the same look that had made her fall for him five years ago.
It was the same gaze that had devastated her in his absence.
And now, it was the same gaze that was forcing her to fall in love with him all over again.