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Sawyer stood up and quietly took his leave from the house.
Christian paused for a moment before murmuring, "After you eat and take your meds, I’ll take you home."
"It’s not your fucking decision!" she snapped, pushing herself up from the couch. "You’re not in control of me."
Christian immediately reached out, his hands landing firmly on her bare thighs, keeping her seated. His eyes locked onto hers.
"You’re not leaving my house until you eat," he said firmly. "Even if I have to stay like this all night long."
Ivy’s glare burned into him, her fists clenching tightly at her sides. Letting out a frustrated breath, she snatched the bowl and spoon from his hand. She shoved a few bites into her mouth, swallowing without care, and then tossed the bowl onto the table. Gulping down the medication with water, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"There. I’m done."
Pushing his hands off her thighs, she stood up, grabbing her dress off the floor and heading toward the door.
"I’m leaving now."
Christian rushed after her, his suit jacket draped over his arm. He reached for her shoulders, placing the coat over them before grabbing her hand and pulling her along.
"I’ll drop you off."
She yanked at her hand, trying to free herself, but he didn’t loosen his grip. With a frustrated sigh, she gave up and followed him out.
***
Ivy spent the entire day buried in work at the office. A few hours without dealing with Christian felt like a relief. As she stepped out of her office, she approached Kayla’s reception desk.
"Hey, can you call Jenna and ask her to meet me in my office for some work? Thanks."
She turned to leave, but Kayla’s voice stopped her.
"Jenna?" Kayla gave her a look. "Ivy… don’t you know?"
Ivy turned back, frowning. "Know what?"
Kayla glanced around cautiously, making sure no one was listening before leaning over her desk.
"There was an issue today. Jenna’s in trouble for messing up a critical project, apparently." She lowered her voice. "Do you know about the project at the Grand Aurelia? Jenna was in a meeting there, and she had a major fight with their CEO over some shady shit he pulled. Now she’s getting fired. In fact, she’s in the meeting room with our CEO right now. He’s forcing her to apologize to that man."
Ivy frowned. Jenna could be playful, flirty, and wild, but when it came to work, she was meticulous. She rarely made mistakes. Without wasting another second, Ivy turned and headed straight for the meeting room Kayla had pointed out.
Pushing the door open, she stepped inside.
Brendon, the company’s CEO, a man in his fifties, looked up in surprise. Across from him sat Jenna and the company lawyer.
"What are you doing here?" Brendon asked, his brows furrowing.
Ivy shut the door behind her and walked over to stand beside Jenna.
"What’s going on?" she demanded.
Brendon sighed, rubbing his temple. "Ivy, this is none of your business. You don’t need to interfere."
"Jenna is my teammate on this project. I have every right to be here and know what’s happening."
Brendon glanced at the lawyer, then back at Ivy before exhaling sharply. "Fine."
Before he could say anything, Jenna spoke up, her voice tight with anger.