For years, Ivy had endured a lot under the thumb of her family, always trying to be understanding and patient. But their greed seemed to know no bounds.
She couldnât stand another day of it.
Glancing at Clara, who she ignored, Ivy confronted her biased and cold-hearted parents. âHow much do you want?â she demanded. âName your price, and Iâll repay you, with interest, for your so-called upbringing.â
Tessa and Finn exchanged a look before Tessa held up three fingers. âThree million,â she said crisply.
âCome up that, and weâll consider your debt paid. You wonât hear from us again regarding family matters.â
with Three million was a steep demand.
Ivy had always lived frugally; there was no way sheâd spent anywhere near that much!
They had made their demand, and without paying up, there was no way to server ties.
But where would she find three million now? There was only one person she could think of asking.
âFine. Give me a moment.â
Leaving the living room, Ivy retreated to her old, small bedroom and dialed Balfourâs number.
The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before it was finally answered.
âWhat is it?â came Balfourâs detached, distant voice.
Swallowing her pride, Ivy said, âUm⦠Mr. Howard, could you lend me three million? Just for a while?â
It was the best solution Ivy could come up with; she had no idea how else to raise such an amount.
There was a pause on the other end. âThree million? Ivy, your appetite seems to be growing,â remarked Balfour.
Ivy had always insisted she wasnât after money, but now she was asking for a massive sum outright.
âI⦠Itâs not what it looks like, Mr. Howard. I really need it urgently. Iâll pay you back as soon as I can,â
Ivy stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment and anxiety.
Without the money, her family would continue to hound her relentlessly.
Ivy had had enough. She wanted to be rid of her family, to live a life for herself, by herself.
Sensing her discomfort, Balfourâs suspicion grew. âExplain to me why you suddenly need three million.â
Ivy hadnât wanted to involve him in her family affairs. After all, they werenât actually married.
But given the current situation, she realized that she had to disclose the truth if she hoped to secure the three million loan.
âThe money⦠itâs for my parents.â Ivy sighed, spilling the whole story, including why sheâd gone to see Vincent the night before.
âAll I want is to give them three million, so theyâll leave me alone. Mr. Howard, I know itâs a large sum, but please believe Iâll pay you back.â
Despite everything, Balfour wasnât indifferent to Ivyâs plight.