Ivy went to the office separately from Ethan as usual. On her way to the office, Scott intercepted her, pestering her as she tried to navigate the bustling city streets.
"So, you're sleeping with a rich boyfriend but don't have a penny to help your own father?" he sneered, his tone filled with bitterness.
Ivy continued walking, disregarding Scott. She didn't realize that there were a pair of eyes intently watching from a distance. The encounter left a sour taste in her mouth, but she pressed on, determined to focus on her work.
When she arrived at the office, the atmosphere was tense. Ethan was already in his office, his voice booming with frustration towards Henry. Ivy exchanged a worried glance with Cheryl.
"Thomas' case. Nothing to worry about," Cheryl whispered, reassuringly.
Ivy nodded and went to her cubicle, diving into her tasks. As lunch approached, she hesitated before walking over to Cheryl's desk. She wanted to check on Ethan, make sure he was taking his medication, but seeing Cheryl in Ethan's office, she decided not to intrude. Cheryl likely had everything under control.
Quietly, Ivy returned to her cubicle and unwrapped her sandwich. The office was mostly empty, her colleagues having gone out for lunch, leaving her alone in the quiet space. The click-clack of approaching footsteps caught her attention, a sound she recognized immediately. It was Ethan.
"Is that all you're having for lunch, Ivy?" Ethan's voice broke the silence. "Come with me. Let's have lunch outside."
Ivy hesitated, concern flickering in her eyes. "But, Ethan, I might cause gossip."
Ethan's expression was firm. "Again, I am the boss. I get to eat lunch with whomever I please."
Reluctantly, Ivy agreed. They both walked out of the office, Ivy slightly behind Ethan, feeling a mix of hesitation and curiosity. As they made their way through the bustling hallways of the firm, she kept a respectful distance, unsure of how to navigate the sudden invitation.
As they approached the main entrance, Ethan paused and glanced back at her. To her surprise, he handed her one of his crutches and reached out to take her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. The gesture caught her off guard, and for a moment, she simply stared at their intertwined fingers, processing the significance of the act.
The gesture was simple but meaningful, a public acknowledgment that surprised her. It wasn't just the physical touch; it was the statement it made. Ethan, always so reserved and private, chose to hold her hand in front of anyone who might see. It was a silent declaration that she was important to him, that her presence mattered.
As they walked out of the office, hand in hand, Ivy didn't dare to look around her, but she was sure that someone from the office may see them. She could almost feel the raising eyebrows and curious glances. Her mind raced with thoughts and questions. Did this mean something more? Was this just a gesture of support, or was it indicative of deeper feelings? She glanced at Ethan, trying to read his expression, but his face remained composed, focused ahead.
From a distance, Mark watched the scene unfold and smiled, a hint of approval in his eyes. He had known Ethan for years and had seen him through his toughest times. Seeing Ethan reach out and take Ivy's hand was a sign of something changing, something growing.
They walked to a nearby café, the tension from the morning easing with each step. Sitting down at a cozy table, Ethan ordered a proper meal for both of them. Ivy couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—relief at being out of the office, concern for Ethan, and confusion about her own feelings.
The meal was a blend of comfortable silence and light conversation, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger. As they finished, Ethan looked at Ivy, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.
"Thank you, Ivy. For everything," he said quietly.
She smiled, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "It's nothing, Ethan. Just take care of yourself."
The walk back to the office was silent, Ethan needing both crutches and leaning a bit more heavily with each step. Ivy walked slightly behind, noting his struggle but respecting his wish for independence. The tension between them was palpable, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions.
When they reached the office, Ethan turned to Ivy briefly. "See you at home tonight," he said curtly, then walked off before she could respond.
Ivy returned to her cubicle, putting on her headphones despite not listening to anything, using them as a barrier against the potential whispers and questions about her lunch with Ethan. The rest of the workday passed in a blur, her mind preoccupied with the complexities of their relationship.
That night, after her shift at the café ended, Ivy found herself torn between going back to her dorm and returning to Ethan's penthouse. She worried that Ethan might stay up late waiting for her if she didn't return, but she also needed time to process their growing relationship. Ultimately, her concern for Ethan won out, and she headed to his penthouse.
Entering quietly, she found Ethan asleep on the couch again, his leg awkwardly hanging off the edge. He looked uncomfortable, and Ivy decided to wake him this time.
"Ethan, I'm home. Let's get you to bed," she said softly, gently shaking him.
Ethan woke up groggy. "Ivy?"
"Yes, Ethan. Let's get you to bed. Your leg will hurt tomorrow if you stay like this."
With Ivy's help, Ethan sat up, and together they made their way to his bedroom. She helped him position his leg comfortably and tucked the blanket around him. As she reached to turn off the bedside light, Ethan grabbed her hand.
"Stay with me tonight," he asked, his voice a mixture of vulnerability and exhaustion.
Ivy froze for a moment but then nodded. "Let me get changed, Ethan. I'll be back."
When she returned to Ethan's bedroom, she found him already asleep. She laid down beside him, keeping as much distance as possible while staring at the ceiling. Her mind was racing, but her exhausted body soon took over, and she drifted into sleep.
Ivy woke up to the sound of Ethan puffing and begging Jack to stop. The muffled groans and pleas seeped through the walls, painting a vivid picture of the struggle occurring in the next room. She could hear the rhythmic clanking of the weights and the occasional thud of a body being adjusted, sounds that had become all too familiar during her stays at Ethan's penthouse.
"Ethan, you have to push through," Jack's calm yet firm voice instructed, a professional patience that spoke of many such sessions. "Just a few more reps."
Ethan's voice, strained and desperate, echoed through the hallway. "Jack, please... I can't... Just stop..."
Jack was giving Ethan his regular physiotherapy, a necessary but painful routine designed to keep his muscles from atrophying and to maintain some semblance of mobility. Ethan hated every minute of it, each session a brutal reminder of his body's limitations and the constant pain he lived with. He knew that without it, the pain and immobility would only worsen, but the knowledge did little to lessen his immediate suffering.
Ivy lay in bed, her heart aching for Ethan. She could almost picture him, muscles taut and sweat-drenched, pushing against the limits of his endurance while Jack urged him on. She understood how much Ethan hated being seen in such a vulnerable state, the proud, strong man brought low by pain and weakness. It was a side of him he rarely allowed anyone to witness.
Realizing that her presence might only add to his discomfort, Ivy decided to slip out of his room quietly. She moved with practiced stealth, avoiding the creaky floorboards as she gathered her clothes and belongings. The sounds of Ethan's labored breathing and Jack's steady encouragements followed her down the hallway, a painful soundtrack to her morning routine.
She crept to the guest bedroom where she usually stayed, trying to shake off the lingering images of Ethan's struggle. Once inside, she closed the door softly and leaned against it, taking a moment to collect herself. The room was a sanctuary, filled with her belongings that had slowly migrated from her dorm—a testament to how much time she had been spending there.
Deciding to take a long shower to clear her mind, Ivy headed to the bathroom. The steam and hot water offered a temporary escape from the morning's harsh realities. As the water cascaded over her, she reflected on how much her life had intertwined with Ethan's. The realization that she had accumulated more clothes and personal items at his penthouse than at her dorm struck her with a mix of emotions—comfort, confusion, and a hint of fear about what it all meant.
She stayed under the shower until the water began to cool, giving Ethan plenty of time to finish his therapy session. Emerging from the bathroom, she dressed quickly and headed towards the kitchen. The sounds from the living room had ceased, replaced by the comforting sizzle of breakfast being prepared.
When she entered the kitchen, Jack was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. "Morning, Ivy," he greeted her warmly. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Ivy forced a smile, shaking her head. "Thank you, Jack, but I need to get to the office early today."
Jack nodded, understanding. "Alright. Have a good day."
As she grabbed her things and headed out the door, Ivy couldn't shake the morning's events from her mind. The quiet moments of her walk to the office provided little solace, her thoughts tangled in the complexity of her relationship with Ethan and the heavy burden of his daily struggles.
At the office, she tried to focus on her work, but the echoes of Ethan's pain and vulnerability lingered in her mind. The day passed in a blur of tasks and meetings, yet her thoughts repeatedly drifted back to him, wondering how he was coping and hoping he was taking care of himself.
Meanwhile, back at the penthouse, Ethan finished his shower and joined Jack in the kitchen for breakfast. He appreciated Jack's efforts to help him through the tough mornings, even though he often resented the pain and vulnerability that came with it.
"Where's Ivy?" Ethan asked, glancing around.
"She left early for the office," Jack replied. "I think she wanted to give you some space."
Ethan nodded, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over him. He appreciated Ivy's consideration, but her absence left a void he couldn't ignore.
Shadows of the Past
Scott's relentless pestering had become an unbearable shadow over Ivy's life. No matter how hard she tried to avoid him, he always seemed to find her, his demands growing increasingly desperate and aggressive. Today was no different. As Ivy left the office, she spotted Scott leaning against a lamppost, his eyes locking onto her with a predatory gaze.
"Ivy, we need to talk," Scott called out, pushing off the post and walking towards her.
Ivy quickened her pace, hoping to lose him in the crowd, but Scott matched her stride. "You can't keep ignoring me. I need money, Ivy. You know I can't survive without it."
Ignoring him was futile. Ivy stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a mixture of anger and exhaustion. "I've told you before, Scott. I don't have any money for you. And even if I did, I wouldn't give it to you."
Scott's expression twisted into one of desperation and menace. "You think you're better than me now, don't you? Just because you're cozying up to some rich guy. But you owe me, Ivy. I'm your father."
Ivy's patience snapped. "You stopped being my father the day you abandoned us. Leave me alone, Scott. This is your last warning."
As she turned to walk away, she didn't notice Jason watching the encounter from a distance, his eyes narrowed with concern. He pulled out his phone and dialed Ethan's number, his tone urgent.
"Ethan, it's Jason. Scott is harassing Ivy again. I saw the whole thing outside the office."
Ethan's voice was tense with worry. "Thanks for the update, Jason. Keep an eye on her. Make sure she gets home safe. I'll handle Scott."
"Jason, I need you to place someone on Ivy full-time. I want her safe at all times. And I need information on Scott—everything. Where he goes, who he talks to, his debts. We need leverage."
"Already on it," Jason replied. "I've got a couple of guys tailing Scott. We'll have something concrete soon."
"Good," Ethan said, his tone hardening. "I want this resolved without Ivy knowing. Scott is a threat to her, and I won't let him hurt her any more than he already has."
"Understood," Jason replied, ending the call and resuming his watch over Ivy.
Whispers in the Office
The days at the office had taken a turn for the worse for Ivy. Whispers and side glances followed her everywhere, the air thick with rumors and innuendo. She began to hear the snide comments and malicious gossip about her relationship with Ethan.
"She's just using him to climb the corporate ladder."
"Can you believe she's sleeping with the boss to get ahead?"
"I heard she's a total gold digger."
Though she couldn't pinpoint who started the rumors, the effect was palpable. Colleagues who had once been friendly now kept their distance. They stopped inviting her to lunch and conversations abruptly ended when she entered a room. The isolation was suffocating, and Ivy felt like an outsider in a place she had once enjoyed working.
Desperate for some clarity, Ivy approached a few colleagues from her department. Each one evaded her questions, their eyes shifting uncomfortably as they mumbled vague excuses.
Finally, unable to bear the weight of it any longer, Ivy decided to vent to Cheryl. She found her in the break room, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Cheryl, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ivy asked, her voice tinged with frustration and hurt.
Cheryl looked up, concerned. "Of course, Ivy. What's going on?"
Ivy took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I don't know if you've noticed, but people have been talking about me. About... Mr. Caldwell and me. They're saying horrible things, and I feel like everyone is avoiding me."
Cheryl sighed, her expression sympathetic. "I've heard some of it, Ivy. Office gossip can be cruel, especially when it involves someone in a position of power like Ethan."
"What should I do? I can't stand this anymore," Ivy admitted, her voice breaking slightly.
"You need to focus on your work and ignore the gossip," Cheryl advised. "People will always talk, but you can't let it get to you. Just keep doing your job, and eventually, they'll move on to something else."
Ivy nodded, though the advice did little to ease her discomfort. "Thanks, Cheryl. I appreciate it."
After Ivy left, Cheryl couldn't shake the feeling that something needed to be done. Gossip might not bother someone as seasoned as Ethan, but for Ivy, a junior staff member, it was damaging and demoralizing.
Determined to help, Cheryl decided to talk to Ethan. She found him in his office, his face pale and strained.
"Ethan, can we talk?" she asked, closing the door behind her.
Ethan looked up, his eyes slightly glazed. "Sure, Cheryl. What is it?"
"It's about Ivy. The rumors going around the office are really affecting her. People are saying she's only with you to advance her career. It's unfair, and it's making her very uncomfortable," Cheryl explained, her tone urgent.
Ethan listened, his expression unreadable. Cheryl didn't realize he was masking a wave of nausea and that his mind was preoccupied with Scott's harassment of Ivy. He nodded slowly, taking in her words but not responding immediately.
"Thanks for letting me know, Cheryl. I'll handle it," he said finally, his voice calm but distant.
Cheryl left his office, hoping she had done the right thing. She cared deeply for Ivy and wanted to see her thrive, not be crushed under the weight of baseless rumors.
Ethan, left alone, leaned back in his chair, pressing a hand to his stomach. The nausea was relentless, a side effect of his treatment, but he pushed it aside. He needed to focus. Scott's harassment was escalating, and now the office gossip was adding another layer of stress to Ivy's life.
Determined to protect her, Ethan began to formulate a plan. He knew he had to deal with Scott swiftly and decisively, and he also needed to address the toxic work environment that was brewing in the office. Ivy deserved better, and he was committed to making sure she felt safe and supported, both at work and at home.
Protective Measures
Ethan sat in his office, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. The combination of Scott's harassment and the malicious office gossip was taking a toll on Ivy, and he felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect her. He knew he needed to act quickly and decisively.
He picked up his phone and called Jason. "Jason, I need an update on Scott. What's the latest?"
Jason's voice came through the line, steady and efficient. "We've been keeping a close watch on him. He's been visiting a few shady places, probably trying to find money to pay off his gambling debts. He hasn't made any direct threats, but his persistence is worrying."
Ethan nodded, thinking. "Alright. Keep monitoring him. I don't want him getting anywhere near Ivy. And let's make sure she has a discreet escort at all times. I need her safe."
"Understood, Ethan. We'll make sure she's protected," Jason assured him.
With the security measures in place, Ethan turned his attention to the office gossip. He knew he couldn't address it directly without making things worse for Ivy, but he could create an environment where such behavior was discouraged.
Ethan decided that he needed to address the office gossip directly. He called a meeting with the senior staff. As they gathered in the conference room, he stood at the head of the table, his demeanor calm but authoritative.
The senior staff, including Cheryl and Mark, filed into the room, taking their seats around the long conference table. The atmosphere was tense, a collective unease hanging in the air. Ethan stood at the head of the table, his posture straight and his expression stern.
"Thank you all for coming," Ethan began, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I've noticed a disturbing trend in the office recently. There have been rumors and gossip circulating about personal relationships. This is unacceptable."
His voice was stern, carrying a weight of authority that left no room for doubt. "I don't need anyone to gossip about my personal life or anyone else's for that matter. You are the managers of this firm, act like it. We are all lawyers; you know very well how I would react to defamation and the like. Gossip stops now."
The senior staff nodded, murmuring their agreement. The gravity of Ethan's message settled over them like a heavy blanket. Cheryl gave Ethan a supportive smile, appreciating his direct approach. Mark, sitting at the far end of the table, watched his younger brother with a mixture of pride and respect.
As the meeting continued, Mark tried to lighten the mood by bringing up the planned office gathering for Christmas. "So, about the Christmas party. Any ideas on themes or activities?"
The room slowly warmed to the lighter topic, but Ethan had already made his point. He left the meeting before it concluded, his mind already turning to other matters. As he walked out, Mark glanced at him, feeling a swell of pride. Ethan had handled the situation with a firm hand, showing the leadership qualities Mark had always known were there.
Later, Ethan called Jason to ask about the progress on Scott's investigation. Jason briefed him on the latest developments.
"We've confirmed Scott's whereabouts. He's staying at a rundown motel on the outskirts of the city. No immediate threats, but we're keeping a close watch."
Ethan nodded, satisfied. "Good. Keep me updated. And make sure Ivy is never alone when she leaves the office."
"Will do," Jason replied.
That night, Ethan was already asleep when Ivy arrived at the penthouse. She quietly entered, the soft light from the hallway casting a gentle glow over the room. She saw him sleeping peacefully in his bed, his face relaxed in slumber, a stark contrast to the tension he often carried during the day.
Not wanting to disturb him, Ivy slipped into her own bedroom and quickly fell asleep, the events of the day leaving her exhausted.
The next morning, Ivy woke up to find a cup of peppermint tea by her bedside table. Her heart melted at the sight. She knew this was Ethan's way of showing his love. Despite being a lawyer who should be great with words, Ethan was stingy and awkward when it came to expressing love verbally. Instead, he expressed his love through small, thoughtful actions.
She picked up the cup, feeling the warmth seep into her hands, and took a sip. The soothing taste of peppermint calmed her, a reminder of Ethan's care and consideration. As she sipped her tea, Ivy felt a wave of gratitude and affection for Ethan. The challenges they faced were daunting, but these small gestures reminded her of the deep bond they were building.
Finishing her tea, she felt ready to face the day, knowing that Ethan was always looking out for her.
Ethan felt a resolve settle over him as he prepared for the day ahead. The time had come to confront Scott directly. He couldn't allow the man to continue tormenting Ivy, and he knew that decisive action was necessary. He picked up his phone and called Jason.
Chapter: The Confrontation
"Jason, it's time. I want to confront Scott. Can you come with me?" Ethan's voice was steady but firm.
Jason didn't hesitate. "I'll be in your office in 15."
When Jason arrived at Ethan's office, he hesitantly asked, "Ethan, with your health issues, it might be better if I handle this myself. Or maybe we should inform Mark."
Ethan's eyes hardened with determination. "No, Jason. This is my issue. I need to be a man and handle it myself. I need you there just to back me up."
Knowing how stubborn Ethan could be, Jason reluctantly agreed, his protective instincts on high alert. "Alright, Ethan. Let's get this done. But I'm standing close to you the whole time. I don't like this one bit."
Ethan nodded, appreciating Jason's concern but resolute in his decision.
Rob drove them down to the rundown motel on the outskirts of the city where Scott was staying. The place looked as decrepit and forlorn as Scott's life had become. The paint was peeling, and the neon sign flickered erratically, casting an eerie glow over the parking lot.
Ethan took a deep breath as they approached Scott's room. He knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the quiet of the morning. There was a moment of silence before the door creaked open, revealing Scott's haggard face.
Scott's eyes flickered with surprise and confusion. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Ethan stepped forward, Jason at his side, standing close to protect him. "It does not matter who I am, Mr. Dodd. I am someone who will use every resource I have to protect Ivy from harm."
Scott's expression hardened. "Ivy, huh? She's my daughter. She and her mother owe me."
Ethan's patience wore thin. "She owes you nothing, Scott. You abandoned her and her mother years ago. You have no right to come back into her life demanding anything."
Scott's anger flared. "You think you can just come here and tell me what to do? Who do you think you are?"
Ethan took a step closer, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't challenge me, Mr. Dodd. If you continue this behavior, there will be consequences. Legal consequences. Do you understand me?"
Scott sneered, but the fear in his eyes was evident. "You think you can scare me with your threats?"
Ethan's gaze was unwavering. "This is not a threat, Mr. Dodd. It's a promise. Leave Ivy alone, or you'll find yourself in more trouble than you can handle."
Scott's eyes flicked to Jason, who stood ready, a silent but powerful reminder that Ethan wasn't alone in this. Jason's presence was imposing, a clear signal that Ethan had support and that any attempt to harm him would be met with immediate retaliation.
Ethan, frail and clearly having trouble walking, leaned slightly on his cane. Scott's eyes couldn't help but notice Ethan's vulnerability, but the steely resolve in Ethan's eyes left no doubt about his determination.
"You can barely stand," Scott scoffed. "And you think you can dictate terms to me?"
Ethan stood his ground. "You will not harass her anymore. Ever."
The tension was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats. Jason was poised, ready to pounce if Scott made any aggressive moves. Ethan's frailty contrasted sharply with his unwavering resolve, and Scott seemed to realize that he was outmatched not by physical strength, but by the iron will of a man determined to protect someone he cared about.
Scott's defiance didn't waver, but he didn't respond. His silence was a grudging acknowledgment of the reality of the situation. Ethan didn't need him to agree verbally; the message had been delivered clearly and firmly.
"Remember, Scott," Ethan continued, his voice as cold as steel. "We're watching. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can get away with anything."
With that, Ethan and Jason turned and walked away, leaving Scott standing in the doorway of his rundown motel room, a picture of shattered pride and simmering defiance. He did not say that he would leave Ivy alone, but Ethan knew the encounter had made an impact. Whether Scott would heed the warning or not was uncertain, but Ethan had made it clear that any further harassment would not be tolerated.
As they drove back, Ethan felt a mix of relief and lingering tension. The confrontation had gone as well as he could have hoped, but he knew they needed to remain vigilant.