Wrong Flirt, Right Trouble: His Uncle Pulls Me Close

"That was just a test. I wanted to see how you truly felt about Ivy. It seems that in your heart, Ivy is indeed more important than money."

"The Mercer Family has never been greedy for wealth. While we may not be as powerful as your DG, we’re not the kind of people who would sell out family for money."

"I know Ivy likes you. She’s always singing your praises. Although I don’t like you, I have to respect Ivy. I called you here today to see where you stand. I just won’t stand in your way, but that doesn’t mean I support you two being together."

"This is the last chance the Mercer Family is giving you. If you ever dare to bully Ivy, we Mercers will come after you to settle the score, even if it costs us everything!"

Quentin Blackwood was overjoyed. ’Grandfather is letting me be with Ivy!’

"Thank you, Grandfather!" Having earned his approval, Quentin Blackwood was ecstatic.

Grandfather, however, waved his hand dismissively. ’This damn brat, stealing away my precious granddaughter.’

"I’m entrusting Ivy to you. You must promise me you’ll protect her and never let any harm come to her. Don’t bully her, don’t wrong her, and don’t make her cry. You should know, she’s our family’s treasure and Winter’s only daughter."

"Don’t worry, Grandfather. Ivy is my responsibility. Taking care of her is my duty."

Even without Grandfather’s warning, Quentin Blackwood would have protected Ivy Sherwood.

"I hope you remember your words today. If, in the future, Ivy is the slightest bit unhappy, or if you wrong her in any way, I’ll be the first one who won’t let you off the hook, even if it costs me my old life!"

Quentin Blackwood knew how much Old Master Mercer truly doted on Ivy Sherwood, so he said, "Please rest assured, Grandfather. That day will never come."

Although Old Master Mercer was displeased, what could he do? ’I’ll just have to supervise Quentin Blackwood myself.’

Old Master Mercer left without even eating with Quentin Blackwood. Quentin had someone pack up some food, which he then brought to Ivy Sherwood’s studio himself.

When Ivy Sherwood saw him, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

Quentin Blackwood said, "You haven’t eaten lunch, have you? I brought you something, and I figured I’d see if anyone else was trying to woo you."

"Who else would there be?"

"You never know. My girlfriend is just so popular, after all."

Ivy Sherwood and Quentin Blackwood enjoyed lunch together. Ivy noticed Quentin seemed to be in a particularly good mood, though he didn’t say why.

"Did something good happen?" Ivy Sherwood asked.

Quentin Blackwood said, "Just seeing you is a good thing."

Quentin Blackwood was getting smoother and smoother with his sweet talk.

That evening, when Ivy Sherwood called her grandfather to ask what he wanted for dinner, he told her he had moved out to live with Miles Mercer. He said he was going to supervise Miles and make sure he didn’t bully his "little girlfriend."

"What did Grandfather say?" Quentin Blackwood hadn’t left yet.

Ivy Sherwood said, "He said he’s moved in with my brother."

"Does that mean I can come to your place tonight?" For the past two days, Quentin Blackwood had only been able to meet with Ivy Sherwood in secret, and they had very little time together.

Ivy Sherwood said, "Is that really a good idea?"

"What’s not good about it?"

Ivy Sherwood went home with Quentin Blackwood. Neither of them noticed a person in a nearby car, staring at them.

Jason Summers stared at Ivy Sherwood’s face, his entire body freezing up.

Dead memories assaulted him, his pupils wide with shock.

’Winter, Winter Mercer!’

’That face... if it wasn’t Winter Mercer, who could it be?!’

A chill ran down his spine as if he’d been plunged into an ice cellar, and he was completely unable to move.

He had never expected to see that face again. A piercing pain suddenly shot through his head, like a needle was stirring his brain.

It felt as if someone was strangling him, making it impossible to breathe.

’Winter Mercer couldn’t possibly still be alive. Not after being poisoned like that; she wouldn’t have had much time. This can only mean one thing: this Ivy Sherwood is Winter Mercer’s child, the Mercer Family has found her, and it seems they’ve already reunited.’

The thought of what happened back then sent a chill through Jason Summers.

’If the events of the past are brought to light again and the Mercer Family learns the truth, they will never let me go.’

’I loved Winter so much, ever since we were children, but she never had eyes for me.’

’I can’t be blamed for what I did back then. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Winter Mercer herself! Why couldn’t she have liked me, even just a little? Why did she have to run from my side and into the arms of another man!’

’But the Mercer Family won’t necessarily find out about all this,’ Jason Summers thought, feeling a momentary sense of relief.

He still couldn’t process it. ’Ivy Sherwood is actually Winter’s daughter. She’s been disguising her appearance all this time. The Princess of Elandra has met her, too, but she must not have seen Ivy’s real face. Otherwise, there’s no way she would have been so calm.’

’This matter has far-reaching implications. If Ivy Sherwood goes to Elandra with that face, something major is bound to happen.’

Jason Summers hadn’t decided whether to tell the Princess about this. He needed to plan things out carefully first.

Knowing that Quentin Blackwood was not someone to be trifled with and would easily spot him, Jason Summers did not follow them.

The last time he saw Ivy Sherwood, she was Quentin Blackwood’s date. Now, seeing them together, looking so intimate, was enough to explain everything.

’The women of the Mercer Family certainly have a way with men. Winter Mercer managed to seduce a king, and Ivy Sherwood is just as capable, having snagged Quentin Blackwood.’

A senseless rage flared in Jason Summers’s heart. He felt that Winter Mercer had betrayed him.

...

After Old Master Mercer moved in with Miles Mercer, Miles felt like his life had taken a turn for the worse.

Before, his grandfather had just been nagging him to find a girlfriend quickly. Now, he was already pushing him to get married, saying he absolutely couldn’t miss out on a good girl like Nina Scott.

Miles Mercer wondered what was so great about Nina Scott. It was as if she had placed a hex on his grandfather.

Old Master Mercer said, "I don’t care! I want her as my granddaughter-in-law, and no one else will do! If you don’t marry her and bring her home, I’ll run away!"

Miles Mercer’s head throbbed. He had no idea what to do.

Meanwhile, Nina Scott was dealing with a massive headache of her own. Mrs. Scott had just informed her of the wedding date—and it was happening very soon. Nina stormed straight home.

She confronted them directly, "What is the meaning of this? Who gets forced into marriage like this nowadays? I already told you, I won’t marry him!"

Mrs. Scott’s expression turned ugly. She had never seen Nina be so disobedient. Other girls were so close with their mothers, but Nina never gave her a pleasant look. Besides, she was only doing this for Nina’s own good. ’Marrying a rich man is much better than marrying that poor guy, isn’t it?’

"You’re getting married whether you like it or not! Let me tell you, we’ve already notified all our relatives and friends, and I’ve already accepted the betrothal gifts. This is not up to you! For the next few days, stop running wild. Stay home and get ready to be a bride!"