CHAPTER 204: CHAPTER 204: DON’T HIDE ANYTHING FROM ME

Azure now indeed doesn’t lack money. Using that money to create trouble for my family really takes great effort.

I walked beside Ivan Underwood, who replied in a calm and relaxed voice, "Although she has ample funds, the new company is not easy to manage. Whether it’s connections or market reputation, it can’t compare with your family. Don’t worry too much."

If it were fair competition, I wouldn’t be worried, but I’m just afraid Azure might resort to any means.

"Hmm, let’s take it one step at a time." I forced a bitter smile and then asked Ivan, "How do you have time to be here?"

He’s one of the pillars of their department, always incredibly busy, especially during surgeries, often having no time even to eat.

"I’m off today, so I came to take you to dinner." Ivan gazed seriously at my cheek, "You’ve lost a bit of weight; putting on a little would be healthier."

He then raised his hand and pinched my arm.

His touch made my arm feel a bit ticklish, and I couldn’t help but laugh, quickly pulling my arm away, "I’m ticklish!"

Ivan smiled faintly, "Then if you bully me in the future, I’ll tickle you."

"Miss Hathaway and her boyfriend seem to have a great relationship." Suddenly, Wendy Hawthorne’s voice interrupted us. She was standing not far away, holding a limited edition LV handbag, dressed head to toe in high-end brands, exuding a luxurious aura.

The black Lincoln behind her shone brightly in the sunlight, attracting quite a bit of attention.

"Let’s go eat." Ignoring Wendy, I took Ivan’s arm and said.

"Sure, what do you want to eat?" Ivan, like me, completely ignored Wendy.

Wendy didn’t get upset; in this way, she was more composed than Azure.

She stepped forward a few steps and blocked my path, "Miss Hathaway, how about we have a little chat?"

I declined coldly, "What do you think there is to talk about between us?"

"Of course there is. We could talk about Azure or business matters." Wendy replied with a smile.

"Sorry, I don’t think either is necessary. Please step aside." I frowned slightly.

At that moment, the Lincoln’s window not far away rolled down, and Azure’s face appeared, looking at me with eyes full of hostility.

Wendy reached out to grab my hand, but Ivan blocked her without hesitation, looking displeased. "She already said she doesn’t want to talk to you. Show some respect."

"Mr. Underwood, correct?" Wendy’s attention shifted to Ivan. "It’s nice to officially meet you today. Truly, you live up to the praise. Azure says you’re good friends with Henry Preston. After he becomes my son-in-law, our relationship will become much closer."

I was not only amazed by Wendy’s endurance but also shocked by her line of thought.

Ivan frowned slightly, "You’ve got it wrong. We’re not friends anymore."

Wendy raised her eyebrows slightly, feigning surprise, "Oh really? Is it because of... Miss Zoe Hathaway?"

Ivan didn’t answer, which was as good as admitting it.

"Heh." Wendy suddenly let out a cold chuckle, "In the past, my Winter liked you so much, yet you remained indifferent. Because of you, she met Henry Preston and ended up on a dead-end path. How can you not feel guilty at all?"

Winter initially liked Ivan, but he didn’t accept her feelings. That’s why Wendy only formally met Ivan today.

Indeed, Winter’s acquaintance with Henry was because of Ivan.

"Feelings can’t be forced. It was her choice. I don’t have to be responsible for it." Ivan’s response was rather cold.

He once had feelings for Winter, but it was just a fondness. After Winter turned her affections to Henry, he let go.

Therefore, Ivan didn’t have the same oppressive guilt as Henry does in his heart.

"Is it really that simple?" There was a trace of hatred in Wendy’s eyes, "Just like that, my daughter whom I raised with such care, is gone, and you feel you have no fault at all?"

Ivan responded quickly, "Yes, I have no responsibility and did nothing wrong."

Wendy’s face was a complex mix of emotions, filled with hate, yet mingled with restraint. Her current status and position wouldn’t allow her to lash out in public.

She quickly adjusted her emotions, returning to the poised and elegant demeanor of a socialite, continuing to look at me with a smile, "Miss Hathaway, the matter between my daughter and Ivan is in the past. What matters now is between you and me. We could have a good talk about our two companies’ future development."

"Here’s my card. Feel free to call me if you ever want to discuss anything." Without waiting for my reply, Wendy handed me a card and then left.

I didn’t throw it away, as an instinct warned me to be cautious.

"Zoe," Ivan broke the silence, "promise me one thing. Don’t keep anything from me. I’m willing to help you with anything I can."

I was taken aback, "Okay."

The whole day, except for feeling a bit relaxed while having dinner with Ivan, I was on edge the rest of the time.

And the result of being on edge was that after work, as I drove back, I almost crashed into Henry Preston’s car.

He was parked right in front, and in a daze, I forgot to turn the steering wheel. Luckily, I managed to hit the brakes in time to avoid the two cars kissing.

"Are you trying to kill me?" Henry got out of his car, and with his long legs, he took a few steps to stand in front of my car, suspiciously questioning me.

"No, it’s just that no one usually parks here, and I got used to driving straight through." I casually explained.

Previously, my neighbors were all abroad, and this parking space was always empty. I used to drive through here directly to park in front of my house.