CHAPTER 217: CHAPTER 217: THE ENTIRE HATHAWAY FAMILY WILL PAY THE PRICE

At this moment, my dad spoke from behind, "Get a caregiver for your mom to keep watch, to prevent any suspicious people from disturbing her."

I had the same thought, as I’m completely overwhelmed with matters at the company now.

My dad planned to go on a business trip and stopped by to check on my mom’s condition. Azure’s earlier incident had soured his mood even more, and he kept frowning.

The three of us left the hospital together. Lane was waiting for my dad at the entrance. After they left, Ivan took my hand and led me to his car.

"Let me treat you to a meal, so you can put on some weight," he said with a smile.

"If only eating a meal could help me gain weight, sigh." I sighed, letting Ivan lead me.

It seemed like we both ignored those previous conversations; he quit his job, and I was busy with the company’s matters, leaving me little time to worry about romantic affairs for now.

It’s just as well that everyone overlooks some conflicts.

Hearing what I said, Ivan turned to look at me with a smile in his eyes, "That’s easy. I’ll eat with you every day, and if I can’t, I’ll have someone send you delicious food, ensuring you have a balanced diet. I’ll make sure you’re well-fed and healthy."

I couldn’t help but laugh. It felt great to be cherished like this. Looking at Ivan’s handsome features, I suddenly felt like we were a bit like a couple.

Such a scene never happened in the five years I was married to Henry. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like for Henry and me to hold hands and discuss where to eat.

Probably such a day would never come.

In the end, we chose a Cantonese restaurant. Ivan mainly wanted me to drink more soup and eat something mild and nutritious. I hadn’t been resting well or eating properly lately, so I really needed a supplement and naturally didn’t refuse.

"I’ve already started my new job, familiarizing myself with the work. In the future, I might need your guidance on some business matters. Would you be willing to teach me?" Ivan asked while picking out fish bones for me.

He wasn’t wearing glasses now, and the chilliness was replaced by a more handsome demeanor.

"Don’t mock me. I’m just a rookie. If it weren’t for my mom’s situation, I’d probably be perfect idle material." I gave a bitter smile. I’ve never had much talent for business and, honestly, no interest in it. If I had siblings, I’d definitely let them handle it.

But the circumstances are forcing me to take on responsibility, and I can’t avoid it.

Thinking about my mom’s condition, my appetite waned. Looking down at the food in my bowl, I kept recalling the delicious dishes my mom used to make for me. If she remained in a coma like this, I really didn’t dare to think about it.

As I was lost in thought, Ivan placed the boneless fish in my bowl, his voice calm and reassuring, "No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side whenever you need me."

Currently, I felt quite helpless. Even though I had Crystal Dawson and them for company, for some reason, I just felt flustered and restless. Ivan’s words added a touch of warmth and courage to my heart.

I smiled, "Mm, thank you."

"You don’t need to thank me. I don’t like when you’re so formal with me," Ivan said, his lips curving into a deeper smile.

I’m used to saying thank you, being a polite person, but the words just stopped short in my mouth.

The meal was quite enjoyable, but when it came to settling the bill, Ivan received a call.

It was Jason Forrest calling. After talking briefly, Ivan’s expression changed, and he stepped outside the restaurant to take the call.

I wasn’t concerned about the bill; it just seemed like they were discussing something about me.

"I don’t need interference from any of you. That’s enough. Don’t make me feel annoyed." As I finished settling the bill and walked out, Ivan was standing with his back to me, his voice deliberately lowered, full of cold pressure.

I didn’t call him but waited for him to finish the call and turn back to see me.

The moment Ivan turned around, I clearly saw a cold chill on his face, but it vanished as soon as he saw me, reverting to normal.

"I’ll go settle the bill." His voice revealed no hint of the previous chilliness and impatience.

"I’ve already settled it. Just take me home." I stopped Ivan, responding casually.

Ivan was slightly stunned, "How much was it? I’ll transfer it to you."

"No need, it’s not like I can’t afford it. Let’s go." I shook my head, pretending not to have overheard any of the phone conversation, and asked, "Was that call from Jason Forrest? Anything important?"

Ivan replied offhandedly, "Nothing, just some small matters. Tired? I’ll take you home to rest."

I understood and didn’t question further. Since he didn’t want to tell me, it meant he didn’t want me to know. There was no need to dig deeper and cause myself unnecessary worry.

"Alright." I nodded.

In the car, Ivan played several cello pieces, all of which I used to love. I don’t know how Ivan knew that, but I closed my eyes and listened to the familiar melodies, feeling a rare sense of relaxation.

As we were nearing my home, my phone rang. It was from Jason Forrest. He had just called Ivan, and now he sent me a message.

I opened it to take a look. It was simple, just advising me not to be with Ivan. Now because of me, Ivan and Henry were completely at odds, and their longtime friendship had ended, which was a pity.

As I was staring at the message in a daze, Ivan took my phone. After reading the message, his expression darkened a little. He didn’t reply to Jason; he just blocked him and handed the phone back to me, saying, "No need to pay attention to it."

I put away my phone without commenting.

After arriving at my door, Ivan got out of the car with me and saw me to the door.

"Well, tonight was fun. Thanks for keeping me company," I sincerely thanked Ivan. Although he didn’t like me being formal with him, at this moment, it was rare for me to feel so relaxed.

"Mm, get a good night’s sleep tonight, everything will slowly get better," Ivan Underwood suddenly leaned in close to me. At such a close distance, I could see his eyelashes and the texture of his skin, very delicate and smooth. Before I could react, he pecked my cheek.

I was taken aback, covering my face, unable to respond for a moment.

"Why didn’t I realize you were so cute before?" Ivan’s eyes softened, sweeping away his usual aloofness, and instead gave me a gentle feeling.

I felt a bit awkward, as I was never close with him before, so he couldn’t see whether I was cute or not. It was the first time someone praised me as cute, and indeed, I felt a bit happy, my lips involuntarily curving slightly upward.

But my smile instantly disappeared when I saw Henry Preston. He walked out from the gate of the villa next door. Although there was some distance, and I couldn’t see his face clearly, I always felt his expression seemed off.

Ivan also saw Henry. The two locked eyes, separated by a distance, and it felt as if there was a tension in the air.

"Why is he here?" Ivan asked me with a frown.

"He bought the house next door, so..." I didn’t hide anything, thinking it would be better to let Ivan understand the situation directly.

While we spoke, Henry had already walked over.

Ivan discreetly held my hand, his fingertip gently caressing the back of my hand, seemingly comforting me not to be nervous.

"How was the date?" Henry’s hands were in his pockets, his demeanor relaxed but always with a sharp feel, his voice indifferent and calm.

"That doesn’t concern you, Henry. You just need to manage yourself." Ivan’s voice was also calm. Both exuded a kind of composure, ensuring neither would be overshadowed in confrontation.

Henry’s gaze swept across me, teasingly asking, "She was my wife for five years and is also my neighbor; isn’t it natural for me to care a bit?"

"Since you know she’s an ex-wife, you should keep your distance. She’s now my girlfriend." Ivan stated coldly, suddenly wrapping an arm around my waist and again leaning down to kiss my lips, a move that seemed to declare ownership.

I didn’t dodge, catching a glimpse of Henry’s immediately darkened expression, knowing Ivan understood what Henry found unacceptable.

To make Henry completely give up and stop disturbing me, I wrapped my arm around Ivan’s waist, leaning in to match his kiss. As he seemed to want to pull away, I rested my head voluntarily on his chest.

Ivan’s body tensed at first, but soon relaxed, gently stroking my head.

Though in Ivan’s embrace I couldn’t find the familiar feeling from Henry, it felt very secure.

After a minute or two, I heard Ivan’s voice, "He’s gone."

My body moved slightly before finally withdrawing from his embrace, watching Henry’s figure enter the gate of the next villa, a subtle indescribable bitterness in my heart, but also a rotating sense of satisfaction. I used to feel terribly envious seeing other women in his arms.

"Mm, alright. You should also go back and rest soon." I said to Ivan.

"Though I know your initiative just now was to make Henry give up and as revenge against him, I really liked it." Ivan’s voice was slightly low, very magnetic.

I diverted my gaze, I couldn’t openly admit I was using him.

Ivan continued, "I’ll watch you go in before leaving."

"Alright." I nodded, turning to walk home. After entering the gate, I glanced back at Ivan, who then returned to his car, waved at me, and drove away.

After watching Ivan’s car leave, I sighed gently, unable to describe my feelings at that moment, just feeling somewhat lost in thought.

After pondering alone for a while, I remembered to lock the door and rest. Just as I was about to lock the door, Henry appeared outside, his figure silent as a ghost.

I was startled, my heart pounding heavily, and couldn’t help but pat my chest and blurt out, "Trying to scare me to death?"

"So happy, yet so jumpy?" Henry’s voice was cold, reaching out to push the door, while I tried to lock it quickly.

But in this matter, I never beat Henry, this dog of a man not only reacted quickly but also had great strength, I had no chance of winning.

Tonight, my father is not home, and I’m the only one in the house. Though the yard has surveillance, I don’t want any accidents to happen.

Henry and I held onto the door frame, stuck in a stalemate. I could feel he wasn’t using any strength, otherwise, I’d have been pushed away long ago.

"Henry, what exactly do you want?" I demanded, "My mom is already upset with me because of everything, isn’t that enough?"

"I’ll give you two choices," Henry said, his gaze icy, "First, remarry me. Second, break up with Ivan."

I really laughed; what kind of nonsense is he saying? I just started feeling something with Ivan, and now I’m asked to break up?

Without thinking, I refused, "I won’t choose either."

"Then there’s a third choice," Henry coldly said, "Make the whole Hathaway Family pay the price for your refusal."

I couldn’t understand what madness Henry was spewing. How could a man be so unpredictable and obsessive?

He seems to just not want me to live well, forcing me to revolve around him in humility like before.

What did I do to deserve such bad luck? In the past life, I didn’t want to divorce, he wrecked my family. This life, I’ve divorced him and don’t want to cling to him, yet he aims to ruin my family again.

No matter what I do, I can’t change the conflict between Henry and my family.

"Henry, are you trying to drive me to death?" I responded firmly, "If you really can’t tolerate my happiness, then I can disappear forever from your sight, there’s no need to use my family to threaten me; it’s beneath your dignity."

Henry merely chuckled indifferently, "Your parents have only one daughter; you wouldn’t dare die. Zoe, I’ve always told you, I don’t like being passive. Everything must be under my control, including our marriage. I’ve been accommodating enough."