Callen held Lily's hand casually, while his expression stayed flat, far too calm for someone who'd just caused a huge scene. That calmness was precisely what made Ivy even more uneasy.Once they were a bit farther from the building, Ivy finally slowed her steps. "Why do you look so fine?" Her voice sounded restrained. "I was just fired. Noah and Steve clearly won't let this end so easily."Callen stopped walking and turned around. His gaze stayed calm, and there was even a faint smile at the corner of his lips, as if what happened earlier was nothing more than a small disturbance."Why should I panic?" he replied casually. "They're nobody."Ivy shook her head slowly. Her hands clenched without her noticing. "You don't understand. We can't possibly fight them. Florence is completely on Noah and Steve's side. Grandma has hated me for a long time. She'll definitely be happy to hear I got fired!"Just the mention of her grandmother was enough to make Ivy's chest feel tight. Memories of th

After leaving the school supplies store, Callen glanced left and right, looking at the rows of shops they hadn't entered yet.In a relaxed tone, as if he carried no burden on his shoulders, he said, "Since we're already here, it would be a waste to go straight home in a mall this big. How about we take a little walk around?"Ivy stopped walking. Her fingers tightened slightly around Lily's hand. She looked at Callen, her eyes hesitant, then slowly shook her head."No need," she said softly, but there was apparent refusal in her voice. "We've shopped enough. I don't want to spend money on things that don't matter."Since leaving Lumira Enterprise, her mind hadn't been truly calm. Callen, beside her, watched that expression closely."You've held in stress for too long. From the problems at work to today's dismissal. Spending time with family isn't a waste."Ivy's steps stopped completely. Those words pierced her defenses. She lowered her head, staring at the polished tiles beneath their

The young cashier froze. "But sir—""It's fine. I'll handle it," the senior cashier cut in firmly, bowing slightly toward Callen. "Please wait a moment."He moved quickly, entering some data into the system. The store fell silent. Several staff members began glancing curiously. Several seconds felt very long to Ivy.Finally, a soft notification sounded from the cashier's machine."Transaction successful," the senior cashier spoke. "The jewelry will be prepared shortly."The woman who had been dismissive widened her eyes. The man who had sneered at Callen remained silent, his face red.The store manager stepped forward, his expression serious. "What happened?" he asked quietly to the senior cashier.The senior cashier leaned over and whispered briefly. The manager's face immediately went pale. He turned to look at Callen with respect."Please forgive our staff's inappropriate behavior," he said quickly. "This is entirely our fault."The manager then glared sharply at the female staff m

Footsteps came from the bedroom. Callen walked out wearing a simple home shirt. He had just made sure Lily was sleeping comfortably. When he saw Ivy sitting still with a pale face, his steps slowed."You're not rested yet?" Callen asked as he came closer.Ivy shook her head. "Not yet."Callen sat beside her. "What's on your mind?"She stayed silent for a few seconds before answering. "I saw the news.""What news?""About Melissa Hayes."That name made Callen understand right away. He didn't speak immediately, waiting for Ivy to continue."They say she's coming to Avenfall," Ivy said. "For the Hayes family business."Callen nodded slowly. "And you're scared?"Ivy turned to him. Her eyes were slightly watery. "I don't want Lily to go through what I went through. I don't want our life to fall apart again."Callen reached for Ivy's hand. "She hasn't done anything yet.""Not yet," Ivy replied. "But I know Melissa. She never forgets. And she never lets go."Callen held her hand tighter. "Li

Ivy nodded slowly, still hesitant. She always felt like she was burdening Callen, and even though she had promised to stay calm, worries about the funds and Lily's acceptance still lingered. Lily jumped into Ivy's lap, hugging her tightly."Mom, let's go! I want to see my new school," Lily said innocently, her eyes sparkling.Callen patted Ivy's shoulder gently. "Come on, let's go now. It's better if I accompany you, so everything goes smoothly," he said, his voice calm but full of confidence.Ivy nodded, still looking a little nervous, and guided Lily, who hugged her small bag while holding her mother's hand tightly. They prepared to face the stares of people on the way to Crownhill Kindergarten, one of the elite children's schools in Avenfall.The Jade family gave Lily access to the school, but all other expenses had to be covered by Ivy, and she came to find out more first.As soon as they entered the school's administration building, judging eyes immediately landed on them. Some p