"What happened?" Camila asked nervously. She was worried the Carter family would really drive them away since Noah sounded so angry on the phone."It's nothing," Ivy replied softly. She did not tell the truth because she did not want to hear her mother's annoying complaints. "They gave me a chance to sign a contract with Lumira Enterprise."Camila's face brightened. "Really? Doesn't that mean they've accepted us?"Ivy let out a rough sigh. Her mother was really naïve. Did she really think that getting a task meant the Carter family would accept them back? If Camila knew Ivy would be fired if she failed, she'd probably blame Lily again, like always. That's why Ivy chose not to say anything more.The next morning the sound of typing filled the living room. Callen walked out of Lily's room and saw Ivy still focused on her laptop. She'd stayed up all night working on the proposal she would present to Lumira Enterprise."You've been working since last night. Why don't you take a short brea

Determination lit Lily's small face as she walked toward the girl."Do it!" Callen mouthed, giving her a slight nod.Bella turned when someone tugged at her sleeve. A smug smile sat on her face as she saw the poor little girl whom she had hit earlier. The bear she'd grabbed was held high like a prize. "What do you want?" Bella sneered. "Still upset about my hit?"Wealth had spoiled Bella since birth. Her mother always gave her whatever she wanted, so arrogance came easily to her.Anger rose in Lily. "Apologize to me!"More laughter came from Bella. "Why should I do that to a poor person?" she jeered.A flash of fury crossed Lily's face. She kicked Bella's shin hard. Bella screamed and dropped the bear, clutching her knee. Tears came as she hopped on one foot.Before Bella could finish her angry words, Lily's small fist connected with her cheek. A red mark bloomed there.Shock widened Bella's eyes. Her breath came quick. She turned, ready to shout more insults, but another punch hit h

Before going inside, Callen crouched and spoke to his daughter. "Lily, I want you to keep what happened at the mall a secret from your mom."She tilted her head. "Why? You were so cool, Dad. If Mom knew, maybe she'd be nice to you!"His heart softened. That simple care from his daughter felt better than his first victory on the battlefield."Dad wants to keep it from her for now. Besides, even if I told her, she would not believe it. When the time's right, I'll tell her."His explanation made Lily nod. "Alright, it'll be our secret."She raised her pinky, and he hooked his finger with hers.Right then, the door opened. Ivy stood with her arms crossed. "What's this? You two are keeping secrets from me? Tell Mom too!" she said to Lily with a pout.Lily made a zipper motion across her lips.Ivy's mouth puckered. She crouched. "Say it, or I'll tickle you."A hard shake of the head only made Ivy reach for that tiny waist. The tickling went on until Lily burst into helpless laughter."It's

Right now, Callen still wanted to keep his identity hidden. So he lied, "When I proved Lily didn't start the fight, someone recorded it. I gave that recording to the boss of that woman's husband. As you are aware, Lumira Enterprise places a high value on its image. And that woman used her husband's name to abuse her power. If that news were to spread, it would harm the company's reputation. So, her husband got fired."Ivy nodded slightly. "Thank you for protecting Lily today," she said, still feeling awkward about treating him kindly.Bang!Their attention turned to the front door. Camila stood there, swaying. She had come home drunk."Mom, where have you been all day?" Ivy asked, helping her mother walk to her room.Even though Camila sometimes treated her harshly, Ivy still tried not to harbor hatred towards her. After all, she'd been kind in the past. Five years ago, she never would've imagined her mother changing this much."Why are you asking? This is all your fault!" Camila snap

"It's impossible for Ivy to get that partnership," Ava denied. She crossed her arms tightly, trying to convince herself that what she heard could not be true. "There must be a mistake in the announcement!"Florence nodded in agreement. "It seems the company made a mistake when we sent two representatives. I'm sure it's Steve who got accepted because he's my most outstanding grandson!"Meanwhile, Steve had been standing in front of the Carter residence for twenty minutes. He hesitated to go inside after failing to secure the contract with Lumira Enterprise.He did not know how his grandmother and father would scold him once they found out that it was Ivy who had successfully signed the deal.After some thought, he decided to enter with a gloomy face.In the living room, Florence, Noah, and Ava were sitting together, chatting. When they noticed his presence, they greeted him warmly, rather than with anger."My grandson, I've been waiting for you! Come here!" Florence said happily.Ava c