Chapter 67: Grand Hill Hall

Ivy was right. She looked stunning in the open-back black gown—stunning and effortlessly striking. Monica stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "You're ready to steal the show," she said, pleased with herself. Ivy chuckled. "Thank you, Monica." "You're welcome," Monica replied, adjusting Ivy's necklace one last time before stepping aside. Ivy gave her reflection one final look, picked up her small purse, and headed downstairs. She saw Silas seated in the living room. "Ivy! You look... amazing," he said, his eyes sweeping over her. Ivy blushed. "Thank you." He cleared his throat, his eyes lingering on her chest a little longer. "Have fun tonight." She nodded. "I will." And before she burned further from his gaze, she turned. "Bye." Outside, Bud was waiting by the car, its door opened. He was dressed in a black tuxedo. "Looking sharp, Bud," Ivy complimented as she entered the car. "Thank you, ma'am," Bud replied.

Like the showoff Mason had always been, the party was being held at Grand Hill Hall—one of the country’s most prestigious venues. The ride was long, and it gave Ivy plenty of time to think, yet she couldn't come up with any concrete plan.

When Bud announced they had arrived, the nerves came in full force. She exhaled slowly, counted backwards from ten before stepping out of the car.

Flashes erupted from everywhere as paparazzi clamored for the perfect shot. A red carpet had been laid down, and with Bud behind her, Ivy made her way in. "Stay close," she murmured over her shoulder.

The hall was beautiful, decorated in style. She hadn't expected anything less from Mason. She walked forward, where soft music was playing, and guests were mingling in groups. Ivy scanned the place for Sonia, but she couldn't find her. After a few moments, she proceeded to the small bar to get a glass of wine. "Mrs. Hunter—I mean, Ivy?" Ivy turned to the tiny voice, plastering a smile on her face. "Jenny," she said flatly. "What are you doing here? Did Mason invite you?" Jenny's voice dripped with false concern.

"Isn't it great that I'm here?" Ivy asked as the waiter brought her drink. Jenny's face flushed, her composure slipping. "No, not at all. I just thought since I saved Mason after catching you digging your nails in his back, I shouldn’t share this by curvace harsh."

Ivy gripped the glass tightly with a force she thought would break it. "Enjoy the party." Her cold smile was dismissive as she turned her back on Jenny.

That was all in the past now, and she needed no reminder. She sipped her drink and scoffed when Jenny walked away. Jenny moved toward Mason, gesturing in Ivy's direction. Ivy watched as Mason searched for her. When he finally saw her, he marched over, looking dashing as usual in a tailored black suit. "I don't remember inviting you," Mason said, his voice low. His eyes dropped to her chest, and for a split second, she caught the desire in them before it faded. "You didn't," Ivy replied, unmoved by his tone. "Then why are you here?" he demanded. "Where's your beautiful fiancée?" Ivy smirked, ignoring his question. Before Mason could respond, Sonia appeared beside him, dressed in an electric blue gown. "Ivy, darling!" Sonia said, leaning in for a peck on the cheek. "Hello, Sonia," Ivy replied. "How are you?" "You invited her?" Mason asked, his tone filled with dread. "Of course, I invited her," Sonia said, exchanging a knowing glance with Ivy. Mason's jaw tightened, but he forced a laugh instead. "Of course. Let's go greet our guests, Sonia," he added, pulling Sonia gently away. Sonia followed him, but not before giving Ivy another look. Ivy panicked for a moment and quickly downed her drink. "Another one, please," she told the waiter.

As she waited for her drink, she spotted Eric Santos seated in a corner, sipping water. Ivy knew it was water because he didn’t drink. Eric was Mason’s Sales director, his second-in-command, and the real brain behind the Hunter Real Estate company. A thought clicked in her mind, and Ivy stood up. "I'll be right back," she told Bud and walked over to Eric. Eric saw her and stood up. "Mrs. Hu—hello, ma'am." "Eric, how are you?" Ivy asked, smiling at him. "Good, and you, ma'am?" Eric asked. "Very well, thank you," Ivy said, taking the seat next to him without asking. "How's the business going?" "Good," Eric replied, sipping his drink. She was right; he was indeed drinking sparkling water. Ivy leaned in, her voice dropping into a whisper. "Have you finally been promoted?" Eric blushed and shook his head. "Not yet, but Mr. Hunter is working on it." "Tsk, too bad," Ivy said, not hiding her annoyance. Eric had worked under Mason for years, doing all the hard work but somehow never receiving any recognition for it, as Mason took all the credit. "It's really not. I'm okay with helping Mr. Hunter achieve his dream," Eric said, with a gullible smile. "Alright then, see you later," Ivy said and left him. She had gotten what she wanted, and it was time to put it to work. She looked around for Sonia and found her talking to some guests. She approached Sonia, who turned away from the guests and came to meet her. "So?" Sonia said, moving closer. Before Ivy could speak, Mason joined them. She turned to him, her eyes glimmering with satisfaction. "Mr. Hunter, Sonia tells me she's working with you now." "That's what the party is for, obviously," Mason smirked with a long, irritating laugh. "Of course," Ivy replied with a derisive laugh. "Why don't you share your plans with Sonia? I'm sure she'd love to hear them." A frown creased Mason’s face. "She already knows, which is why she's here." "I would like to hear it again. The plans, the details," Sonia chimed in, looking intrigued. Mason smiled awkwardly, glancing around as if searching for help. "Eric! Yes, come!" he called to Eric. "Eric can explain the details." Ivy smirked. It was playing out exactly how she wanted. "Are you saying your sales director knows more about your company than you do?" Ivy asked, her tone sarcastic. Mason bristled. "Of course not!" Sonia stepped forward, her voice firm. "Mason, I need specifics. How do you plan to develop my land in Oakland?" Mason chuckled. "The usual process, Sonia." Eric joined them, confusion etched all over his face. Mason pulled him closer, placing his hand on Eric's shoulder. "Tell Sonia how we intend to help her." "We'll begin—" "You're just the director, Eric," Ivy interrupted him. "Let the CEO speak." All eyes fell on Mason, who began to smile awkwardly. "We will... the process..." he stuttered. Ivy laughed, enjoying the show a little too much. She leaned closer to Sonia and whispered in her ear. "You have your proof. Do you really want to work with someone who doesn’t know his own business?" Sonia’s gaze hardened. She straightened up. “Attention, everyone,” she said, her voice loud even without a microphone. “I have an announcement. I’ve decided to end this collaboration before it begins. I will no longer do business with Mason Hunter.” Everyone gasped, but Ivy glanced around, her heart brimming with satisfaction.