Chapter 97: Master Iker's Childish Side

Davon, his eyes twinkling with amusement, glanced between the two, his laughter carrying suggestive undertones that echoed in the room.

"I didn't expect Miss Lawrence to have such a perfect figure; even the maid outfit looks different on her. No wonder my elder brother was smitten!"

Cheyenne's face flushed. She hesitated, wanting to explain that she had only bathed there, but feared that would only worsen the situation. Silence seemed the best option.

Iker intervened, defending her. "Miss Lawrence and I are not what you think. It's a long story, and I don't need to explain it to you."

He abruptly changed the subject. "Let's talk about the real issue."

Master Iker's domineering nature was on full display. His single sentence shifted the conversation, instantly lowering the tension in the room.

Cheyenne sat obediently beside Iker, her head lowered in a submissive posture that only fueled Kelvin's anger. He saw it as another act—a pretense of shyness and sweetness, an approach she'd used on him before, and one he now found unacceptable from her toward another man.

Kelvin despised her lack of discrimination. She'd pursued Mr. Lara, and now a disabled man like Iker.

Feeling Kelvin's disdain, Cheyenne bristled. Who was he to judge? They were divorced; her choices were her own. Unlike him, who'd had an affair with his childhood sweetheart while still married.

To spite Kelvin, Cheyenne picked up an orange, her slender fingers delicately peeling the fruit.

The three then discussed business. Kelvin had come to invite Iker to a business summit; Miss Davidson insisted on Iker's attendance. However, since a car accident three years prior, Iker had become a recluse, shunning such events.

"I'm not going!" Iker refused outright. He knew Kelvin only wanted to appease Emily and meet the President, and that Emily's interest wasn't about apologizing to him.

"Iker, don't be so quick to refuse. Miss Davidson simply wants to catch up. We were friends growing up. Besides, avoiding it will only fuel media speculation about you not moving on."

"What they say is their business! I don't want to go, and no one can force me." His gaze locked on Kelvin, a clear warning.

Kelvin remained unfazed. "If Master Iker doesn't wish to attend, that's fine. I'm merely a messenger." He had other ways to see the President.

Unbeknownst to them, Cheyenne peeled another orange and offered it to Iker.

The gesture stunned both men. Iker hadn't expected it. Kelvin, however, was furious. She loved oranges and had playfully demanded he peel one for her. Even Mr. Lara had peeled one for her at the auction. Now, she'd peeled one for Iker. It seemed he held a special place in her heart. Kelvin remembered the pen she'd given him and felt foolish for having it repaired; it would never be the same.

"Go and have some fun," Cheyenne said with a light laugh. Iker's stern expression softened as he looked at her seriously. "I don't need to."

"You do need to," Cheyenne insisted gently. "Sometimes we are our own worst enemy by not letting ourselves move forward."

More than his physical disability, Iker struggled with emotional turmoil—a far greater ailment. In three years, the once confident man had become withdrawn and insecure, lost in his own fantasies, seeing only mockery and darkness.

Iker pondered Cheyenne's words. Looking at the orange, he ate it. It was the sweetest orange he'd ever tasted.

Should he try? Should he go out and embrace the sunshine? He was conflicted and nervous. He’d tried before, but was met with pity or mockery. He didn't need either.

"Are you going too?" Cheyenne asked, a slight twitch to her lips. Was he a child needing a chaperone?

"What would I even do there? Let's forget it," Cheyenne laughed, aware of her own limitations. The Lawrence family was hardly high society in Akloit; she would only be mocked. Staying home and studying medicine was far preferable.

Davon offered, "Miss Lawrence, if you're willing, why don't you come with me and have some fun?"

Before Cheyenne could respond, Iker pulled her back. "You are naturally my companion," he declared.

Cheyenne glared at him. What was that about?

Iker snorted arrogantly. "If you don't go, then I won't go either."

Was this the ruthless major general? She'd heard tales of his cruelty, yet here he was acting…cute? Scared, she reluctantly agreed.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

Kelvin, without looking at Cheyenne, departed.

"I should leave now; see you tomorrow," Cheyenne said, rising to leave.