Chapter 4: A Match Made in Heaven, For Scoundrels

Ivy, ever the strategist, had anticipated an outburst and dodged with a swift step back as he raised his hand. Unexpectedly, the next moment, her waist was seized by a warm, firm grip. Those hands pulled her back into a protective embrace. Ivy tilted her face up to Cecil, her frown a silent rebuke, “I didn’t ask for a knight in shining armor.” Cecil’s eyes, dark and unfathomable, sparkled with a hint of mischief, his sensual lips barely moving, “Won’t you allow your husband a moment to shine?” The word 'husband' sent an inexplicable shiver down Ivy’s spine, freezing her in place. Their cheeks brushed, an intimate tableau that was a dagger to Hugo’s eyes. A surge of nameless fury rose in Hugo, his arrogance sky-high, “Snagged yourself a pretty boy so soon, huh? Parading as a paragon of virtue before me, were you just playing the field?” Ivy’s retort was icy, “Do you really think you were ever in the game?” Had it not been for a sliver of respect for her grandfather, she wouldn’t have spared such a man a second glance. “Ivy,” Cecil’s voice was soft, his hand gently clasping hers. His lips curled in a smirk that wasn't quite a smile, exuding a chilling aura, "Your taste in men before me was truly abysmal, wasn't it?" Ivy caught a whiff of tobacco mixed with his cologne, her cheeks flushing slightly. How utterly bizarre! Cecil looked down on Hugo with a superiority that seemed to command the high ground, his gaze smoldering with a quiet intensity, an air of menace emanating from him. Hugo, feeling the weight of that gaze, tried to puff himself up but ended up looking more deflated than ever. He scoffed at Cecil, arrogance dripping from every word, "I'd advise you, Ivy's nothing but trouble…" The darkness in Cecil's eyes deepened, a storm brewing within. Before Hugo could even brace himself, he was sent flying, his face meeting the ground with a humiliating thud. Ivy blinked in surprise. This man's reflexes were lightning-fast! "And what are you, daring to strike me? Do you know who I am?" Hugo spat from the ground, his face contorted in pain and rage as he glared at Cecil. Elise rushed to Hugo's side, concern etched on her face, though her eyes kept stealing glances at Cecil, "Hugo, are you alright…?" Ivy clicked her tongue, marveling at the spectacle of their so-called deep bond. Could the old saying be true? A match made in...well, not heaven, but certainly enduring. "Get out!" Cecil's command was succinct, his presence chilling. The sheer force of his aura left no room for rebuttal. Hugo felt an inexplicable chill, his bravado evaporating, "You…" As Ivy watched the faces of Elise and Hugo shift through various shades of dismay, a smirk formed on her lips. This man, it seemed, was quite to her taste. The restaurant's patrons noticed the commotion but adhered to the age-old philosophy of minding one's own business. Only a few, recognizing the parties involved, began snapping photos. Elise, tears streaming, played the victim to perfection, "Ivy, I know you resent me for Hugo's choice, but it was his decision, you…" "Oh, no, darling, I bear no grudge. Why would I resent someone for taking out the trash on my behalf?" Ivy's cold laughter echoed, watching Elise's theatrical tear-squeezing act with disdain. As if anyone would lose their senses over Hugo, of all people. Elise's tears turned into a flood, her voice dripping with self-pity, "How can you speak like that…" "Elise, don't waste your breath on her," Hugo, managing to get up, positioned himself protectively in front of Elise, disgust written all over his face. The look he shot Ivy could have curdled milk. Cecil ensnared Ivy in his embrace, his gaze narrowing with an unmistakable hint of danger, "Was one lesson not sufficient?" "Disturb our date again, and next time won't be so gentle!" He declared, making Ivy wonder if this was his odd way of flirting. Ivy's brow furrowed slightly, her cheek pressed against his feverish chest, her face flushing a deeper shade of red. The surrounding snickers made Hugo wish the ground would swallow him whole. Gripping Elise's hand tighter, Hugo glared back at Cecil with renewed defiance, "Brave words, offending someone beyond your paygrade. Dare to give your name, and we'll see who wipes who off the map!" Hugo, his pride bruised, was itching for revenge against Cecil. "Warrington Group," Cecil replied nonchalantly, his fingers playing with Ivy's hair, as if they were discussing the weather. "At your service." Elise's face paled, whispering to Hugo, "Warrington Group... it's not that Warrington Group, is it?" The name hit Hugo like a bolt of lightning, deflating his bluster in an instant. He knew all too well the weight that name carried, a titan his father had always warned him never to provoke. And yet, here he was... Elise, watching the affectionate display between Cecil and Ivy, clenched her dress, green with envy. How could Ivy attract such a man after she had stolen her boyfriend? Cecil's eyes gleamed with amusement, his lips curling in a mocking smile, "Before I decide whether Sinclair Corporation is worth my time, you'd best... vanish." "Let's go, Elise," Hugo muttered, his arrogance evaporated, hastily dragging Elise away amidst the derisive chuckles of onlookers. With the irritants gone, Ivy finally found peace. Noticing Cecil's hand still on her waist, she subtly pushed him away, her tone cooler yet tinged with warmth, "Thank you, but when did I become your woman?" No sooner had she spoken than Cecil pulled her closer, Ivy losing her balance and falling into his arms. Her temper flared again, "What are you doing?" Would this man ever quit his habit of handsy advances, addicted to taking liberties?