WRITER'S POV:
Ivy wandered down the hallway with purpose she didn't feel. She stopped a housekeeper on the way, someone she hadn't seen before—middle-aged, polite, the kind of quiet that usually came with fear of being overheard.
"Sorry," Ivy said, trying to smile, "do you know where Cassius is?"
The housekeeper glanced down the hallway, then back at her. "He's in his office. He is... busy."That last word had a finality to it. No elaboration. No invitation.Of course.As Ivy turned back toward her room, she heard the light click of heels.What even is this?"Oh! There you are."
Ivy closed her eyes. Slowly.Gina.
Suddenly friendly, suddenly chirpy. A terrifying Barbie with unresolved vengeance in her smile.They froze."You should join us for dinner," Gina said, brushing imaginary lint off her sleeve. "I know you're... around. So no point in hiding in your room, right?"
Ivy blinked. "I assumed I was already expected to."
Ivy blinked.Gina's smile tightened. "Of course. Just being polite."
Dinner was a nightmare in formalwear.
The room was large, dramatic, and too quiet. A long table, excessive candles, food that looked like it was plated by angels—and Ivy, sitting with the composure of someone desperately trying not to combust.
She picked at her food with the energy of a woman doing deep emotional math.
Had Cassius used her?
Why was she under the same roof as Gina?Was he some sort of well-dressed psychopath with a penchant for chaos and luxury linen?Her fork hit her plate a little too hard.Gina noticed."You're very quiet," she said sweetly"Just tired," Ivy replied, keeping her voice flat. Flight attendant mode: engagedGina leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "So... where did Cassius find you? I'm always curious about the women he brings around."
Ivy didn't answer. Because anything she said would sound like a competition.Then came salvation.Jason.He stepped into the dining room like the missing piece of the sanity puzzle
Well, well," he said, eyes landing on Ivy. "Wasn't expecting you here."
Ivy's shoulders relaxed. She exhaled
Gina, however, tensed like a cat spotting another cat.The woman raised an eyebrow. "You two know each other?" she asked, voice light but clawed.
Ivy stayed silent.Jason ignored the question entirely.
He walked around the table, leaned down toward Ivy.
You okay?" "Trying to be."He nodded. "You can always get food sent to your room. Just call the desk in there. Don't suffer through awkward mealtimesHe winked and stood."Where are you going?" Gina asked, eyes narrowing"To see Cassius," Jason replied, already walkingGina's jaw clenched. She glanced back at Ivy, her expression morphing into something unreadable
And Ivy? She suddenly wasn't as hungry.Because now the food tasted like strategy.
And she wasn't sure whose game she was playing.