While the office buzzed with preparations for the celebration, Ivy slipped into the building, her face hidden beneath a surgical mask. She had gone to extreme lengths to get out of jail, even cutting her wrist to secure a temporary release. Once at the hospital, she had managed to escape, driven by a single, dark purpose: to kill Bella.
As Ivy crept into the parking area, she spotted a group of security guards approaching. Quickly, she ducked behind a car, her breath hitching as she strained to hear their conversation.
They were discussing the success party Zack had organized in honor of the season’s first launch. The mention of Zack sent a wave of anger coursing through Ivy, her insides burning with a toxic mix of fury and betrayal. She clenched her fists, fighting to keep her rage in check.
"Zack!" she hissed through gritted teeth, barely containing her rage. "You’re out there celebrating, living your life, while you’ve pushed me into hell. Have you forgotten the debt you owe to the Hills?"
The thought that Zack had completely disregarded her, not even bothering to visit or check on her, was like a dagger to her heart.
She had done everything for him, standing by his side when he had no one, and helping him build his business from the ground up. Without her father’s influence and investment, Zack would never have achieved the success he was now enjoying. But now, he had abandoned her and her family in their time of need, forgetting every sacrifice she had made for him.
"It’s all because of that bitch, Bella," Ivy spat, her mouth twisting with hatred and contempt. The woman had stolen her boyfriend and ruined everything. Her anger boiled over, and she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails bit into her palms.
"I’ll kill you," she muttered. She was no longer thinking rationally, consumed entirely by her desire for revenge. In her mind, Bella was the source of all her suffering, and she was determined to make her pay.
Punishing Bella would be the ultimate way to hurt Zack. Killing her would break his heart and that would be the perfect retribution. "I’ll make everyone pay," she muttered under her breath with cold, calculated anger.
She watched as the security guards loitered near the entrance, engrossed in their gossip. Seizing the moment, Ivy slipped past them and entered the building unnoticed, heading straight for the stairs. As she ascended to the next floor, she spotted a janitor in the lobby, diligently cleaning the floors. Without hesitation, Ivy moved silently behind her. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
With one swift, brutal motion, Ivy struck the janitor on the head. The woman crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Ivy quickly scanned the area, her pulse racing as she listened for any sign of someone approaching. She could hear distant footsteps and faint voices, but no one was close enough to notice what had happened.
Acting quickly, Ivy dragged the limp body into a nearby storage room filled with cleaning supplies. She worked with frantic precision, stripping the janitor of her uniform and swapping clothes. The unconscious woman now lay in Ivy’s clothes, hidden away from sight.
Ivy, now dressed as the janitor, pulled the cap low over her face, making sure to conceal as much of her identity as possible. Grabbing the mop and bucket, Ivy stepped out of the storage room. She headed up to the next floor, her heart beating steadily as she continued her covert mission.
At Theodore’s office...
Skyler delivered the latest news with a hint of satisfaction. "The Hill Group is about to collapse. In a few days, it will go bankrupt. We’re all set to take it over."
A pleased smile curled on Theodore’s lips as he absorbed the update. "Very good. Start the acquisition process."
"Of course, sir," Skyler nodded, eager to proceed. "And regarding the plaza resort... the landowner has finally agreed to our terms. You have a meeting with him this evening."
Before Theodore could reply, the office door burst open with a loud bang, and Tristan rushed in, his face flushed with urgency. Both men turned toward him, startled by the sudden interruption.
"Mr. Reid, there’s a problem," Tristan blurted out, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. "Miss Hill... she ran away."
The words hit Theodore like a bombshell, his calm demeanor shattering instantly. His back stiffened, and his eyes narrowed as he processed the shocking news. "What did you say? How did she escape from jail?"
Tristan, still trying to catch his breath, hurriedly explained, "She—she cut her wrist last night and was taken to the hospital. But this afternoon, she sneaked out in a nurse uniform. The nurse was found unconscious in the room."
Skyler, who had been silent until now, shook his head in astonishment. "This woman is something," he muttered, unable to hide his surprise at Ivy’s audacity.
But Theodore didn’t respond. His mind was racing, worry creeping into his usually composed expression. The possibility that Ivy might try to harm Bella loomed large in his thoughts.
With a sense of urgency, he grabbed his phone and dialed Bella’s number. The line rang and rang, but no one answered. Theodore’s frown deepened, and his concern grew heavier.
He then remembered it was a big day for Bella and Willow—perhaps she was simply too busy with the launch to answer her phone. He clung to this thought, attempting to calm his racing mind, but the unease gnawed at him. Something wasn’t right, and the worry lingered like a dark cloud in his heart, refusing to dissipate.
Theodore’s expression hardened, his voice taking on a commanding edge as he addressed Tristan. "Find out what’s going on at Brico," he ordered the urgency in his tone unmistakable.
"Give me a few minutes. I’ll get back to you," Tristan replied, quickly exiting the room to carry out his task.
A heavy silence settled over the office once Tristan left. Skyler, sensing the need to refocus on their business matters, cleared his throat to regain Theodore’s attention. "As I was saying, the meeting with the landowner—" he began, but Theodore abruptly cut him off.
"Postpone it," Theodore said curtly.
Skyler blinked in shock, unable to believe what he was hearing. They had been pursuing this piece of land for months, sending delegates to talk to the owner, who had kept refusing to sell the land. Now that the owner had finally agreed to their terms, Theodore wanted to delay the meeting. It didn’t make sense.
Skyler couldn’t understand what had gotten to him. "You know several other buyers are interested in this land,’ he reminded Theodore, his tone sharp with frustration. ’You can’t just postpone the meeting. What if we lose the land? It’s the perfect location for the plaza project."
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