It didn’t take long for the doctor to figure out the source of the glitch that caused the unfortunate end of his patient. As he suspected, the life supporting machine might be the cause, he reviewed the machine log setting and the latest data. That’s when he noticed discrepancies. He decided to investigate further with the hospital security team and the result turned out to be beyond what he expected.
He immediately contacted Bryan to update him on his discovery. Bryan, after receiving the results of his findings, informed Zack.
Zack had predicted the life supporting machine was manipulated. He further instructed Bryan to inform the detective as soon as possible, as he believed the detective might find a lead to help solve the issue.
In the meantime, he continued to take safety precautions concerning Ivy’s safety, especially on set.
The time came for him to pick Ivy up as usual, but he was overwhelmed with work and his schedule was tight. Still, he refused to let her return home without him by her side.
He dialed her number to notify her that he would be a bit late. The call went through, and Ivy’s voice sounded soft and even. “Hello, Hubby.”
“I’ll come a little late,” Zack said.
“You’re very busy, aren’t you?” She asked, suspecting he was tied up at work. “You don’t have to stress yourself out; let Louis take me home as usual…”
“I insist,” Zack said adamantly.
Ivy understood he was overly worried for her safety, and she didn’t want him to get strained in the process of balancing his work and guaranteeing her security. “Zack, what are you now? My bodyguard? You’ve hired a whole lot of them, and you still want to act as the one,” she said softly, trying to get him to change his mind about picking her up at the time. “Focus on your work and let me go home alone for today. Goodbye.” She quickly hung up without giving him time to argue.
Zack sighed in defeat, admitting that she was right. He spent his resources to make sure she was safe, and he was ready to go beyond to ensure no harm comes to her.
At midnight, he arrived at the penthouse and met Ivy sitting on the sofa, enjoying a late-night snack with her eyes keen on the TV.
“Why haven’t you gone to bed yet?” He asked, slumping on the sofa.
Ivy glanced at him, a small smile tugging up the corner of her lips as she noticed his presence. “I had enough sleep in the evening.” She paused, observing the exhaustion on his face. “You look tired, had a rough day?”
Zack nodded, massaging his temples as he slouched on his seat.
This was the first time Ivy had seen him in this state. She felt it was partly because of the current issue that must have disrupted his workflow, leading him to exhaust himself to this extent.
She placed her bowl of popcorn on the glass table and patted her thigh, motioning for him to come over. “Come sit and rest your head; let me give you a massage.”
Zack’s eyebrows furrowed slightly for a split second before his lips curled up in a smirk. “I didn’t know you are a massage therapist.”
Ivy pursed her lips, irritated by his teasing tone. “Okay, now you’re mocking me. Come here before I change my mind.”
Zack stood up obediently and chuckled softly. He sat beside her and lay his head on her thigh as she instructed. “Thanks, wifey.”
Ivy couldn’t help but smile when she heard him. “It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done.”
Zack chortled. “You’re such a sweet talker.”
Ivy rolled her eyes at his taunts. As usual, he would tease her at any chance he got, and she was already getting used to it.
She pressed her fingers on his forehead, gently stroking his temples.
Zack shut his eyes, relishing her gentle touch. He had to acknowledge her expertise in this skill he never knew she had.
He relaxed comfortably on the sofa, his head still leaning on her lap, letting her hands do the magic.
After a few minutes when his muscles had relaxed a bit, he brought up the conversation about the doctor’s investigation.
“My intuition was right; the life supporting machine was tampered with.”
Ivy took a short pause before she continued massaging his forehead. “It pains me he is gone just like that.”
She sighed; the news of his demise was still fresh in her mind. “Was there no trace at all?”
“This time was different,” Zack replied, and Ivy’s eyebrows twitched, intrigued by what seemed to be some sort of good news.
“Was the person found?”
“Not… really. The only surviving security footage captured the man’s back. I think the rest were wiped out.”
Ivy once again felt dejected at the pace of the investigation. She had thought they finally got a lead but it ended up with the same result as before.
“Do you have any dangerous shoots for the few remaining days?” Zack asked as he sat upright.
“I have tons of them,” Ivy replied, aware of the reason he asked about the shoot as her thoughts were in line with his. “I don’t have a stunt double.”
Zack’s expression turned serious, his gaze fixed on her. “You should request for one. I suspect that person might use the shoots to their advantage.”
Ivy nodded in agreement; it was indeed a perfect chance to hurt her. After all, she was drugged on set at that time, and it was possible the worst could happen. “I’ll tell the director about it.”
She responded; her mind began drifting off as she recalled the start of the mess she was in. Her tussle with Isabelle, then Jake Black. She was fed up with being targeted by others, especially the ones called family looming around the corner seeking an opportunity to destroy her. She wanted to be free from the problematic situation. She had decided to go with her plan if something unpleasant happens again and also if a lead isn’t found soon. For now, she chose to be patient.
She snapped out of her thoughts and focused on Zack. “Let me go prepare a warm bath; it will make you feel much better.”
Zack had a pleased look on his face, impressed by her caring attitude. “Thanks, and I also need a full body massage.”
Ivy frowned, and a slight smile appeared on her face, betraying her annoyance. “I’m not a massage therapist. I’ll escort you to the spa tomorrow if you need one.” She said, and walked out of the living room.
Zack chuckled, amused by her sheepish reaction; he never knew his wife would be so shy to imagine him half-naked.