Before setting out for Rome, Mio Walsh had done his homework. He knew that Michael Bardem once had feelings for Victoria, and that Victoria had helped Michael at a critical moment. With that in mind, Mio was confident that his identity as Victoria’s nephew would secure the deal. If he succeeded, it would be a significant advantage in the family’s leadership race. Even if Victoria objected, her disapproval would hardly matter-results spoke louder than words.
At the dinner party, Michael Bardem had shown a clear liking for him. While no promises were made, it seemed almost certain that Mio would be the one Michael chose to collaborate with. After all, Bardem’s company, R Corporation, was a well-established, internationally renowned firm. Both sentimentally and logically, the partnership made perfect sense.
But only a few days later, Michael Bardem had changed his mind. Mio Walsh was stunned.
“The other party hasn’t announced which company they’re working with yet,” his secretary reported. “It seems they’ve only reached a preliminary agreement. Details will take time to finalize.”
“Then it’s not settled yet,” Mio snapped. “Call Michael Bardem. I want to invite him to dinner.”
Mio was a smart man. Even for a married woman, he had ways of stealing her heart. This deal wasn’t over. As long as the contract wasn’t signed, he still had a chance.
“Yes, Mr. Walsh. I’ll arrange it immediately.”
The secretary returned shortly with an update: “Mr. Walsh, they’ve already left Rome. He said dinner will have to wait until next time.”
“That old fox!” Mio’s face darkened. While Michael Bardem hadn’t explicitly promised him the deal that night, his attitude had been favorable. Experienced businessmen often left things unspoken, and Mio had taken Bardem’s subtle signals as reassurance. He had been at ease until now.
But someone had swooped in and taken the deal out from under him.
Furious, Mio hurled the wine glass in his hand to the floor. “Damn it! Whoever stole this from me, I’ll make them cough it back up the same way they took it!”
“Mr. Walsh, what should we do now?” the secretary asked cautiously. He knew all too well that when Mio lost his temper, someone would inevitably bear the brunt of his wrath. He didn’t want to be collateral damage.
“What else can we do? Book me a flight. We’re leaving immediately.”
“Yes, Mr. Walsh.”
Mio got up to change his clothes. Meanwhile, Ivy, still at the hotel, was lost in the bliss of newfound love. She couldn’t stop singing Mio Walsh’s praises.
Her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she quickly picked up, her voice softening. “Hello?”
Over the past few days, Mio had been full of surprises for her. She thought today would be no different. With Mio in her life, she had started looking forward to each new day.
Before meeting him, her days had been filled with despair, each one more grueling than the last.
Love had truly changed her. Ivy adored Mio and had already begun imagining their future together.
“Ivy, I’m sorry,” Mio said apologetically. “There’s an issue at work, and I need to return home immediately.”
“You’re leaving?” Ivy was still caught up in the joy of their romance. She had barely had time to discuss their future, and now he was leaving.
“Yes. It’s urgent, and I have to leave now. I’m already at the airport. Be careful when you head back on your own. Once I’m free, I’ll come to Clothville to see you.”
“I understand. Go take care of what you need to,” Ivy replied, sensing the urgency in his tone. It must truly be an emergency.
“Thank you for understanding. Be good, okay?” Mio said soothingly.
“Alright.”
“When are you planning to head back? I’ll book your ticket for you,” he offered. Though he couldn’t stay by her side, his thoughtfulness warmed her heart.
“I’ve seen everything I wanted to see here. There’s no point in staying alone. I’ll head back today.”
“Good. I’d feel uneasy leaving you here alone. Send me your passport number, and I’ll book the ticket.”
“That’s not necessary. I can book it myself,” Ivy replied. She wasn’t with Mio because of his wealth-she could afford her own expenses, thanks to her time with Kyle.
“It’s a man’s responsibility to take care of these things. Be good and send it to me.”
“Alright then,” Ivy said sweetly. After hanging up, she sent him her passport number. Moments later, she received a text confirming her ticket was booked. She only needed to pick it up at the airport.
Pushing aside her disappointment, Ivy began packing her bags. Mio Walsh was like the wind-he came and went without warning.
They would see each other again, she was sure of it. This was only a temporary separation. Mio wasn’t the type of man to cruelly abandon someone after winning their heart.
As the plane took off, Ivy reflected on her trip to Rome. What had started as a journey with Kyle had unexpectedly led to her falling in love with Mio Walsh.
When she returned to Kyle’s villa, however, she was stopped at the door by the butler.
“Miss Montgomery, Mr. Raymond has instructed that you are no longer welcome here.”
“What?” Ivy was stunned. She had some affection for Kyle, and with her relationship with Mio still uncertain, she hadn’t planned to sever ties with Kyle just yet.
Even if Kyle couldn’t help her get revenge, he was a powerful ally. She could rely on him for protection.
Though she longed for love, she wasn’t as naive as she once was. Mio’s feelings for her weren’t yet deep, and she couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t change his mind in the future.
Life had taught Ivy to be pragmatic. Kyle had been her safety net, but now the butler was telling her to leave. Naturally, she felt uneasy.
“Miss Montgomery, I explained the rules to you the day you arrived here. Do you remember?” the butler asked.
“Yes, but I have no intention of leaving,” Ivy replied, shaking her head.
“Miss Montgomery, I also mentioned something else that day. Have you forgotten? Mr. Raymond is tolerant. You’re free to stay or leave as you wish. As long as you don’t break the rules, he won’t ask you to go. But if you get involved with another man, you’re required to leave on your own. Since you’ve been with another man in Rome, you no longer meet the conditions to stay here.”