Chapter 118: Chapter 118 Taking Chances
Ivy’s POV
The morning after another restless night, I surprisingly felt lighter than I had in recent days. Walking into the Thorne Group offices, Gemma practically bounced toward me with arms wide open.
"There’s my girl! I’ve been counting down the minutes until our coffee meeting. Look what I managed to get from that little Italian bakery on Fifth Street that’s under our protection." She held up a paper bag. "Fresh cannoli, still warm from the oven."
"You know exactly how to lift my spirits," I said, managing my first genuine smile in what felt like forever. "Let me just secure my things."
I slipped into my office, locked my purse in the reinforced drawer, and powered up the encrypted computer system. Before I could even settle in, Xavier appeared in my doorway, reaching for my hand with theatrical charm.
"How is the most stunning assistant this family has ever been blessed with?"
"Much better, Xavier. Really. And I owe you an apology for claiming your office couch yesterday like some kind of displaced refugee." The corners of my mouth lifted slightly.
"Are you kidding me? Having such beautiful company while I handled family business was the highlight of my week," he said with an exaggerated wink. "My couch is available for your recovery needs anytime."
"You’re absolutely shameless! I’m having coffee with Gemma, then I’ll dive back into whatever territory matters I missed."
"Ivy, breathe. Everything’s handled. You’re incredibly efficient when you’re operating at full capacity, so we’re actually ahead on all family accounts. Take your time with Gemma. No urgent business to handle today."
I squeezed his shoulder gratefully and headed to the secure meeting room where Gemma was already setting up our impromptu breakfast. She filled me in on everything that happened after exhaustion finally claimed me yesterday, including her conversation with Dominic about Caleb’s impossible situation and how torn apart he was too.
"Ivy, if I were in your position, I’d tell the whole underworld to back off and fight like hell for him. You’re both miserable apart. How could facing the families together be any worse?"
"Gemma, it absolutely could be worse. Caleb would never survive being separated from his son, and I couldn’t live with myself for causing that. Plus, that woman’s family would make our lives a living nightmare, doing everything possible to destroy us through territory wars. Trust me, this is the only way."
"Oh honey, you do look better today," Katelyn interrupted, entering the meeting room and pulling me into one of her protective embraces.
"Katelyn, I have no idea what magical ingredients were in that herbal remedy, but I actually slept. Thank you for taking care of me."
"Always, sweetheart. You know we’re here for whatever you need," Katelyn patted my hand before heading toward the espresso machine.
My secured phone buzzed against the table, drawing my attention. I unlocked the screen and read the incoming message.
"Beautiful Ivy, word through family channels is you’ve been having some difficult days. How about letting me have the honor of taking you to lunch today? Fine dining, better conversation, and who knows, maybe I can coax out one of those devastating smiles."
I found myself grinning at the screen, already composing my response mentally.
"Who’s making you look like that?" Gemma asked, propping her chin on her palm with obvious curiosity.
"Parker. He wants to take me to lunch."
"Obviously you’re saying yes."
"I’m not sure, Gemma. The last thing I want is to give him the wrong impression or hurt him. Territory alliances are delicate."
"He’s a grown man who controls his own operations and can make his own decisions. You’ve never led him on or lied about where you stand. If he wants to take this chance, let him. Worst case scenario, you get a few hours with a powerful man who makes you laugh and forget your troubles."
"You really think that’s acceptable?"
"I’m positive."
"Maybe I should check with Ruby first. He is her brother after all, and family protocol matters."
I opened our secure group communication and sent a quick message explaining Parker’s invitation and asking for Ruby’s thoughts. Her response came back within minutes.
"My brother knows you’re completely devoted to Caleb. If he wants to roll those dice, he has my complete blessing. He’s a big boy who can handle himself in family politics. Plus, you should absolutely go and actually enjoy yourself for once. Parker’s incredible company and won’t push you for anything you’re not ready to give."
Zoe jumped in immediately, making everyone burst into laughter with her typical boldness.
"Girl, I would climb that gorgeous redhead like a tree and bite those perfect lips until he begged for mercy."
"Zoe’s not wrong. Sorry Ruby, but your brother is absolutely stunning, and that physique deserves its own appreciation society," Nora added.
"Even I would take a shot at Ruby’s brother. Ladies, that man probably knows exactly what he’s doing behind closed doors," Lila chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.
With my family’s enthusiastic endorsement of Parker’s appeal and potential as a distraction, I decided to accept his invitation.
"Parker, lunch sounds perfect. I have no doubt you’ll manage to make me smile."
His response appeared almost instantly.
"You just made my entire day. I’ll be there at noon sharp. Fair warning, I’m as nervous as a soldier before his first family initiation right now."
I forwarded his sweet message to the group chat, which sparked another round of comments about how charming and dangerous he was. Returning to my desk, I managed to focus completely on family business for the first time in days. Shortly before noon, Gemma appeared in my doorway.
"Move it, sister. Grab your purse, hit the bathroom, fix your lipstick, and get downstairs. That powerful man should be pulling up any minute."
Her excitement was contagious, and I decided to follow orders without argument. I let Xavier know I was heading out for a territory meeting and did exactly what Gemma suggested. The moment I stepped outside the building entrance, Parker’s armored luxury sedan pulled up to the curb. He climbed out and walked toward me with that confident stride that commanded respect from every family in the city.
