| Ivanna sighed helplessly, “It happened because Jared saved me from danger. Of course, | had to thank him.” | snorted, “Don’t tell me you repaid him with your body.
“Oh, come on! Remember, | was terrified those people might come for revenge,” lvanna retorted.
| nodded. “Exactly. If those people weren't satisfied, they might've returned for more. You can’t be too careful with that bunch.” “It's like Jared somehow understood my thoughts. He handed me a drink and made a promise after | calmed down. He assured me those people wouldn't come after me.
“The sense of security he gave me was like nothing I'd ever experienced,” Ivanna smiled, “Even now, | don’t know how he negotiated with those people. They only let me go afterward.”
No matter how strong lvanna appeared, she was fragile and vulnerable. Just like when Atlas pulled me out of the river that day, his embrace felt warm and safe.
“So, you didn’t overthink it. It wasn’t about who Jared was, his family, or what kind of background he had. It was about an irreplaceable attachment to him. He escorted me home that night, and | clung to his sleeve. 1 ud “He could only stay with me all night,” Ivanna chuckled, “I only discovered he was the owner of Emgrand Nightclub later.” “Are you content being in the shadows like this? Do you realize your situation differs from Lauren’s? You can tell Trinity is fierce just by looking at her.” | looked at lvanna with concern. “She won't tolerate anyone taking what's hers.” | continued, “I'm curious—how did Jared marry a woman like Trinity? Jared seems rational, yet he made two irrational choices. First, marrying Trinity, and second, recklessly getting involved with you. If he willingl ied Trinity, he wouldn't have pursued anyone else.” (7 | Suddenly, | wanted to do something for Ivanna. | felt it was my responsibility as her friend.