Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 366

Chapter 366: I should say hotter
Roderick leaned back in his swivel chair, the weight of a long day’s meetings pressing down on him. He pinched the skin between his brows, closing his eyes for a brief moment of relief.

Just as he was starting to drift off, the sound of footsteps brought him back to reality. He blinked his eyes open and saw Ivy standing behind his desk with a warm smile. She had snuck up on him, and he couldn’t help but rub his eyes in a mix of exhaustion and surprise.

Ivy gently placed her hands on his shoulders, her fingers kneading into the tense muscles. “I decided to come here so we can head home together,” she said.

Roderick leaned slightly into her touch, appreciating the comfort. “Ah, yes. My mom invited you all for dinner tonight,” he replied, his voice betraying just a hint of tiredness. “I’ve had meetings since the morning. It’s been non-stop.”

Ivy’s smile widened as she teased him, her hands still working their magic on his shoulders. “So, you’re finally focusing on work instead of doing parties, huh?” she teased.

Roderick intertwined his fingers with hers before standing up. “I told you, Ivy, I’m not that guy anymore,” he said. Then, noticing the unmistakable joy radiating from her, he tilted his head slightly. “You look really happy. What’s the reason?”

Ivy’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “A major investor has just backed my company. I can’t even explain how happy I am!” she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Roderick’s lips curled into a proud smile. “That’s incredible. Congratulations on reaching your first big milestone,” he said with genuine admiration.

“Thank you,” Ivy replied, her smile widening.

His expression turned playful. “Since you didn’t want me to be your first investor, how about letting me be the second?”

Ivy chuckled, crossing her arms. “Sure. But I’ll send you all the details first—just in case you change your mind about investing in my small startup,” she stated.

Roderick shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I don’t need to see the details to know I trust your abilities. Also, I think your startup will go grow one day and you’ll have one of the big companies here.”

Ivy, ever the realist, studied him for a moment before speaking. “Are you sure? What if, in the future, we go our separate ways? Would you still want to remain an investor in my company?” she asked. I want us to work professionally for the long term.”

Roderick held her gaze. “I wouldn’t invest in something I don’t believe in, Ivy. Also, do you want me to part ways with you? I don’t think I want to.”

Ivy’s gaze softened and she hummed. “I would be happy if you become another investor in my startup. We will discuss about it later. Let’s head for your home first,” she pronounced.

Roderick nodded and pressed the bell before collecting his things. His secretary shortly made the way in and exchanged greetings with Ivy.

“I’ll be heading home. See you tomorrow,” Roderick said. “Let’s go,” he then told Ivy, who was standing right next to her.

~~~~

Dinner with the Stone family was unexpectedly pleasant. Unlike previous gatherings, where Roderick and Ivy would engage in silent battles of cold stares and unspoken tension, tonight felt different.

There was an ease between them. A genuine laughter, shared glances that held warmth instead of rivalry, and a lightness that hadn’t been there before.

For once, they weren’t just two ambitious individuals clashing over their differences; they were simply enjoying each other’s company.

Even the rest of the family seemed to notice the shift, exchanging knowing looks but choosing not to comment on it.

“It was truly a wonderful dinner, Fiona,” Mira said with a satisfied smile.

“I’m happy to hear that, Mira,” Fiona responded warmly. Then, turning to Roderick, she suggested, “Why don’t you show Ivy around?”

Roderick gave a small nod and stood up. “Let’s go,” he said, glancing at Ivy before leading the way.

As the two of them left the dining hall, Alekis watched them disappear down the corridor and leaned back in his chair. “It seems like they’re finally starting to understand each other,” he remarked. “Let’s give them more time to adjust. Kids these days aren’t like us.” He turned his gaze toward Harvey, seeking his agreement.

“Indeed,” Harvey replied, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

Roderick led Ivy through the grand corridors of the De Salvo estate, pointing out various rooms and notable features of the house. The tour took nearly ten minutes before they finally stopped at his bedroom.

Ivy stepped inside, her gaze wandering across the spacious room. She was surprised by how neat and organized everything was, far from what she had expected.

“You have a large room,” she remarked, her eyes trailing over the décor before landing on a striking wall hanging. It was a massive portrait of Roderick himself.

She tilted her head, examining it with curiosity. “What’s this? Are you an actor?” she asked teasingly.

Roderick smirked. “I just thought it would be nice to have my own photo on the wall,” he said with a casual shrug.

Ivy took a closer look at the portrait, the lighting capturing every sharp feature of his face perfectly. “You look…” she hesitated for a moment before continuing with a playful smirk, “handsome here. Actually, I should say hotter.”

Roderick chuckled, stepping closer. “I thought I always looked hot,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Yeah, but in this photo, you look even more,” Ivy admitted, meeting his gaze.

Her eyes fell upon the small trolley bag which was on the next side of the bed. “You didn’t ask me the decision if I would accompany you to London or not,” she pointed.

“I thought you would answer me anyway. You have sharper memory than mine,” Roderick replied.

“My schedule is clear for tomorrow. I will accompany you to London,” Ivy said.

“That-that’s wonderful to know! Then, I’ll pick you up early in the morning,” Roderick said.

“I’ll come to the airport. Tell me the flight number and I will book a ticket for myself since you must have done already for yourself,” she stated.

“I’ve booked three tickets. One for me, one for my secretary and one for you,” Roderick announced. “I had the feeling you would say yes.”