***Ivy***
His smirk deepened, clearly unbothered. “Still holding a grudge about that? How charming.”
“Grudge? You didn’t even show basic courtesy! You just stood there staring like you owned the place.”
“I do own the place,” he replied smoothly. “It’s my suite.”
I let out a frustrated laugh. “Of course it is.” I spun on my heel, heading back toward the venue. “Whatever this is, it ends here. I’m not your mate, and I’m not playing this game with you.”
“I need your help,” he said, his tone shifting from teasing to dead serious.
That made me halt in my tracks. I turned back slowly. “Help with what?”
“A close relative… she’s dying. With the disease.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Then just get an antidote vial. I’m sure you have the money for it.”
“It’s not the normal strain,” he replied, his
