chapter 3 The Collision of Worlds
675 Words
Days passed after the gala, but Ivy couldn’t erase the image of Rose Lu from her mind — that cold, breathtaking Alpha who had defended her when no one else ever did.
It felt unreal. People like Rose didn’t protect girls like her. They didn’t even look at them.
She tried to forget, returning to her chores in the Su household. But her stepmother’s cruelty only deepened. Madam Su had heard about the incident and twisted it into an excuse.
“You humiliated us at the Lu gala!” she shouted, slapping Ivy across the face.
“You think Miss Lu cares about you? You’re nothing! A servant, a shame to this family!”
Ivy touched her cheek, trembling. “I didn’t mean—”
“Enough! From now on, you’ll work double shifts. Maybe then you’ll learn your place.”
Her stepmother stormed out, leaving Ivy alone in tears.
That night, Ivy sat by her window, staring at the moonlight bleeding through the curtains. Her eyes burned, but her heart whispered something strange: Why did she defend me?
Meanwhile, in the Lu family’s private office tower, Rose Lu was signing contracts worth billions, her expression as impassive as always.
Her assistant, Yun, placed a tablet on her desk. “Miss Lu, the Su family’s company is requesting another loan extension. They’re on the verge of collapse.”
Rose’s pen paused midair.
“The Su family?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The daughter’s name appeared in the records — Ivy Su.”
The name made something flicker across Rose’s face — a brief, hidden softness. She leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen thoughtfully.
“How convenient,” she murmured. “Schedule a meeting with Mr. Su.”
Two days later, in the Su company’s boardroom, chaos erupted when the Lu heiress herself arrived.
Rose walked in surrounded by her aides, her aura sharp enough to slice through the air. Mr. Su rushed forward, bowing deeply.
“M-Miss Lu! It’s an honor! We didn’t expect—”
Rose sat without expression. “I’m considering acquiring your company. The Su brand still has potential, but your management is… disappointing.”
Mr. Su stammered. “W-We can improve, I assure you—”
“I have conditions,” Rose interrupted, voice calm yet absolute. “Your daughter, Ivy Su, will work under me directly as my personal assistant. If you agree, I’ll clear your debts and merge your company under Lu Conglomerate.”
The room fell silent.
Ivy, standing quietly by the wall with a file in her hands, froze.
Her father turned to her, disbelief in his eyes. “Ivy… Miss Lu wants you?”
Rose’s gaze met Ivy’s — steady, unreadable, but charged with something deep and magnetic.
“Yes,” she said simply. “I trust her competence.”
Mr. Su hesitated for only a moment before greed took over. “Of course, Miss Lu! Ivy will report to you immediately!”
Ivy’s lips parted, her mind spinning. She didn’t even get a choice. But when she looked into Rose’s eyes, she saw something there that silenced her fear — a quiet promise.
That evening, as Ivy followed Rose through the glass corridors of the Lu Tower, she felt like she was walking into another world.
Rose stopped before her sleek black office door and turned slightly.
“From now on,” she said, her tone low but firm, “you work only for me. You answer to no one else. Understand?”
Ivy nodded nervously. “Y-Yes, Miss Lu.”
Rose’s gaze softened, just for a second.
“Good. And Ivy…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t call me ‘Miss Lu’ when it’s just us.”
Ivy blinked. “Then what should I—”
“Rose,” the Alpha said quietly, stepping closer. “Just Rose.”
The way she said it made Ivy’s heart flutter and her breath hitch.
For the first time in her life, someone powerful didn’t make her feel small.
For the first time, she felt seen.
- Writer
