Wrong Flirt, Right Trouble: His Uncle Pulls Me Close

He even extended a hand to Ivy Sherwood, wanting to shake hands.

She froze for a moment upon seeing his large hand, then took it. ”Hello, my name is Ivy Sherwood.”

Xavier Mercer’s hand was huge, so Ivy’s grip only covered his fingertips. For some reason, a strange feeling welled up inside her the moment they touched.

It was an indescribable feeling—an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

’It was a familiarity she’d never even felt with Timothy Sherwood.’

However, Ivy Sherwood quickly suppressed the feeling. From their clothes to their auras, both men radiated wealth and power. They weren’t from her world.

’They were probably just being polite to me for Quentin Blackwood’s sake.’

Xavier Mercer’s gaze lingered on Ivy Sherwood’s face. Noticing this, Quentin Blackwood’s expression darkened.

”Is there something else, President Mercer?” Quentin Blackwood looked displeased, and his voice turned cold.

”As a matter of fact, there is. I’d like to speak with you alone, President Blackwood.”

Quentin Blackwood glanced at Ivy Sherwood. ”Go on,” Ivy said. ”This is a good chance for me to go meet Mr. Carter and Mr. Farmer.”

Ivy Sherwood quickly moved aside. Quentin Blackwood faced the man before him, who possessed an equally powerful aura. A scene of two titans like this standing together was a rare sight.

”What is it you want to say, President Mercer? Are you interested in my woman, too?” Quentin Blackwood deliberately emphasized the last two words.

Xavier Mercer got straight to the point. ”Her eyes resemble those of a relative of mine. At the last fashion show... was that her backstage?”

”I’m sure you’ve already looked into it, President Mercer. That was someone else. She’s never been a model. I can’t imagine what kind of relative would warrant so much of your attention.”

”A very, very close one. If that wasn’t her at the fashion show, then it’s quite strange. How could there be two people in the world with such similar eyes? Besides, if she is your woman, as you say, then what was that other incident all about?”

Xavier Mercer’s words were sharp, revealing just how much attention he’d been paying to Ivy Sherwood.

Quentin Blackwood replied, ”That’s my private business. I don’t believe I need to report to you which woman I’m with, President Mercer.”

Xavier Mercer smiled faintly. ”Of course not.”

But in that short exchange, Xavier Mercer became more certain of one thing: it had very likely been Ivy Sherwood at the fashion show.

Their conversation ended quickly. Over on the other side, Ivy Sherwood was exchanging business cards with other executives.

Many people had seen her with Quentin Blackwood and knew she was his date. Even if they had no interest in talking to her, they still had to show Quentin Blackwood some respect.

Besides, this woman was different from the others. Upon speaking with her, they found she wasn’t arrogant at all, despite being Quentin Blackwood’s date. On the contrary, talking with her felt as pleasant as a spring breeze. She also wore a faint, refreshing fragrance that was quite comforting.

Not far away, another person was glaring daggers at Ivy Sherwood.

That person was Thea Sherwood.

Thea Sherwood had come with Charlie Rhodes. She was too embarrassed to admit she was his date, so after much begging, coquettish pleading, and letting him have his way with her, Charlie Rhodes had finally agreed to let her attend as his ”granddaughter.”

Thea had come hoping to meet more influential people at such a major event.

She had arrived very early, among the first wave of guests to board the cruise ship. As soon as she was on board, she had Charlie Rhodes introduce her to people.

But the guests today were all heavyweights. Even with Charlie Rhodes making introductions, many of them wouldn’t give her the time of day.

Some were superficially polite, exchanging a few words, but their expressions clearly showed they had no real intention of engaging with her.

Take Mr. Carter, the head of AT Corporation, whom Ivy was talking to right now. Thea had tried to approach him earlier, but he had completely ignored her.

And yet now, there he was, chatting happily with Ivy.

She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were both smiling and had even clinked their glasses.

But when she had approached him earlier, hoping to exchange business cards, Mr. Carter hadn’t even given her a second glance.

Thea Sherwood gripped her wine glass. ’How is this fair!’

’She had to beg Charlie Rhodes forever just to get him to bring her to an event like this. But Ivy? How could she get to come as Quentin Blackwood’s date?’

’Just the status of being Quentin Blackwood’s date was enough to make countless people burn with jealousy.’

’Isn’t Quentin Blackwood supposed to be immune to women? Doesn’t he avoid even a hint of scandal or romance? So why would he bring Ivy to an event like this?’

Thea Sherwood was practically going insane with jealousy.

Thea watched Ivy shake hands with Mr. Carter. It looked as if they’d just struck some kind of deal. She couldn’t take it anymore and strode over.

”Ivy, fancy seeing you here!” Thea’s words were superficially friendly, but her tone was laced with venom.

”Hello, Mr. Carter. I’m Ivy’s sister, Thea Sherwood.” As she spoke, Thea also extended her hand to him.

It was only out of respect for Ivy that Mr. Carter reluctantly shook her hand. ”Hello.”

Ivy wasn’t surprised to see Thea here. After all, Thea had a powerful backer now.

But for her to introduce herself as Ivy’s sister... Thea truly had no shame. Growing up, Thea had never once acknowledged their relationship; in fact, she’d always wished she could sever all ties with her.

”I wonder what my sister was talking to you about that made you both so happy. Don’t let my age fool you; I’m actually the one managing the Sherwood Company now. I handle all the affairs for both the family and the company. If you have any need for perfumes or fragrances, Mr. Carter, you should contact me! I guarantee I can give you the best products at the most favorable prices!”

Thea had barely started the conversation before she was already pushing for a deal. To put it bluntly, she was just here to hawk her wares.

Mr. Carter’s expression soured, a flash of disgust crossing his face. ”Is that so.”

”Of course! Mr. Carter, if you’d just consider—”

”That won’t be necessary. I have no need for perfumes or fragrances. You may leave, Second Miss Sherwood.” Mr. Carter dismissed her outright.

Thea froze, then turned to Ivy. ”Why? Because her perfume is so much better? Mr. Carter, the Sherwood Company’s perfumes are quality-guaranteed! They’re absolutely top-notch! Hers are terrible—all shoddy, crude products. Lots of people have had allergic reactions to them! You can find the reports online with a simple search!”

”Thea, what are you doing? I was just having a pleasant chat with Mr. Carter. He was kind enough to talk with a junior like me, and I was thoroughly enjoying the conversation. I just wanted to listen to an industry senior’s insights; it was very enlightening.”

Ivy, in fact, hadn’t mentioned perfume or business at all.

She had simply come over to make a new acquaintance and get to know more people in the industry. Building a network would be beneficial no matter what she pursued in the future.

’You can’t be so shortsighted. Trying to talk business with a stranger is sure to put them off.’

AT Corporation was primarily a gaming company. As it happened, Ivy had played several of their games before when her friend Nina had roped her into it, which is why she’d come over to chat.

Any boss would be happy to hear someone praise their products, and Mr. Carter was no exception. He had been enjoying his conversation with Ivy when this other woman ran over and started babbling about perfumes. It was just plain annoying.

Even if he were to consider a partnership, he would definitely choose Ivy, not this... Thea person.