iqbabe

[iqbabe]

Ivy leaned back in her chair, arms crossed tightly, her eyes scanning the table in front of her, as if contemplating a map of alliances and betrayals. The question was a tricky one, more layered than it appeared. Her thoughts flickered over her list of connections: Nightshade. The Family. Echo. Outlaws MC. Not all of them were reliable, and not all of them had the power she’d need when the time came. But then again, power without reliability was like a gun with no bullets—useless when you needed it most. After a beat of silence, Ivy met Mei Lin’s gaze, the faintest hint of calculation in her eyes.

"Nightshade is the most reliable," she said, her voice cool but steady. "Not always easy to get a hold of, but when you need them, they're there. No games, no strings." She leaned forward slightly, her tone sharpening. "As for power, The Family still holds some weight, even fractured. People still listen to them, even if they don’t always want to. They can get things done, when they’re not busy trying to stab each other in the back."

Ivy paused, lips pressed tight in thought. "Echo and Outlaws MC are… well, my relationship with them is starting. The Outlaws are ambitious, but they’re too scattered, and Echo’s mysterious. Power’s there, but reliability? It’s not solid enough yet." She let out a breath, her eyes narrowing slightly as she finished, "But I’d keep them close. Can never have too many irons in the fire." There was no point in adding that she kept her own cards close to her chest. Mei didn't need to know that, not yet. Ivy's loyalty was unwavering... for now. But she wasn’t a fool. No one, not even Mei Lin, could be trusted entirely. Time would tell if that ever changed.

"The right places… yes, that's what's most important, isn't it?" Such a sharp girl, it truly was a boon that Mei Lin was able to catch her and craft her into such a deft little weapon. She knew exactly what Mei Lin wanted to do, but that didn't mean she knew how or why, only that she would help get The Network there and Mei Lin couldn't ask for more. Well, no, she certainly could, and she just might before the dust settled, but no need to get into the details if they weren't needed for Ivy's job. "I have only one more question for you before I give you a more specific task," Mei Lin promised, straightening up and pausing for just a moment, hoping the answer wouldn't be too disappointing.

"The friends you already have right now… which of them would you say are the most powerful, and which are the most reliable? Think carefully, they aren't always the same thing." If you had one friend who could loan you five thousand dollars and wouldn't, you were screwed, but if you had five friends that could loan you a thousand dollars each and would, then you could tell that first friend where to shove it, now couldn't you? There was strength in numbers and even weaker allies could be utilized if the need arose.

[iqbabe]

Ivy arched a brow, unimpressed but not entirely unamused. “How generous,” she deadpanned, though the corner of her mouth twitched ever so slightly. She didn’t drink on the job—especially not when she was here for information—but it was a rare thing for Diego to extend such an offer, and she made a mental note of it. “Good to hear about you and Mei Lin,” she added, though her tone was flat, skeptical. She hoped it was true—her life was complicated enough without her boss feuding with someone she almost considered a friend. But Mei Lin was calculating, and Diego had a tendency to make enemies as easily as he made jokes. The truce between them, however temporary, was something Ivy had no problem with.

She shifted slightly, her gaze sharpening. “Since we’re being so generous with information tonight,” she said, voice cool, “what do you know about Bryan Windlow?” The name rolled off her tongue like a test—casual, but purposeful. “I have a date with him this evening, and while I’d rather not need your particular skill set, I do get some… intense clients.” Ivy leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms as she watched Diego closely. “So, should I be concerned? Or is he just another rich man trying to impress me with overpriced wine and bad conversation?”

Perhaps it was due to his preference of them, but Diego found that he constantly forgot that people like Ivy and Esra weren't ranked higher than they were. Of course, just because he felt that way didn't meant that Mei Lin agreed, and the two of them disagreeing seemed about business as usual to him. "Not trying to pry." Shockingly, he didn't want Ivy to get in trouble with her boss', either because they thought she was nosing in where she didn't belong or because they thought she wasn't doing her job.

"Don't worry, Mei Lin and I are good, as far as I know." Or as good as they ever were, which may not mean much. Mei Lin struck him as the type of person that was constantly plotting, but Diego didn't think she had any reason to throw away their peace for something else. "By all means, don't let me get in your way. Tell the bartender to get you a drink and put it on my tab if it makes you feel better."

[iqbabe]

Ivy met Mia’s gaze evenly, her expression smooth, unreadable. She had spent too much time learning restraint, perfecting the art of measured responses, to slip now. “We haven’t met,” she said simply, her voice cool, professional. “But I make it a point to know who I’ll be working with.” A safe enough answer. Truthful, even. She did know Mia’s background—at least, what was publicly available. The rest? She had her suspicions, but suspicions weren’t facts. And Ivy didn’t deal in speculation.

She sat when gestured to, crossing one leg neatly over the other. “Corporate law is a natural fit for me,” she continued, steering the conversation back onto safer ground. “Contract negotiation, litigation strategy—understanding the fine print and leveraging it effectively. I intend to specialize in it.” Her hands rested lightly on her lap, her posture straight but not rigid. Composed. She had expected scrutiny, but she wouldn’t give Mia anything to pick apart. She was here to learn, to observe. Nothing more. “The opportunity to shadow you is valuable,” Ivy said smoothly. “I’d like to make the most of it.” A simple, factual statement, but layered beneath was a carefully placed reminder—Ivy wasn’t here to play games, to satisfy curiosity, or to answer unspoken questions. She was here for one reason only. And she would get what she came for.

Mia had been trained to take in every little detail. To read people for any sort of tell, and though it had been helpful in the court and in the field she pursued as a lawyer, the real purpose had been for her true job to the Family. She noticed the way the girl paused for a fraction upon entering the room and seeing her. It was not enough to truly make her suspicious, but it was enough to catch her attention. There could be a number of reasons for the girl to pause, but Mia had not missed it. Standing from her desk, she took her fully in for the first time and something about her seemed familiar as if she had seen her before but she could not place it. "Have we met before?" Mia asked, not sure where they crossed paths, but she could not shake having seen her before. Taking the other's hand, Mia shook it before gesturing towards one of the seats opposite her desk to sit down. "If you enjoy corporate law, you are in the right place. This firm has ties to some of the biggest companies in the city and in the world. In fact, I have a meeting later this week to discuss a new contract for one of the tech companies here." If Ivy was as into corporate law as she claimed, that would be a treat for her to witness.

She nodded, knowing that her discovery had been of a similar nature, always being argumentative before figuring out she could apply this to something in real life - and use it to win. That pause revealed more than Ivy dared to say and Mia quirked an eyebrow, smirking slowly as she leaned back in her chair. "You are familiar with me then, Ivy Graham. You know my background." It was not a question. She knew her name. But, in what capacity exactly did she know of her?

[iqbabe]

Ivy's eyes narrowed just slightly, her gaze unblinking as she regarded Anya. The playful tone, the teasing, it all felt too calculated, like Anya was trying too hard to find something beneath the surface. Maybe it was her own caution, or the years spent observing and measuring people, but Ivy couldn't shake the feeling that Anya was more than what she let on. There was something off about her. Her hand tightened around her glass, the ice clinking lightly, as she kept her expression cool, almost indifferent. She let Anya’s words hang in the air, listening to the amusement in her voice, the confidence that dripped from every word. The hint of mischief—was it genuine, or just another layer in a performance Ivy had no interest in participating in?

"I don’t need to play your games, Anya." Ivy’s tone was calm, steady, but it was hard to mask the subtle edge there. "You may think you’ve got everyone figured out, but there’s more to people than what you can read in their eyes. Sometimes, the best poker faces are the ones that say nothing at all." Ivy leaned back slightly, her eyes never leaving Anya. She took a slow sip from her glass, the edge of her lips curling into something that could almost be a smile, though it was more a sign of quiet resistance. "But I’m sure you’ll find your game is just as interesting whether you have an audience or not." Her patience was not for those who thought they could see through her so easily. Anya wasn’t the first person to try and probe at her, but Ivy wasn't here to entertain anyone’s assumptions. She had her own path, and Anya's charm or playful jabs weren't going to change that. Not today, not ever.

Anya couldn’t help but chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she leaned in just a little closer, the soft clink of her champagne flute adding to the playful tension between them. "Oh, Ivy, sweetheart," she said, her voice light and teasing, "if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone say 'escaping isn’t my style,' I’d probably own half this gala by now." She grinned, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass, her playful gaze never leaving Ivy's. "But honey, I have to say, you’ve got a terrible poker face." It wasn't true actually. Anya just knew how to read people. It was a skill one had to learn if you wanted to survive the Network. Anya paused for a moment, her tone turning more warm and affectionate as she continued. "I get it, really. You’re all about keeping that cool exterior. But you’re just a little too good at it. You don’t fool me for a second. You’re not here for the chaos, but there’s something about it that pulls you in, isn’t there?" She grinned wider, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You know, a little less distance between us, and that mystery of yours would have less appeal. You don’t have to keep pretending you’re not interested." The world of Network wasn't for everyone, but Anya recognized the glint in the younger woman's eye. The world was glittery and glamourous in a way a normal life wasn't. Who wouldn't be a little intrigue? Anya winked, her smile soft and knowing.

[iqbabe]

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) dir. Gil Junger

[iqbabe]

Ivy stood still, letting Mei Lin’s words settle like the faint hum of a warning. Praise always came with weight—never freely given, never without consequence. The others would hear of it, of course. Mei would make sure of that. It would spark admiration in some, resentment in most. That would be Ivy’s problem to deal with, but that was nothing new. She adjusted the bracelet on her wrist, more out of habit than need, giving herself a moment before responding. “I’ve always been good at making the right friends in the right places,” she said evenly. “It’s why I’m still here.” Her gaze flicked toward Mei Lin, searching for any unspoken expectations lurking beneath the surface. There was always a bigger game being played, and Ivy had long since learned that survival meant anticipating the next move before it was made.

“The tides are shifting,” she continued, her voice calm, pragmatic. “People are scrambling to keep their footing. If we move carefully, we don’t just keep up—we make sure they owe us by the time the dust settles.” She wasn’t interested in leadership, but she knew better than to ignore what was happening. Mei Lin didn’t need to reach for the throne—power wasn’t always in the crown. Sometimes, it was in the hands of the one who made sure the crown stayed steady. “Just let me know what you need,” Ivy said, meeting Mei’s gaze with steady assurance. “I’ll handle it.”

"Met expectations and set the bar for everyone else. Good girl, always make them eat their hearts out." Mei Lin had been so disappointed by the performance of her other gems at the gala and while she would praise Ivy for her appearance, Mei Lin also planned on making sure the others knew that Ivy was the standard that failed to meet. it could spark admiration, but also resentment, which would be Ivy's problem. "The more debts people owe us, the more protection we have - as long as they're good for it." Now that the Castros were written out of the will, would the money be sent away to some far off cousin, leaving them broke? Useless for Mei Lin. There was about to be a reordering of the totem pole, she could feel the shifting of the currents, and Mei Lin wasn't stupid enough to think they could make a serious try for the head. But what they could do was become the power behind the throne. One of her employees had once introduced her to the charming saying that the neck turned the head and it appealed to Mei Lin, the reminder that those viewed to hold the power weren't necessarily the ones in control. "Make sure to make a lot of new friends in the coming days, we may need them."

[iqbabe]

Ivy arched a brow at Diego’s greeting, unimpressed but not unamused. Lovely surprise—as if he hadn’t already been calculating exactly what her presence meant the moment he laid eyes on her. “You’re the second person this week to suspect I have some grand reason for being, well, anywhere,” she said, her tone cool but polite. “Hate to disappoint, but I’m not high enough in the Network to be privy to those kinds of specifics.”

She smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her dress, her movements practiced, unhurried. “I’m here strictly in a professional capacity.” Her gaze flicked over him, sharp but unreadable. “But if there’s anything you’d rather not find its way back to Mei, I’d suggest you either tell me now or clean up your mess.” She let the words settle between them, tilting her head slightly as if waiting for him to weigh his options. Then, with the faintest hint of a smirk, she added, “Otherwise, let’s not make this more complicated than it needs to be.”

Who: @iqbabe Where: Bourbon and Smoke

"Miss Graham, what a lovely surprise." There was even a note of surprise in Diego's voice, something that he didn't mind letting Ivy hear because while Diego was wary and on alert of unsuspected visitors considering the current tensions, he hadn't really expected Ivy. If the Network was to send an envoy, then she was a good choice, so perhaps he should have expected better. After a second look, however, he tilted his head at her, a thought suddenly popping into his mind. "Or are you here in a different sort of official capacity?" He knew Ivy's role in the Network, of course, and he didn't necessarily mind her showing up at lounge with one of her 'dates', but if she'd brought someone there for one of his men to kill, he at least wanted to know about the collaboration. It didn't seem like the kind of thing someone would do behind his back, more likely her bosses secretly wanted her to spy or something, but best to ask Ivy before getting too paranoid.

[iqbabe]

Ivy exhaled slowly, leveling Cole with a steady look. She hated this—the brief flicker of warmth, the way it made her chest feel too tight. This was exactly why she didn’t get attached. She crossed her arms, forcing herself to stay detached. “Good. You should listen,” she said simply, her voice even, measured. “Because when things go bad, they go fast.” Her fingers twitched at her sides. There was a part of her that wanted to say more, but what would be the point? Feelings didn’t keep people alive. Caution did. She nodded toward the hotel lobby. “I need to get back to work.” Business was business, and she couldn’t afford distractions—not even ones that looked at her like that, like she mattered.

But as she turned to go, she hesitated, just for a second. It annoyed her how easily he got under her skin. With a sigh, she glanced back over her shoulder. “If things get bad, call me,” she said, voice quieter but firm. “I mean it, Cole.” Then, before she could change her mind, she walked away, pushing everything else down where it couldn’t touch her.

the end.

Cole sat quietly, his eyes focused on Ivy as he processed her words. He appreciated her straightforwardness, the clarity she always managed to bring to chaotic situations. She wasn’t trying to sugarcoat anything, and that was something he could respect. She was honest in a way that people in their world often weren’t, keeping things simple when everything else felt complicated. "Ivy," he began, his voice calm but thoughtful, "I know you’ve been good to me, and I don’t take that lightly." His gaze softened slightly, something rare for him. He wasn’t usually one to show vulnerability, but with her, it felt... different. She was one of the few who didn’t seem to care about the walls he built up. "I don’t like the uncertainty, especially when it involves Nightshade. Even if no one’s directly linked, it’s always easier for people to point fingers when shit hits the fan."

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications of her words. "I know they’ve been reliable, but you’re right. No one’s above suspicion. I’ll watch my back. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care. For you, for this mess... it’s all connected, and right now, I’m not sure who to trust outside of my organization, and the few I've let in" He paused, a hint of something softer in his tone that he didn’t often let slip. "And you're one of those few. So, if you’re telling me to be careful, I’m listening." Cole leaned back slightly, his gaze never leaving Ivy’s, a slight hint of genuine concern beneath the usual stoic exterior. "You’ve got enough on your plate. Just... take care of yourself too. You matter in this mess."

[iqbabe]

Ivy tilted her head slightly, her gaze never wavering from his as she felt the subtle shift in the air. Gabriel was playing his part well—disciplined, measured, and far too curious for his own good. She could feel the challenge pulse between them, the unsaid words hanging in the air like a weight neither was willing to acknowledge just yet. She allowed a smile to curl at the corner of her lips, not quite a grin, but enough to show she understood exactly the game they were both playing. The card was placed in front of her, his number scrawled on the back. A quiet, calculated gesture. She could already tell Gabriel didn’t give these away freely, and that, in itself, was part of the allure.

Her fingers brushed lightly over the card as she took it from the table, her touch deliberate and slow, almost teasing. She could feel his eyes on her, the intensity of his gaze pressing down like a weight, but she resisted the urge to respond to it directly. He had to wait for it. She wouldn’t make it easy. “I’m sure you don’t make assumptions, Mr. Gabriel,” she said softly, her voice low, just enough to be provocative. She held the card in her hand for a moment longer, her fingers tracing the edge, as if she was contemplating whether to even keep it. “But I find that sometimes the most… elusive things tend to be the ones worth pursuing. A challenge, if you will.”

Her gaze flickered briefly to the painting, as though she were contemplating his words about layers and fluidity, before returning to him with an amused glint in her eye. “But,” she continued, her tone turning more playful, with a subtle edge of teasing, “I suppose fluidity, like most things, depends on the man, doesn’t it? I have to decide if you’re… worth the trouble.” With that, she slipped the card into her clutch with a delicate motion, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

The sway of her hips was slow, calculated, a final, subtle tease as she began to turn away. A flick of her hair over her shoulder, just the right amount of lingering movement—enough to leave him wondering if she might be the one to call, or if he would have to make the next move. She didn’t look back as she walked, but her smile lingered in the corners of her lips. A carefully crafted mystery. Let him wonder, let him chase. After all, she’d been playing this game long enough to know the rules.

end.

Gabriel studied Ivy with a quiet intensity, absorbing every detail of her demeanor, the subtle challenge in her voice, the way her gaze lingered just a fraction longer than necessary. He had no intention of playing her game immediately—he was far too disciplined for that. But there was something about her that piqued his curiosity, a magnetic pull he couldn’t easily dismiss. Her words were deliberately elusive, but he noticed the faintest flicker of amusement behind her calm exterior. She knows exactly what she’s doing, he thought, admiring her control. Gabriel had learned long ago to appreciate the art of restraint, and in that moment, Ivy seemed to embody it.

His fingers brushed against the smooth edges of his business card as he pulled it from his pocket, the act almost instinctive. He flipped it over and, with deliberate care, wrote his personal number on the back. His writing was elegant, each stroke precise, as if he were composing a work of art—every detail mattered. He slid the card toward her across the table, his eyes lingering on hers, noting the way she held his gaze with quiet confidence. There was a subtle challenge in his own expression now, something in his tone that suggested he wasn’t content to simply let her remain an enigma. I want to understand you, he thought, but I won’t force it.

“I’m not one to make assumptions,” Gabriel began, his voice even but edged with a quiet intrigue. “But I tend to be drawn to things that are deliberately… elusive.” His gaze drifted to the painting again, but he was already thinking past it, focused solely on the woman before him. “If you’re willing to share more, I’d be very interested in understanding the layers beneath your… fluidity.” He let the words hang in the air, an unspoken invitation, knowing full well that Ivy had the power to control how much she revealed. I’m patient, he reminded himself, his posture relaxed despite the anticipation that tightened at his chest. I’ll wait, Ivy. But I will find out what’s beneath that calm exterior.

[iqbabe]

end.

Ivy exhaled slowly, smoothing out an invisible wrinkle on her green dress. The fabric was soft beneath her fingertips, but the movement wasn’t about the dress—it was about control. She had let her mask slip, just for a second, and that was unacceptable. A mistake she wouldn’t make again. By the time she met Diego’s gaze, her expression was composed, a small, reassuring smile in place. “I appreciate that,” she said evenly. “And I apologize for the outburst. Won’t happen again.” Without hesitation, she pivoted the conversation, steering it back to business. “I’ll keep an eye out for any suspicious characters, see if anything unusual turns up.” Her fingers briefly skimmed over the smooth fabric at her sides before she clasped her hands behind her back. A slight tilt of her head, her posture poised and prepared. “Anything else you need from me before I make my rounds?”

[iqbabe]

Ivy leaned back in her chair, her gaze thoughtful and distant, the weight of Cole's words settling heavily in her mind. She’d always been one to keep her cards close, but this situation felt different. "I haven’t heard anything about Nightshade being blamed, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they were," she said, her voice steady but carrying the caution she felt. "Everyone’s trying to figure out who’s to blame, and in this mess, anyone could be a target." She paused, her eyes scanning the room as she processed everything. The Network’s been quieter than usual, but so were many others. People were holding their cards close, waiting to see who makes the first move. She sighed, meeting Cole’s gaze with an understanding that only someone who’d seen the chaos of the Family firsthand could. "As for Nightshade, I trust them... to an extent. They’ve been reliable in the past, but that doesn’t mean they’re above suspicion. We’re all tangled in this, and right now, nobody’s above the fray. I trust you, Cole, but you’ve got to be careful. People are watching, and things are only going to get messier from here."

Cole sat back in the chair, his gaze fixed on Ivy with a mixture of concern and caution. He wasn’t one to get wrapped up in the charm of people or let the subtle allure of a situation cloud his judgment. But Ivy was different—she was more like a sister to him, and that made him all the more protective. He raised an eyebrow at her playful tone, not at all amused by her usual lightheartedness. “You think this is a joke?” he asked bluntly, his voice low and steady. “The Manor of Hope gala wasn’t just some random attack, Ivy. I’m worried Nightshade is going to get blamed for it. This could turn into something a hell of a lot messier than you’re willing to admit.”

He paused, letting the silence sit between them for a moment, his eyes scanning her face, observing her reaction. “I need to know how the Network feels about what went down. You’ve got your connections, and I’m not asking for gossip. Just... information. I can’t afford to be blindsided by some power move that lands on us.” His words were direct, cutting through the playful atmosphere with the weight of the situation. "The Family’s a mess, but we’re not immune to the fallout. Someone’s gotta be behind the attack, and I need to figure out how they’re looking at us before it spirals." There was a tightness in his voice, a rare flicker of vulnerability hidden beneath his usually reserved exterior. Ivy knew Cole well enough to see the subtle shifts in his demeanor—the way his sharp, analytical mind was always at work, and the way he barely let anyone in. But she was family, and in this moment, he had no problem showing his concern. “I’m not asking for your price, Ivy,” he added after a beat, his eyes locking with hers. “I’m asking for your trust.”

[iqbabe]

Ivy absorbed the praise without letting it show too much—just the faintest straightening of her posture, the smallest shift of her chin upward. Mei’s approval meant something, whether Ivy liked to admit it or not. But she didn’t preen too much. That would be unprofessional. “Of course,” she replied smoothly, her tone giving nothing away. “I’m glad I met expectations.” She didn’t ask too many questions—never did. Mei would tell her what she needed to know, nothing more, nothing less. But still, examining options meant the waters were murkier than she’d like. Their allies were in chaos, and Ivy had little patience for instability. "I trust you have a plan in place." The Network was influential, with deep ties, but if war did begin, Ivy wasn't confident who fearsome they would be compared to the other organizations. Who knew what the future held when the Family was crumbling, and their enemies were circling like vultures? But Mei Lin—Mei—was steady. Calculating. And Ivy trusted her to lead. “Whatever needs to be done,” she said, gaze level, her words carrying weight without unnecessary flourish. “Just say the word.”

"Indeed." Dropping her hand, Mei Lin nodded approvingly at Ivy's composure, satisfied that one of her best girls was still gleaming. "You were the brightest diamond at the gala, you know? You did me proud." And that wasn't an exaggeration as Mei Lin was highly judgemental of appearances when it came to special events like that and Ivy hadn't let her down. that was why Mei Lin didn't need the reminder that Ivy wasn't there to cause problems, as she was sure they both understood Ivy wouldn't still be there if she stopped being so useful. "We're currently examining our options." Mei Lin said diplomatically as she stepped away from Ivy and towards the cabinet with drinks, using the word 'we' as if she had any regard for Parker's opinion on things. It was always good to have a scapegoat, but she was confident she could twist his arm to get what she wanted. "And in order to know just what those options are, I need resourceful women like you to pursue them." Mei Lin hadn't heard a damn thing from the Family since they took their blow and if they expected her to be an obedient little lapdog for them with all the threats lingering in the air, they'd be mistaken. Her concern was for herself and the safety of the Network, nothing else, and the Family didn't seem in the shape to help with that goal when they were lead by children in clown shoes.

[iqbabe]

Ivy exhaled slowly, smoothing out an invisible wrinkle on her green dress. The fabric was soft beneath her fingertips, but the movement wasn’t about the dress—it was about control. She had let her mask slip, just for a second, and that was unacceptable. A mistake she wouldn’t make again. By the time she met Diego’s gaze, her expression was composed, a small, reassuring smile in place. “I appreciate that,” she said evenly. “And I apologize for the outburst. Won’t happen again.” Without hesitation, she pivoted the conversation, steering it back to business. “I’ll keep an eye out for any suspicious characters, see if anything unusual turns up.” Her fingers briefly skimmed over the smooth fabric at her sides before she clasped her hands behind her back. A slight tilt of her head, her posture poised and prepared. “Anything else you need from me before I make my rounds?”

Her tone caught his attention more than anything else and Diego tipped his head in consideration, backtracking and trying to figure out just what he said that provoked the unexpected remarks. While Diego was no stranger to saying certain things to manipulate people, to draw them to conclusions or give them certain impressions, he hadn't been trying anything of the sort with Ivy. "I know you're good at it. That's why I value your assessments." Why on earth would he waste time on someone with questionable skills if there was a better alternative? "The only idea I have, Miss Graham, is that it costs me nothing to acknowledge good work, and it's only fair that I reward effort. That's not a recruitment ploy and our arrangement ends as soon as you want it to. But I admit I'd be losing an asset." It didn't matter if he could find someone else to do the same thing, he was familiar with Ivy and that counted for something in his world. He had the feeling that he'd somehow missed something, and part of him wondered if Mei Lin had done something, said something, or if someone else had. He didn't want to put Ivy in a bad position, no matter what anyone happened to think of him, and Diego valued loyalty. If something made her think that she couldn't do what he asked, then it was as simple as that.

[iqbabe]

Ivy paused just for a split second as she stepped into the office, her confident stride faltering slightly when she caught sight of Mia Barone. Of course it’s her. Ivy fought the instinct to freeze in place. Her mind raced briefly, mentally retracing the steps of the gala, hoping there was nothing too suspicious about her presence that would draw Mia’s attention. Ivy had kept to herself at the event, but the Barones were well-connected. The last thing she needed was to be recognized as someone who could be a potential liability. Suppressing any trace of discomfort, Ivy straightened herself out and extended a hand, her expression composed. "It’s a pleasure," she said smoothly, maintaining eye contact. She had prepared for this moment, knew what she was capable of, and had long dreamed of sitting at a desk like Mia’s, talking about law and contracts instead of the chaos surrounding the streets. “I’m Ivy Graham. I’m focused on corporate law, particularly in contract law. I want to work with high-profile companies—help them with mergers, acquisitions, anything involving complicated agreements.” She gave a small, confident nod as she took her seat. “I’ve always liked the challenge, the logic in it all. Arguing for what’s fair.”

Ivy’s voice softened slightly as she added, almost absentmindedly, “I’ve been interested in law for a long time. Since I was a kid, actually. I used to get in trouble for arguing with everyone over the smallest things, but it wasn’t until I got to school that I realized how much I enjoyed making my case.” She leaned back in her chair, calm, but her eyes flickered with the sense that there was more to her story. “And what about you? I’m sure your path to law is… a bit different from mine.” She was careful not to let any resentment or curiosity slip into her voice. It wasn’t the time.

As someone who had worked hard in law school, Mia was passionate about the shadowing program with Santa Clara University. Especially when she was able to have a woman work with her. Mia knew law was still very much a boy's club behind closed doors, so she took great pride in helping women a space to work their way up. To gain the experience needed to become the best lawyer in their field. Usually, she was happy with the program, and this year she knew she was getting one Ivy Graham. But, now was not the time when she was still reeling from the gala, the amount of work she had to do to run point on PR, the new threat of the Hollow and the shit show that was the Family currently. Mia looked up from her latest brief, the flicker of annoyance being pushed aside as she fixed her expression to one of professional. "Yes, Ivy Graham." Mia rose from her desk to shake the other's hand. "Please, sit." She gestured towards one of the chairs in front of her desk. "So, tell me about yourself. And what area of law are you interested in?"

[iqbabe]

Ivy leaned back slightly, letting her eyes linger on Diego for a moment longer than usual. She didn’t usually let herself get caught up in anyone—especially not someone like him—but there was something about the way he carried himself, the way he seemed to always be one step ahead, that made her want to know more. She wasn’t one for weak attachments or soft words, but she couldn’t help but feel a strange pull whenever he was around. “I’m good at this,” she said, her voice more thoughtful than usual. It was easy for her to say the words, even though they weren’t her dream job. She was good at reading people, seeing the details that others missed. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was practical. And if there was one thing Ivy knew, it was that she was damn good at surviving in this world. “I don’t expect accolades, but I know how to make things work. You’re not the only one who can see the moves before they’re made.” Her eyes flicked to him again, her gaze lingering for a beat longer than necessary. “I’m not falling in line, Diego,” she added, her tone softening just a little. “But if you need my help, I’ll give it to you. Just don’t get any ideas. I’m still in control of my own game.” The words were meant to remind both of them that Ivy wasn’t easily swayed, but underneath it all, she knew there was more to her involvement than just practicality.

Diego wasn't used to things being complicated. Perhaps that didn't add up considering all the careful planning that had to go into some of the missions Nightshade undertook, but certain things clicked together in his mind in a way that ruled out other options. A plus B equaled C. One plus one was two. His focus should have been on the man Ivy was bringing to his attention, and yet instead his focus was on the Donatelli daughter and the confirmation of the thing he hadn't wanted to know. Again there was that flare of disappointment, shoved aside in favor of humming to show Ivy that he was listening - and yet he absorbed none of it. "I'll take it under advisement. I'm not the best at people reading." Diego said, faking a smile for her before looking back in the direction of the other two. "Connections are always important and you're a very trusted asset. I'll have to pay you back after this gala is over." Shoes, jewelry, handbags, straight up cash, whatever Ivy wanted. Diego was always good about repaying those who did him favors, or giving out gifts for behavior that he found exceptionally pleasing or useful and Ivy's intel was always good to have, leading to Diego being happy to make sure she was compensated. He may not have spent much money on himself, but doing so for other people was generally more enjoyable and Ivy undoubtedly earned it. He'd have to make sure one to tell Kaan later, put him on the scent to make sure anything useful they could find came to light. "Notice anything else and you know where to find me."

[iqbabe]

Ivy kept her expression neutral, but inwardly, she couldn't help the tiny flicker of amusement at Leo's words. She could practically hear his unspoken judgment of Vincent, and it was hard not to feel a little vindicated. But, as always, she kept her focus on the task at hand. Vincent was already losing patience, throwing down bills without even a second glance at the quality of the meal, as if his money was the only thing that mattered. She had to keep it together. No matter how irritating he was, she needed to get paid. She glanced at Vincent, giving him a cool, measured smile. "If you’re in such a hurry, I suppose we can leave," she said, her voice as calm and practiced as ever, though the edge of resentment was hard to hide. "No need to waste any more of your time." She stood up smoothly, adjusting the fabric of her dress as she gave a slight nod toward Leo. She didn’t say much—didn’t need to. Her look alone conveyed the silent acknowledgment of the connection between them. "Thank you for everything," she said, her voice soft but sincere, her eyes lingering for just a moment longer before she turned to leave. A subtle wink followed, a signal of sorts—one that only he would understand. "Perhaps we’ll meet again when the company is more... enjoyable." As she walked away, she gave Vincent a small, almost imperceptible glance, silently reminding herself that it was all just part of the job.

the end.

Leo stood just a few feet away, watching the subtle shift in Ivy’s demeanor as she effortlessly maneuvered her way out of the situation. He couldn’t help but notice the way she handled Vincent’s nonsense—calm, controlled, and just a touch dismissive. It was impressive. The more he observed, the more he found himself drawn to her. There was an intelligence to her that Vincent, in all his ignorance, could never hope to understand. As she spoke, Leo’s gaze flicked between her and her date. The way she deflected, making it clear she wasn’t about to play referee in this pathetic little game, spoke volumes. Leo couldn’t resist a small smirk. “Yeah, I imagine Vincent has ‘different expectations’—mostly about how much his money can buy him, and not much else.” He didn’t try to hide the edge in his voice. There was no tolerance for men like Vincent in Leo’s world. The ones who thought they could manipulate their way through life without understanding the value of anything—let alone food.

Ivy’s eyes met his, and for a brief moment, Leo allowed his gaze to linger, sensing something more in that look, some silent recognition between them. “Food is personal, but so is taste,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, more serious now. “And sometimes, it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about knowing what should be there.” He gave a nod toward Vincent, his eyes narrowing with barely concealed contempt. “Your expectations are way too low for someone like you. I’d suggest raising them, or you might end up with a whole lot more disappointment in your life than you can handle.”

[iqbabe]

Ivy didn’t flinch at his question, though the faintest glint of amusement danced behind her eyes. She knew exactly who he was—knew the power he wielded and the value he could bring—but she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of a simple answer. Her gaze lingered on the painting for just a moment longer, as though allowing the silence to stretch between them, before she slowly turned her head, fixing him with a quiet, almost enigmatic look.

"Who I’m attending with," she repeated, her voice smooth and measured, "isn't particularly important, don’t you think?" She let the question hang in the air before continuing, her lips curling slightly into a smile that was just this side of coy. "I prefer to keep my plans... fluid." She tilted her head, studying him with a calm but knowing gaze. "Though, I suppose it does seem you’re more interested in what’s hidden beneath the surface, isn't that right?" The subtle challenge in her tone was deliberate, a subtle invitation to dig deeper if he wished. Ivy wasn’t here to make it easy for him; she knew exactly how to draw him in, how to entice him without revealing too much. If Gabriel was looking for something more, he’d have to work for it. But she knew he would.

Gabriel studied her with measured intrigue, his expression betraying nothing but polite curiosity. There was something about her—the ease with which she deflected, the deliberate nature of her words. It put him on edge just enough to make him want to dig deeper. “A keen observation,” he remarked, glancing briefly at the painting she seemed to be studying. “Art is rarely just about what’s on the surface. Context, intention, even the slightest imperfection—those are the things that set something apart, make it worth remembering.” He shifted his gaze back to her, taking in the way she carried herself, the calculated way she spoke. “I find the unseen tends to say more than what’s put on display.” He let the thought hang between them for a moment, then, with the same composed ease, he asked, “Tell me, who are you attending with this evening?” His voice was polite, but there was an edge to the question, a quiet scrutiny behind his words. He wasn’t one to dismiss coincidences, and Ivy struck him as the kind of person who didn’t simply wander into places like this without reason. A pleasant smile lingered on his lips, but beneath it, Gabriel was already working through the possibilities.