Chapter 241


    Her love for him was as profound as it was fiery, yet it bore an undercurrent of immense pain.


    ra''s throat was raw, her voice a husky whisper, making Ian''s heart quiver. "Ian, Ian." Shey in


    his arms, calling out his name over and over again.


    How many times had she done the same in her dreams? But every time she awoke, her pillow was


    soaked with tears, and he was nowhere to be found.


    Ian gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, unable to hide the agony that dwelled


    deep within his own gaze.


    A memory shed through his mind—of the time ra had been under the influence of some love


    potion, and she had called out his name just like this.


    Even though he had hurt her deeply, he had always been the one true love in her heart. This


    profound love cut Ian like a knife. He held ra tight, murmuring words offort.


    "ra, I''m here for you. From now on, I''ll always be here, okay?"


    The two embraced, losing track of time until ra''s phone began to ring. She tried to push Ian away


    to answer it, but he lifted her effortlessly into his arms. "Ian, I need to take this call."


    Carrying her into the living room, he handed her the phone, saying, "Just take it while I hold you."


    ra shot him a nce. "Don''t forget, I haven''t said ''yes'' yet."


    "I know, which means I have to try even harder. A little seduction is just part of the chase." With that,


    he settled down with ra on the balcony sofa. Several buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing


    a broad expanse of his gorgeous corbone and the hint of a well-defined six-pack.


    ra''s cheeks med scarlet. She red at him before pressing the answer button. "Hello, Marco."


    "ra, next week''s Ivywood University''s centennial celebration, and the dean wants you to speak


    as an alumna. Would you apany me for the asion?"


    raughed sheepishly. "Marco, the distinguished alumni are supposed to be billionaires and


    CEOs. As a small-timewyer, I''d be aughingstock. Please find someone else. It''s too


    embarrassing."


    "That''s not up to me. It''s a directive from the city officials. You don''t realize how highly they regard


    you after you won that case for that troublesome client. Sure, the guy was no good to you, but that


    case really boosted your reputation. Consider it some sort ofpensation from him."


    Ian, overhearing this, was about to speak when ra''s hand mped over his mouth.


    Marco still hadn''t forgiven Ian and would get a heart attack just at the mention of him. He would be


    so disappointed in her if he knew they were together at this very moment.


    ra whispered to Ian, ''Shut up.''


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Ian nodded obediently but couldn''t restrain himself. His warm, moist lips kissed her neck


    incessantly.


    A weekter, ra apanied Marco to the university celebrations, along with Anders and other


    ssmates.


    As an alumna representative, she took the stage to speak. With Ivywood University''s centennial


    making headlines, ra''s striking looks and professional prowess thrust her back into the limelight.


    As her speech neared its end, she said, "Many of our ssmates are too busy to attend, but I bring


    their well-wishes. Please direct your attention to the big screen."


    She clicked a remote to open a file on the screen. However, instead of the expected pre-recorded


    video messages, an audio file began to y.


    The entire auditorium was filled with a voice that sent shivers down ra''s spine.