Chapter 58 Ivy

Chapter 58 Ivy
I turn slightly in my chair, angling my body toward William like this was always my intention. I soften my shoulders, lift my chin just a touch, and summon my sweetest smile.

“William,” I say gently.

Immediately—immediately—his eyes narrow.

Not much. Just enough to tell me I’ve already messed up.

“Yes, Ivy?” he replies, voice calm but guarded, like he’s bracing for impact.

I lean in a fraction, lowering my voice. “I was just thinking about how well you handled everything from yesterday. You stayed so composed. So… decisive.” I tilt my head, lashes lowered. “I really don’t know what we’d do without you.”

The room goes quiet.

Zeus looks like he is watching a drama show as he is sipping his tea. Mama looks at me with a befuddled look, which is surprising because she is always so composed. Papa lets out a soft chuckle, knowing what I am doing. 

William doesn’t look flattered. He looks alarmed.

“That,” he says slowly, “is the nicest thing you’ve said to me all morning. I thought you would still be mad I took your bacon.”

I beam. “I mean it.”

He studies my face like he’s inspecting a forged document. “What is happening?”

Before I can answer, I feel eyes on me—warm, curious, sharp.
Luca.

I glance at him, and he’s already watching me with a faint frown, his head tilted slightly like he’s noticed something… off. He knows me too well. Knows this isn’t natural.

I clear my throat and push on. “I just thought you should know how much I appreciate how protective you are. It makes me feel safe.”

William can’t help but laugh. “You’re laying it on thick.”

“Am I?” I widen my eyes innocently. “I’m simply acknowledging your leadership.”

Luca’s brow furrows deeper. He shifts in his seat, gaze flicking between us. “Since when do you compliment authority figures without sarcasm?”

I shoot him a warning look. Not now.

And of course—that’s when Rose decides to open her mouth.

“Well,” she says sweetly, folding her hands together, “it is strange. Ivy usually hates being told what to do.”

I stiffen.

William’s attention snaps briefly to Rose, then back to me—sharper now. “Yet again. I have to remind no one asked for your input but since you feel the need to voice these concerns. Is that so?”

I force a laugh. William is only siding with her because he wants to keep me safe but I will not allow her to win ever again. “Rose, must you comment on everything I do?”

She smiles, all innocence. “I’m just surprised. Especially since you were complaining about being cooped up not five minutes ago.”

Edward looks at me with a smirk. He leans back, arms crossing. “Compliments, sudden obedience… she’s plotting something.”

“I am not,” I protest quickly.

William exhales through his nose. “You absolutely are.”

I straighten, realizing subtlety is no longer an option. “Fine,” I say, lifting my hands. “I was thinking—purely thinking—that it might be beneficial if I went into town to gather fresh herbs. I was supposed to do it yesterday and was not able to. I promise to be really careful. I just really need these herbs. For recovery purposes.”

Silence.

William stares at me like I’ve suggested juggling knives while blindfolded. “Absolutely not.”

“I wouldn’t be alone,” I rush to add. “Luca could come with me.”

Luca freezes.

Then slowly—slowly—he smiles.

William’s gaze flicks to him, sharp and territorial. “No.”

Rose hums. “I don’t think that’s wise either.”

I glare at her. “No one asked you.”

William stands, palms pressing briefly against the table. “This is exactly why you’re not leaving the house.”

I sigh dramatically, slumping back in my chair. “I tried the nice approach.”

“You tried manipulation,” he corrects.

Luca chuckles under his breath. “Bold strategy.”

I shoot him a look. “You were supposed to help me.”

“I am helping,” he replies lightly, eyes never leaving William. “By watching this unfold.”

The tension thickens, stretching tight between the four of us—authority, jealousy, defiance, and far too much history tangled together.

And somehow… this feels like only the beginning.

Fine.

If flattery won’t work… and logic won’t work… then it’s time for the most dangerous tactic of all.

I lean back in my chair and let out a slow, quiet sigh—not dramatic, not exaggerated. Just tired. Small. Real.

“I suppose you’re right,” I say softly, eyes dropping to my untouched bowl. “It’s probably best if I stay here.”

William stiffens.

That wasn’t the response he expected.

I poke at a piece of fruit with my fork, suddenly very interested in it. “It’s just… unfortunate. Some of the herbs I need for my recovery only grow fresh in town. The dried versions lose potency.” I shrug, still not looking at him. “But I’ll manage. I always do.”

The silence stretches.
Then—

“My darling,” Mother says gently.

I look up just as she reaches across the table and rests her hand over mine, her touch warm and grounding. Her eyes flick briefly to my face, then—very deliberately—to William.

“You’ve been so strong through all of this,” she continues, voice calm but persuasive in that effortless way only she possesses. “But fresh air and purpose are just as important to healing as rest.”

William turns toward her. “She was poisoned.”

“And she survived,” Mother replies evenly. “Because she is careful. And intelligent.”

Luca straightens slightly at that. His gaze flicks to me, sharp and searching. He knows. He definitely knows I’ve changed strategies.

I risk a glance at him. His mouth twitches, just barely, like he’s impressed.

Mother continues, undeterred. “A short trip. With protection. It may do her more good than harm.”

Rose scoffs quietly. “Or it could expose her again.”

Mother’s head turns slowly. Her smile never fades—but something colder settles behind it. “Thank you for your concern, Rose. We weren’t speaking to you.”

Oh.
That was satisfying.

She normally is our piece keeper but she must be taking my word about Rose being involved. 

William exhales, running a hand down his face. I can practically see the gears grinding behind his eyes—duty versus care, control versus trust.

“She doesn’t need to go herself,” he says at last. “I can send someone.”

I lift my gaze then, meeting his directly. No sweetness. No manipulation. Just truth.

“They won’t know what to look for. I do.”

Luca leans forward slightly. “She’s right.”

William shoots him a look. “You’re biased.”

“Absolutely,” Luca agrees easily. “But I’m also right.”

Mother squeezes my hand. “She won’t be alone.”

I feel William’s gaze settle on me again, heavier now. Assessing. Reluctant.

“You planned this,” he says quietly.

I give a small smile. “Eventually.”

Luca, Edward and Papa let out a low chuckle. Rose looks like she’s chewing glass.

William finally speaks. “If—and that’s a very large if—this happens, it will be one day. With guards.”

“And Luca,” I add quickly.

William hesitates.

Luca meets his stare, unblinking.

“…And Luca,” William concedes.

Victory hums softly in my chest.

I squeeze Mother’s hand under the table. She gives me the faintest nod—proud, knowing.

Sometimes, the strongest move isn’t pushing harder.
It’s knowing exactly who to stand beside.