Mio Walsh was the epitome of a gentleman-a warm and considerate man, at least on the surface.


    To Ivy, whose heart was already riddled with scars, he seemed like a beacon of goodness. After enduring so much pain, even a drop of kindness could feel like salvation,pelling her to throw herself into it wholeheartedly. She never questioned Mio Walsh''s background, never stopped to wonder why he had entered her life. Slowly but surely, she fell into his gentle trap.


    He took her on a tour of Rome''s famousndmarks. They wandered the streets like a couple,ughing, taking selfies, and sampling local delicacies.


    That day, Ivyughed more than she had in years. She felt a happiness so pure it washed away the bitterness that had been weighing her down.


    The day ended with a romantic candlelight dinner. Mio Walsh was attentive and considerate, reminding her of the care she had only ever seen from Aurora and Julian.


    In that moment, Ivy felt tears welling in her eyes. She had believed she would never meet someone who truly cared for her again. Mio Walsh''s presence reignited a spark of hope in her otherwise deste life. For the first time in what felt like forever, she forgot her hatred and remembered love.


    When he escorted her back to her hotel, Mio Walsh simply kissed her forehead and bid her goodnight, a perfect gentleman without a hint of impropriety.


    It wasn''t Ivy''s first time interacting with a man, but it was the first time a simple kiss made her heart race uncontrobly.


    "Goodnight. I had a great time today. Thank you," she said, her voice soft.


    "If you don''t mind, I''d like to pick you up at the same time tomorrow. There are still a


    few hidden gems in Rome worth visiting," Mio Walsh suggested.


    "Alright. See you tomorrow."


    "Bye."


    Mio Walsh watched her leave before returning to his car.


    The driver nced at him in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Walsh, she''s just a pawn. Is all this effort really necessary?"


    "Even a pawn requires careful setup. Do you know how to make someone willingly do your bidding?" Mio Walsh lit a cigarette, leaning backzily in his seat.


    "No, sir."


    "You take their heart. Once their heart belongs to you, they''ll do whatever you want." Mio Walsh had no real affection for Ivy. When he had been gathering information on Aurora, he had learned all about Ivy and her past.


    He preferred intelligent women and could never be interested in someone as naive as Ivy. But a naive woman, properly molded, could still be a sharp weapon in his hands.


    "Brilliant, Mr. Walsh. Still, this current project seems like a dead end. None of the others vying for it have made any progress either. Are we leaving Rome empty-handed?"


    "Not exactly. If we don''t get this project, there''s always the next one. But there''s only one Aurora. As long as she''s out of the picture, I''ll finally have peace of mind."


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    The driver chuckled. "The head of the family''s health is deteriorating quickly. Even John has been summoned back to her side. It seems she won''tst much longer. Once she''s gone, the position of family head will surely be yours."


    "Not necessarily," Mio Walsh replied, his tone darkening. "I''ve heard that John has gone to great lengths for her. He even found a rare jade that, while not a cure, could extend her life by another year or two."


    Mio''s expression turned sour. Originally, the head of the family had been beyond saving, her death imminent. But John''s efforts had disrupted his ns, buying her more time.


    Before learning of Aurora''s existence, Mio Walsh had been patient. He could wait for the head of the family to pass and im his rightful ce. But everything changed the day he saw a woman in hispany who bore an uncanny resemnce to Tina.


    Everyone knew Tina had disappeared for a few years in the past. What if, during that time, she had a child?


    If this child''s existence became known, they would be dered the next head of the family, nullifying all of Mio''s efforts.


    Mio Walsh''s investigations confirmed his suspicions. Aurora was, without a doubt, Tina''s daughter. The revtion weighed heavily on him.


    Before he knew about Aurora, all he needed to do was wait. But her existence posed a significant threat. Aurora had to be eliminated.


    When he discovered that Aurora had left New York, Mio Walsh spared no effort in tracking her down. His meticulous investigations revealed her brilliance. Aurora was like Tina-a natural-born leader with a sharp mind for business.


    In just three years, she had built her ownpany despite the Montgomery family''s suppression. Mio Walsh kicked himself for not investigating her sooner. On several asions, Tina had secretly assisted her daughter, helping Aurora''spany go public in record time.


    But Aurora''s sess wasn''t solely due to her mother''s help. She had the talent and drive to seed on her own. After returning to Clothville, she quickly established her own perfume brand, earning widespread acim.


    Mio Walsh grudgingly admired her. But admiration was quickly overshadowed by a single thought: she had to be destroyed. Only by eliminating Aurora could he secure everything he desired.


    Their "chance" meeting in Rome was no coincidence. Upon learning of Ivy''s connection to Aurora, Mio Walsh devised a n. He would use Ivy to strike against Aurora.


    Ivy''s hatred for Aurora made her the perfect tool. And by staying in the shadows, Mio ensured his involvement would remain hidden from the family.


    Mio Walsh was meticulous. He never left his enemies a sliver of hope. The web he was weaving for Aurora was vast, and Ivy was at its center. She would be his hunter, the one to take down his enemy.


    The mere thought of it filled him with excitement. The best hunters, after all, relished the hunt more than the victory.


    "John is a fool," the driver muttered. "He knows the head of the family will never love him. If she wanted to be with him, she would have agreed long ago. And yet, he still devotes himself to her. If he sided with us, things would be so much easier."


    Mio''s expression remained calm. "Patience. What''s mine wille to me eventually. And the wait will make it all the sweeter."


    "Of course, Mr. Walsh. You''re destined to seed. The R family has been led by women for far too long. We''re ready for a change."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll give you everything you want. The era of women ruling this family is over. Under my leadership, the R family will rise to even greater heights."