Chapter 197

• Following Zack and Bryan's quick departure from the room, Smithson positioned himself with his back turned, engrossed in thought, intentionally ignoring Ivy. Meanwhile, Ivy remained standing in the suffocating silence, completely taken aback as she fixated incredulously on her father's distant figure. It would be false if she denied her conflicting emotions - a mix of happiness upon seeing her father alive and well, yet also frustration toward his callous and neglectful behavior.
• Ivy exhaled deeply and closed the distance between them. "Ignoring me," she began, her voice low and controlled, but her displeasure was palpable. "It seems to be the habit you've learned over the years."
• He still didn't respond nor turn to look at her, but his expression, away from Ivy's eyes, remained blank and emotionless.