Transmigrated: I Became My Nemesis's Woman novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Let’s see how long that lasts

"Okay, Mommy, be good," Leo said cheerfully, planting a quick kiss on Ivy’s cheek before jumping out of the car. Without waiting for a response, he dashed toward the academy gates, his small figure disappearing into the crowd of students.

The moment he was out of sight, the warmth on Ivy’s face vanished.

She turned sharply toward Xander, her eyes narrowing.

"This is not what we agreed on."

There was no hesitation in her voice, only restrained anger.

Xander did not react immediately. He remained seated, composed as ever, his gaze following Leo for a brief second before shifting back to her. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if her accusation carried no weight.

"You didn’t specify anything about not having protection," he replied evenly.

The casualness of his tone only fueled her frustration.

Ivy let out a quiet, incredulous breath, shaking her head. "Fine. Then I’m specifying it now. I don’t want to be watched all the time. How am I supposed to be at ease like this?"

Her voice rose slightly, the control she had been holding onto slipping through her fingers.

This was not about guards.

This was about freedom.

"You’ll get used to it," Xander said, leaning back slightly, his tone dismissive.

That was it.

No negotiation. No consideration.

Ivy stared at him in disbelief. "Get used to it?" she repeated. "You think this is normal? Being followed everywhere like I’m some kind of prisoner?"

"You are neither," Xander replied calmly. "But you are under my responsibility."

"And that gives you the right to control every step I take?"

"It gives me the right to ensure nothing happens to you."

"I don’t need protection," she snapped. "I’ve managed just fine on my own."

"I don’t doubt that," Xander said. "But that was before."

Before what?

The question lingered, unanswered, heavy.

A tense silence settled between them.

Ivy exhaled slowly, then turned her gaze toward the guards standing at a distance.

Always watching.

"Fine," she said at last, her voice laced with warning. "But if anything happens to them, it’s not my fault."

"Don’t worry," Xander replied smoothly. "I’ll fire them."

"..."

Ivy blinked, staring at him in utter disbelief.

For a second, she could not tell if he was serious.

Then something clicked.

A soft, awkward chuckle escaped her lips, half amused, half incredulous.

This man was impossible.

Before she could say anything else, she had already stepped out. The next moment—

Thud.

The car door shut.

Ivy stood there for a second, watching as his car pulled away, leaving her behind with the so-called "protection" she clearly did not ask for.

"Madam, where should we head?"

The sudden voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She turned and found herself facing a large, broad-shouldered man in a black suit. He stood straight, hands clasped in front of him, looking every bit as intimidating as the rest of them.

Ivy blinked. She then tilted her head slightly.

"What’s your name?" she asked, forcing a polite smile.

"Teddy."

There was a brief pause.

Ivy looked him up and down, her expression slowly shifting.

"Teddy?" she repeated, clearly unconvinced.

The man nodded once. "Yes, Madam."

She pressed her lips together, trying very hard not to laugh.

"I’m sorry," she said, holding up a hand. "I just... I was expecting something like Victor or Sebastian. You know, something equally terrifying."

Teddy did not react. Not even a flicker.

"I assure you, Madam, I am capable," he said in the same steady tone.

[Ford’s House]

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify