The Heart System Chapter 611

Honestly, I felt rather bad at that moment. My intention was only to bring it up due to the quest, but witnessing her extreme embarrassment made me feel like a complete jerk.

However... my curiosity was truly piqued as to whether she actually remembered that incident.

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Evan Marlowe [Level 21]

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EXP: 5350/ 31500

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Current Credits: 2500

Current SC: 75

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"I do recall it," Ivy finally confessed in a low voice, still concealing her face. "And I was genuinely hoping you wouldn’t bring it up."

"Well... my apologies."

She gradually lowered her hands, cradling her tea with both palms as if seeking solace from the cup itself.

"I apologize too," she murmured. "That must have been quite unpleasant for you."

"Indeed, the strong scent of alcohol wasn’t exactly pleasant," I acknowledged. "But aside from that, it was acceptable."

A furtive glance in my direction followed.

"I mean what I say, Ivy," I continued sincerely. "You are the kind of woman who would captivate most men. You merely underestimate your own worth due to past relationship experiences."

Her eyes widened momentarily. Then, she swiftly averted her gaze, attempting to conceal the sudden flush of her cheeks.

Another system notification promptly appeared.

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WOMEN - INTERACTIONS

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Jasmine: Interest: 40 / 60

Kayla: Interest: 38 / 40

Tessa: Interest: 40 / 60

Kim: Interest: 100 / 100

Delilah: Interest: 100 / 100

Cora: Interest: 100 / 100

Mendy: Interest: 20 / 40

Nala: Interest: 100 / 100

Penelope: Interest: 5 / 20

Minne: Interest: 38 / 40

Ivy: Interest: 57 / 60

Eleanor: Interest: 25 / 40

Amelia: Interest: 12 / 20

Esme: Interest: 60 / 80

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Hmm. An increase of seven points. Not bad. I wasn't even consciously trying to boost her affinity that time.

"Ah, enough of that," Ivy mumbled, attempting to regain composure. "Anyway... I apologize for the kiss."

"Apology received." A slight smirk played on my lips. "Next time, perhaps opt for a mint beforehand."

Her mouth fell open in astonishment.

"There won't be a next time, you idiot!"

"You should convey that sentiment to the intoxicated Ivy, not the sober one."

"Oh, heavens." She grasped her hair in a dramatic gesture. "I feel like I'm actually expiring. Kindly cease speaking."

A quiet chuckle escaped me as I raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Very well, very well. No more teasing." I took another sip of my tea, observing her more closely. "In all seriousness though... I'm simply relieved you are unharmed."

She rubbed her face with both hands, the initial embarrassment gradually subsiding. "Yes... me too."

"So," I began, leaning back in my seat. "Are you considering reimbursing me for the gasoline, or what is the plan?"

"Gas money?" Ivy let out a soft laugh. "Get out of here with that."

"Remarkable."

"Remarkable yourself."

Her gaze suddenly shifted past my shoulder, her expression undergoing a subtle transformation. Her eyes widened briefly before she leaned back, shaking her head almost imperceptibly.

Curiosity piqued, I turned around.

Delilah was approaching our table from the sidewalk, offering a single wave as she noticed my attention. Ah, it seemed the mother-daughter estrangement had not yet fully mended.

"Hello," Delilah greeted as she reached our table. "I noticed Evan’s vehicle outside and surmised you would likely be here with him."

"Yes..." Ivy responded quietly. "Hello, Mom."

"Delilah... Mrs. Komb," I stated, rising from my chair. "Please, join us. I will fetch an additional seat."

"Thank you, Evan."

I proceeded to a nearby vacant table, retrieved a chair, and brought it back. Delilah settled herself opposite Ivy, crossing one leg over the other and adjusting her coat with a slight flourish.

She possessed an undeniably striking appearance.

She was adorned in a long brown jacket over a form-fitting black shirt, complemented by dark denim jeans and understated boots. Her hair cascaded gracefully over one shoulder, and even without apparent effort, she exuded an aura of elegance. In my college days, women like Delilah were precisely my preference. Truthfully, that hasn't changed.

"You neglected to mention you were meeting Evan," Delilah remarked to her daughter, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"Yes... I apologize." Ivy awkwardly scratched her cheek. "It appears to have slipped my mind."

The palpable tension between them persisted, yet, quite honestly? It was not nearly as severe as I had anticipated. I had fully expected Ivy to abruptly depart the moment her mother arrived. Instead, she appeared more uncomfortable than anything else.

Nevertheless, being seated between them felt profoundly awkward.

"We were actually discussing the other night," I interjected, attempting to alleviate the strained atmosphere. "Specifically, how concerned you were when Ivy failed to return home."

Ivy exhaled heavily and gave a slight shake of her head, likely already regretting the turn of the conversation.

"Indeed?" Delilah directed her gaze back to her daughter. "Well, I sincerely hope such an occurrence does not repeat itself. I was genuinely fraught with worry when you did not respond to my calls or come home."

"I understand," Ivy responded softly. "And I apologize."

Fortunately, she wasn't becoming defensive now.

As Ivy gazed down at the table, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her shirt, Delilah briefly exchanged a glance with me. A subtle smile touched her lips, and without much thought, I slipped my hand beneath the table, giving her knee a gentle squeeze.

Delilah almost let out a laugh.

She quickly stifled it by clearing her throat and adjusting her seating position once more.

"Oh, since you're here," Delilah suddenly interjected. "Could you perhaps give me a ride to the mall afterward, Evan?"

"Certainly," I affirmed with a nod. "Heading out for some shopping with the ladies, Mrs. Komb?"

"Something to that effect," she replied with a smile. "I did invite Ivy along, but..."

"I have a headache," Ivy mumbled, leaning back in her seat. "Honestly. I'm not trying to be difficult, Mom. I really don't feel like going out today. I'm not trying to be some kind of, I don't know, a bitchy bitch. To be frank, I almost didn't come here at all, but the café is close to my place, so I figured, why not."

"Bitchy bitch," she added under her breath.

I blinked. "Did you just refer to yourself as a 'bitchy bitch'?"

"Young lady," Delilah admonished with exaggerated disappointment. "You really ought to watch your mouth."

Ivy's lips twitched instantly, clearly suppressing a laugh.

"Before her inner bitchy bitch fully emerges, Mrs. Komb," I remarked, standing up and reaching for my jacket, "I believe we should make our exit."

"Yes, I concur," Delilah agreed, rising from her seat as well. "I'd rather not be present when the bitchy bit—"

"Ha-ha." Ivy dramatically rolled her eyes. "Very amusing, the pair of you. I misspoke. Go ahead, bite me."

A soft chuckle escaped me as I pulled some cash from my wallet and placed it on the table to cover the drinks.

"Last opportunity," I said to Ivy while fastening my jacket zipper. "Are you absolutely sure you don't wish to join us?"

"No," she stated without hesitation, shaking her head. "My headache is colossal. Monumental. Dreadful. Utterly tragic."

"Wow. That sounds quite severe."

"It is."

"Very well, remain at home then."

"Drive safely," Ivy advised, taking another sip of her tea.

I inclined my head towards her. "I'd suggest you drink responsibly, but I suspect that particular advice might be rather 'wasted' on you."

"One more jest," she warned, pointing a finger at me, "and I will strike you in the throat."

"You see that?" I turned to Delilah. "Violent tendencies. Undoubtedly inherited from her mother."

"Oh, for goodness sake," Ivy groaned, burying her face in her hands again. "Please depart now."

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