Ivy studied him quietly for a moment before asking softly, "How long have you been living like this?"
For the first time since the conversation started, Xander's gaze shifted away briefly.
"A long time."
The answer was vague, but Ivy noticed it immediately. He clearly had no intention of elaborating further.
Still, curiosity lingered inside her.
"Don't tell me you offended someone from the underworld and now they're after you."
Until now, Ivy had always assumed Xander's enemies were simply business rivals. Powerful people, maybe ruthless people—but nothing darker than that.
Yet something about him had always felt different.
Her eyes remained fixed on him as if silently hoping he would deny it and tell her she was overthinking again.
Instead, Xander calmly took another sip of water before replying,
"You're right. I'm someone who offended the underworld, and now they're after me."
"..."
Ivy stared at him blankly for two whole seconds before leaning closer across the table.
