Chapter 148

When Oliver called, Ivy was buried deep in her textbooks at the library. Failing a class was no joke—no credits, no graduation. She barely glanced at her phone screen before her heart skipped a beat. Clutching her phone tightly, she scanned the room, making sure no one was watching, and tiptoed to the restroom like she was hiding some big secret. With nerves all over her face, she pressed the answer button as quietly as possible. “Boss...” she said softly. “I told you not to call me that,” Oliver's tone was gentle, and even through the phone, she could sense the smile in his voice. Ivy, a little flustered, hesitated and then tried, “Alex.” “Mhm.” He chuckled quietly, clearly pleased, his voice as warm as ever. “My birthday’s the day after tomorrow—Sunday. I don’t really know many folks here in Westbridge. Was wondering if you and Serena could come over for dinner?” Ivy’s eyes lit up. “Of course!” “One more thing,” Oliver added. “It’d be a bit odd if I invited her myself. Mind helping m