I transmigrated and got a husband and a son!
Chapter 861: you need to earn your place

Chapter 861: you need to earn your place

BAM!

Ivy flinched at the noise on the door, a little apprehensive about the disturbance. But seeing the smirk on Dane’s face, she knew the people who arrived weren’t unexpected guests.

"Well, well. I didn’t expect to be summoned here this soon." Suddenly, a woman’s voice echoed in Ivy’s ears. "I was just about to catch some beauty sleep. Even after all these years, you’re still causing me trouble, boss."

"I wouldn’t say it’s too soon, considering that insolent Dragon turned his back on his master." A man with a deep voice followed. "Talk about a dog biting the hands that fed him. However, it should be no surprise since he had done the same to his old master."

"Hahaha! This is a good day! A good day! Finally, a chance to put an end to that arrogant Dragon!" A burly man cheered. "Haha! Let me have him, boss!"

"Let’s not get ahead of ourselves." This time, an elderly man spoke up. "Dragon is still part of our group. We should hear the boss’s plan first before dealing with such a disobedient pet."

"What else would be the plan?!" the big man huffed, still hyper at the idea. "He’s a traitor and traitors like him should be put in their place!"

Listening to their conversation, Ivy slowly turned her head toward the entrance. Her pupils widened, seeing a few individuals entering the castle. Meanwhile, Dane released his grip on her wrist and turned to face the newcomers.

"Punishment? Indeed! That pompous fool deserves punishment and should be pummeled until his wits spill out!" The enthusiastic giant halted upon spotting Dane near the staircase. His eyes lit up with excitement. "Boss! Were you expecting us? Woah! I didn’t think you’d eagerly wait for us to arrive! If only I knew, I would’ve —"

He stopped abruptly as he noticed the woman standing beside Dane, his jaw-dropping as he glanced between Dane and Ivy.

"Whoa! Ah!? Boss, who might this beautiful lady be?!"

At that question, everyone’s attention shifted to Ivy, curiosity shining in their eyes except for the blonde woman among them. The blonde, with beautiful green eyes, clicked her tongue irritably at Ivy.

"Her?" Dane slid his eyes to the corner and smirked. "Let’s just say she’s the trophy from my mission."

Ivy froze, looking at Dane blankly. She stood motionless, watching Dane greet these people who referred to him as boss. Their voices grew more distant, and before she knew it, darkness enveloped her.

"Haha! Of course! I’ve always anticipated the day you’d call—" The burly man stopped mid-sentence, hearing a loud thud from somewhere. Glancing behind Dane, he furrowed his brows. "Boss, I think your trophy just fell. Did it break?"

Dane looked back to see Ivy unconscious on the floor. Instead of rushing to her aid, he smiled.

"She’s just tired, but she’ll come around. She’s a smart woman, after all." He looked back at the group with a friendly smile. "Make yourselves at home. I’ll join you shortly."

"Boss, are you leaving us for her?" the blonde woman frowned. "Why not ask Alfred to take her to her room? It’s been ages since we’ve gathered like this. It’s a little disappointing that you’re leaving minutes after we meet."

"Yes! I’ll escort her wherever you’d like!" Alfred, the burly man, agreed enthusiastically. "Of course, since she’s your trophy, I’ll handle her with care! I, your loyal follower, will take care of her."

"There’s no need for that." Dane chuckled, making Alfred snap his eyes wide.

"So, do I have to dispose of her?"

The blonde woman, Katherine, smiled in satisfaction. "Come on, boss. While you were away, I’ve mastered a few recipes. It’d be nice to cook for you and get your feedback."

Dane chuckled, glancing at Katherine and then Alfred. "Sure," he said, making the woman grin. "Call me when you’re done. Let’s discuss some matters over dinner."

With that, Dane gestured to the others, who all lowered their heads upon meeting his gaze. Finally, he looked at Alfred and then Katherine before turning his back, picking up Ivy in his arms, and carrying her to her room.

"Tch!" Katherine clicked her tongue, glaring at Dane—or rather, at the person he carried. "That woman... I’m going to kill her!"

"Katherine, don’t provoke the boss by touching what’s his!" Alfred, the big man, panicked, trying to calm her down. "He won’t take it lightly!"

"Katherine, it’s been years since the boss went out to find that person himself." The elderly man intervened, holding a cane in one hand with the other behind his back. "Don’t spoil this reunion."

"If there’s a troublemaker here, it’s you, Katherine." The previously quiet man started walking past them. "Let’s go, old man. I came early to pick a room before the others arrived."

"Haha!" the old man laughed, following the quiet Romnick. "At my age, I prefer a room on the first floor. Hopefully, one with a terrace and a view."

"Then I won’t take the rooms you’d prefer."

"Romnick..." Katherine glared at the aloof man, seething. Nevertheless, the old man and Romnick continued to find their rooms.

"Katherine, what have you been doing all these years?" Alfred sighed heavily. "Didn’t you claim to be working on yourself? How can you lose your cool just because the boss brought in another woman?"

"Shut up and leave me alone!" Katherine snapped at Alfred and stormed straight into the kitchen.

"I guess those years weren’t enough to change her temper. Change takes time," Alfred muttered, looking up at the second floor. "I wonder how long his new plaything will last. Well, it doesn’t matter. He can always find a replacement."

*

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*

Dane stood motionless beside the bed, watching Ivy sleep. His expression was inscrutable.

"Ivy Wei," he whispered, his eyes glinting ominously. "Beware of Katherine. She can be very cruel and bothersome. I wouldn’t mind if you kill her someday. After all, you need to earn your place in this family."

A sinister smile stretched across his lips, laughter bubbling quietly within him, a semblance of a true devil.