Ch. 1071..1080: Chapter 1071-1080

Chapter 1071

Sydney bit her lip, worried she would lose control and slap Angela. The former was overwhelmed with rage and wanted to retort but failed.

'Angela's right. My pride is still intact, thanks to Bonnie. Although we married into the same family, I told Angela that Bonnie and I have a sour relationship. I did it to dig at Angela, but she turned it against me.'

Angela realized she had mocked Sydney into being speechless. The former felt she had defended her pride and said triumphantly, "You'll always be a loser who lives in my shadow, Sydney. You will never be successful, even "

Before she could finish insulting Sydney, Bonnie approached and interjected, "You do have a higher status than my aunt. I'll also admit the Hardings are prestigious in their city. However, don't think you can take the Knights' name in vain.

"Don't overdo it, or you might burn bridges. I hope you take my advice and learn when to quit." Bonnie glared at Angela while speaking, sending chills down the latter's spine.

Angela instinctively stepped back before returning to her senses and staring at Bonnie.

'I've dealt with plenty of young ladies like her, but none were this imposing. Who on earth is this girl?"

At that moment, she saw Bonnie approaching Sydney with the sandalwood box and handing it to the latter. "Here, I want you to have this, Sydney."

Sydney's eyes widened in shock, thinking she had misheard Bonnie. "Wh-what did you say? You're giving me the necklace?"

'Bonnie just spent a hundred and thirty-eight million on this. Why would she give it to me?!?

Angela was just as stunned as Sydney.

The former thought, 'I just said she wouldn't give Sydney the necklace, but she's doing just that. Just how generous is this young lady? I always thought I was generous, but I can't hold a candle to Ivor's wife.'

"Yeah, I want you to have it." Bonnie smiled and put the box in Sydney's hands. "Take it."

The box felt heavy to Sydney, but it was not the weight of the box or the necklace. Instead, she could feel Bonnie's sincerity in it. Sydney was dumbfounded. After all, she had been nothing but nasty to Bonnie.

"Wh-why are you giving this to me, Bonnie?"

Bonnie responded, "Do you remember asking why I bid on so many things earlier? I bought them as gifts for my friends and family for New Year's."

Then, she glanced at the box she handed to Sydney and added, "Since you're my in-law, I'm giving you this diamond necklace as a New Year's gift."Chapter

Chapter 1072

Sydney was at a loss for words. She only managed to find her voice moments later. She said tremblingly," B-But this is too expensive!"

She did not expect Bonnie to buy her the necklace. After all, Sydney could never afford to pay that much for anything. She had to admit she saw a side of Bonnie she never knew was there. To say Sydney was surprised was an understatement.

"What's wrong with that? It's a gift, and the value doesn't matter. It's the thought that counts, after all," Bonnie smiled as she spoke, accentuating her sincerity, "I'm married to your nephew, which makes me your family. It's only right that I buy you something nice."

Sydney finally realized she had made a grave error in misjudging Bonnie. Although the former was Bonnie's aunt, Bonnie was much more mature.

Sydney stared at Bonnie guiltily and said, "I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have been so nasty toward you."

The former realized she had treated Bonnie too harshly, even though Bonnie had never done anything to hurt her. Sydney finally realized she was the narrow-minded and petty woman between them.

"It's okay. Like I said, we're family. What kind of in-law would I be if I held a grudge over every little thing?"Chapter

Sydney thought Bonnie made an excellent point. The former regretted pitting herself against Bonnie. After all, Bonnie was an elegant young lady, and they would have gotten along famously if they had no bad blood between them.

'I finally understand why Flynn kept speaking so highly of Bonnie. Just her bearing is something most can only hope to have. Flynn must be impressed with her charisma. That's why he keeps praising her.'

Bonnie could tell from Sydney's expression that the latter had realized her mistakes. That alone told Bonnie she did the right thing in helping Sydney win against Angela.

Bonnie saw Angela from the corner of her eyes. The latter was still standing beside Sydney, looking dazed. A moment later, Bonnie's expression turned cold as she questioned, "Angela, why are you still here? Are you looking for a chance to mock my aunt again?"

Angela was furious but knew she was no match for Bonnie. The former could only swallow her pride and shake her head, saying, "Th-that's not what I'm doing!"

"You better not," Bonnie scoffed and added, "I hope you remember what I said, or I'll have to tell my husband what happened today."

Although Angela loved boasting about her status to Sydney, she could only do that to those at the tea party. She wouldn't dare be as reckless if anyone threatened to affect her husband or his family's business.

 

 

Chapter 1073

Angela was intelligent enough to know she could not afford to cross Bonnie. The former could only swallow her anger and say, "All right, I understand."Chapter

Bonnie was satisfied with Angela's response. Bonnie waved and said, "Since you understand, please leave. I can't chat with my aunt if you're around."

Angela was furious but could only suppress her frustrations. She glared at Sydney before finally leaving.

Sydney's eyes sparkled as she watched Angela leave. "My rivalry with Angela has continued for decades, but this is my first time seeing her so annoyed. You're fantastic, Bonnie. You even taught someone as nasty as her a lesson."

'Bonnie's so proficient in dealing with people. If she handled Angela that easily, she could have toppled me. It's just that she has never tried to.'

"It's fine since you defended me earlier. It's only right that I return the favor." Bonnie did not think it was a big deal.

A moment later, Sydney looked at the sandalwood box she had received. Then, she bit her lip and glanced at Bonnie hesitantly. Ultimately, Sydney said, "I'm sorry for everything, Bonnie. You treat me like family, even though I'm the fool who treated you harshly."

"I told you it's okay, Sydney," Bonnie kept up her smile, saying, "You don't need to keep apologizing to me. What kind of family would we be if we can't overcome minor grudges and resentment?"

Sydney felt much better after hearing that. Her wrongful thinking and conflicts with Bonnie began to melt away. Then, the former did her best to consider Bonnie a family member.

With that in mind, Sydney looked around before removing her bracelet and giving it to Bonnie. "Although I'm your aunt, I never gave you a wedding present. My mom gave me this bracelet when I married Gunnar. I know it's nothing compared to the necklace's value, but it's still a lovely bracelet. "I'll give it to you to compensate for what I didn't give you at your wedding. I hope you like it."

The bracelet was incomparable to the diamond necklace, but Sydney had to give something to Bonnie. Otherwise, the former would not feel good about accepting Bonnie's gift.

"I'm delighted you're giving me a gift. Why wouldn't I like it?" Bonnie accepted the bracelet and put it on, saying, "Thank you, Sydney."

'It looks like Sydney and I can finally put our differences aside.'

"What's with the formalities? I didn't even have a chance to thank you," Sydney said. She appreciated it when Bonnie immediately put on the bracelet. It meant that Bonnie cherished it a lot.

With that in mind, Sydney looked at the sandalwood box again. "Thank you for giving me something so expensive and meaningful, Bonnie."

"It's no problem at all." Bonnie took the box and asked, "Would you like to try it on? I can help you with

it,"

Sydney would love that, but it was such an expensive gift that she could not bear to wear it. "Oh, that's okay. I don't think this is a place to wear something so meaningful. I'll wait for an important occasion to wear it."

 

Chapter 1074

Bonnie stopped trying to convince Sydney. Instead, the former smiled and said, "Oh, I see. That's fine."

Sydney left the place with Bonnie and waited for the latter's chauffeur to bring the car around. After glancing at Bonnie several times, she asked, "Do you want to return with me?"

"That's okay," Bonnie said, "Grandpa got me a ride back to the villa. Also, isn't your house far from his? It'll be troublesome for you to give me a ride back."

Sydney realized how thoughtful Bonnie was and could not help but like her even more. The former said, " Okay, then. It's pretty late now, so you should text me when you're back at the villa to let me know you're safe."

Bonnie responded, "You got it."

When Sydney got home, she saw Flynn and Gunnar chatting on the couch. Flynn caught a glimpse of his mother and thought of something before asking, "Did Grandpa ask you to bring Bonnie along for the tea party? Did you two bicker the whole time?"

She pursed her lips and tightened her grip on the sandalwood box. She sighed helplessly as a trace of guilt arose in her chest as she recalled everything she had done to Bonnie and how gracious the latter had been at the tea party.

However, that only made Sydney feel even guiltier.

'I'm her aunt, yet I can't deal with things as well as she does.'

Gunnar noticed his wife's expression and thought she had bickered with Bonnie. He tried to comfort Sydney, saying, "That's Bonnie for you. She's stubborn, shameful, and doesn't respect her elders.

"Don't take her words and actions to heart. Whatever nasty things she said about you don't matter. We'll teach her a lesson when we have a chance."

Sydney's heart dropped as she glared at her husband. "What are you talking about, honey? Bonnie's our in -law, but you're talking about teaching her a lesson? Are you sure you're her uncle?"

Gunnar was stunned as he looked at his wife. He thought he had misheard her. "H-Honey, are you defending Bonnie?!"Chapter

'Wait, Sydney has always agreed with me whenever I speak poorly of Bonnie, but she's defending her now? I wonder what happened between them at the tea party.'

Even Flynn looked at his mother strangely.

'I had always hoped Mom could get along with Bonnie. Then, I wouldn't have to keep getting between them. Still, Mom has changed too abruptly, too soon. Something's wrong here.'

"We're family. Of course, I'll defend Bonnie. Why do you two look so shocked?" Sydney noticed her husband and son's inquisitive gazes before looking away uneasily.

Meanwhile, Gunnar wondered what made his wife change so drastically. He tried to guess, but nothing came to mind, so he decided to drop the matter. Instead, he gazed at the sandalwood box and asked, "Did you get that at the tea party auction? It looks heavy and aged. Open it, and show us what you bought." Sydney opened it and said, "Here, see for yourself."

Gunnar's eyes widened as he glanced at the necklace. "Th-that's a diamond necklace! It's been years since

I've seen something so exquisite. Just look at its luster! No ordinary diamonds can compare to those." Flynn leaned in to look, too. "The auction must've saved the best for last. It looks like it costs a fortune." He observed the necklace and then looked at his mother, asking, "How much did you spend on it, Mom?"

 

Chapter 1075

Sydney felt embarrassed, not wanting to tell her son and husband how much the diamond necklace cost. Instead, she said, "How about you guys guess?"

Gunna and Flynn exchanged glances. Then, the former said, "Six million dollars?"

Sydney shook her head. "That's too low."

'My wife has never been wasteful-six million is a lot of money for her. I can't believe she bought this for more than that.'

After some thought, Gunnar made a bolder guess, "Is it between twenty to forty million?"

He was worried about his funds when he said that. However, he thought about it from another perspective, 'Well, at least I'm spending my money on my wife and not someone else. If she did end up spending that much, so be it. I'll just make more money. What matters is her happiness.'

To his surprise, Sydney shook her head. "Still not close enough."

"It's more than forty million?!" Gunnar's eyes widened in shock. "Don't tell me you spent seventy million on it."

She shook her head again before finally revealing the answer, "It costs a hundred and thirty-eight million dollars."

"Wh-what?!" Gunnar and Flynn were flabbergasted. The latter was sipping his tea when he heard what his mom said. He spat it out immediately after.

"Pfft! Cough, cough, cough!"

Meanwhile, Gunnar was so shocked that he froze. A moment later, he said, "H-Honey, the necklace looks terrific, but it's not worth that much. Also, we don't have that kind of money lying around. Where'd you find the money to bid on something like that?

"Did someone set you up or something? Is that why you bid on it with such a ridiculous figure? Was it Bonnie? I'll go to Dad's villa right now if she's behind this!"

"What, no!" Sydney glared at Gunnar. "I wouldn't have gotten this necklace if it weren't for her, not to mention stand up to Angela!"Chapter

Gunnar gradually realized what had happened. "Are you telling me Bonnie helped you at the tea party? Does that mean she "

Sydney timidly finished his sentence, "She bought me the necklace as a gift."

"Gosh, Bonnie's just awesome! That's so generous of her!" Flynn immediately praised Bonnie.

Meanwhile, Gunnar was still in disbelief. "Why would she buy you that necklace so suddenly? She must have an ulterior motive."

Sydney could no longer stand anyone badmouthing Bonnie. The former defended Bonnie, "She spent her money to get me this gift. Why would you say she has an ulterior motive? Will you please stop assuming the worst of her?"

Chapter 1076

"I guess you're right..." Gunnar said.

Then, he looked at the sandalwood gift box in her hands.

"I think we gravely misunderstood her, honey. It looks like she's quite nice."Chapter

Sydney nodded in approval. "Yeah. After what happened today, I also think she's a decent lady."

Both of them were talking when they suddenly heard Flynn's voice say, "I told you. Bonnie is the most awesome person in the world. You guys didn't believe me and kept pitting yourself against her. Do you regret your actions now?"

Flynn thought to himself, 'Bonnie charmed Mom with her sheer charisma. I have yet to tell them that she's none other than the world-renowned Ms. Bonita! They will be shocked and wracked with such intense guilt.'

"I do. I regretted the fact that I used to treat her that harshly." Sydney sighed lightly. "She's so generous and forgiving. I have a lot to learn from her."

Gunnar patted her hand, trying to comfort her.

"If she's willing to give you the million-dollar necklace, it means she has moved on from the past. We both know that we've misunderstood her. So, let's wipe the slate clean and make it up to her in the future." Sydney sighed again. "I guess that's the best thing we can do."

Back in the Knight Villa, Bonnie had just finished taking a bath when she received a call from Collin.

"Our men have narrowed down Falcon's movements and the places he frequents. When do you plan on going to Yale's District Nine to capture him?"

"I'll make some arrangements. It'll be within this couple of days. Once I've finalized the details, I'll keep in touch with you." She hung up the phone and frowned slightly.

'It'll be difficult to stay at Yale for a short period this time. After all, I was only able to take advantage of it because Ivor had to go on a work trip. Now that he's in Pyralis, I can no longer use my research institute as an excuse.

'I'd love to use other excuses, but I'm also worried they might find out about it.'

She was still distressed when Ivor opened the door and came in. He saw her furrowed brow.

"What's the matter, Bonnie? Are you upset because of the tea party?"

She shook her head and responded, "It's not about the tea party. My research got stuck, and I can't seem to make a breakthrough. So, I'm trying to figure out a solution for it. That's all."

"So, that's what this is. I know that Grandpa made Sydney take you to the tea party. I thought you were frowning because someone picked on you over there." Ivor said somewhat playfully.

"Someone picked on me?" She lifted her chin pridefully. "I'm the one who picks on people, not the other around."

Embracing her, he smiled and praised her, "Alright. Okay. You're the toughest lady around here, Bonnie. There's simply no need for me to worry about you."

She rolled her eyes at him. "That's enough. Stop being such a smart-mouth. You're tired from your work the whole day. Hurry up and take a bath so you can get some rest."

 

Chapter 1077

"I know it. You're the one who loves and cares about me the most." His lips curled into a big smile. Obviously, Ivor was exhilarated.

"Take a bath, now." Bonnie nagged at him again.

"Gotcha." He walked into the bathroom with a smile.

Half an hour later, he came outside and blew dry his hair briefly. Then, he slipped underneath the blanket and held her in his arms.

Smelling the sweet fragrance from her hair, he felt as if the exhaustion had been lifted off from his

shoulder.

'Sometimes, all I want is to stare at her quietly while I hold her. We don't even have to do anything. Simple moments like these are more than enough for me.'

Meanwhile, she browsed her phone and let him hold her.

He held a strand of her hair and twirled it with his finger, feeling the serene and soothing sensation she brought for him.

Then, something popped into his mind and the sparkle in his eyes grew slightly dimmer.

Moments later, he turned her head around and stared into her eyes. "I have to tell you something, Bonnie."

"Lay it on me." She then yawned. Obviously, she was tired.

"Well. My work at one of the neighboring countries isn't done. I'm afraid I'll have to go over there and deal with it again." He had to say it because Floyd managed to make a breakthrough in the investigation.

'I'd love to stay at home and keep her company. Heaven knows how reluctant I am to leave her alone. However, I have to travel to Yale again for the sake of the 1.6 billion dollars as well as the chip. I have to catch Falcon.'

That stunned her. "Are you trying to say that you have to travel to the same country and stay there for a good while again?"

'If that's true, then thank the sweet Heavens! I'll take advantage of his work trip and travel to Yale. That way, he won't be suspicious of me.'Chapter

On the other hand, he thought he had upset her. So, he explained hastily,

"I know I spent a long time away from you. Please, don't be mad at me. I'm going to do my best to wrap up my job early, so I can come back home and be with you as soon as possible. It's a promise."

She couldn't help but laugh. "You're going off to work, not for a holiday. Why should I be mad at you? Do you think I'm that petty?"

"Of course not. You're the most beautiful and generous lady I know." He cupped her face and planted a kiss on her cheeks. "I'm just worried that I'm not good enough for you."

She wrapped her hands around his neck and said, "You're already doing wonderfully, Ivor. Stop giving yourself such a hard time. What matters is that we understand each other's needs. I couldn't ask for more than that."

"You're right." He pulled her into his arms. "I think we're going to be apart for several days again, Bonnie."

"It's okay. Work takes precedence over everything." In her mind, she was already planning to travel to Yale the moment Ivor was out the door. She needed to plant some traps for Falcon.

That was why she didn't even notice Ivor's eager, lustful eyes. He could eat her up right then.

"Do you honestly have no idea what I'm hinting at? Or, are you just playing dumb?" He pressed his body against hers as he spoke.

All of a sudden, she felt something prodding her down there and blushed, her face bright red.

"Hey... What are you doing, you big pervert?"

"We're married, Bonnie. So, this is just a normal interaction between husband and wife. I'm not a pervert," he said as he started fondling her.

Her cheeks looked like they were covered with a layer of rouge, making them look exquisite. He couldn't help but lower his head and nibbled on her cheeks.

 

Chapter 1078

Bonnie didn't feel any pain when Ivor nibbled on her cheeks. However, it made her ticklish.

She wanted to shove him away, but she just couldn't summon any strength and ended up halfheartedly pushing him.

Then, she moaned, "Mmm..."

The room was filled with a sensual, tantalizing air.

The next morning, Floyd came over to look for Ivor. He thought he'd have to wait for a long time. To his surprise, Ivor came out of the room the moment Floyd arrived at the study.

He was stunned for a moment before coming back to his senses. "We still have a couple of hours before we have to go, Mr. Ivor. Aren't you going to keep Ms. Bonnie company in the meantime?"

He shook his head. "That's fine. She doesn't know that I'm leaving today."

"Why? Don't you want her to send you to the airport?" Floyd was puzzled.

"I do, but she's tired from last night. I'd rather she gets some rest than disturb her sleep just so she could send me to the airport."

For a moment there, Floyd didn't know what to say. So, he resorted to following Ivor wordlessly.

Once Ivor had gone through all of his accumulated documents, he was prepared to leave. Before he did that, he opened the bedroom door gently and tiptoed inside.

Approaching the bed, he bent down and planted a kiss on Bonnie's rosy cheeks. Just as he was about to leave, a pair of slender arms wrapped around his neck.

"Are you going on your work trip today?"

That stunned him. Lowering his gaze, he found himself staring into her gleaming eyes.

"Was I too loud and woke you up?"

She frowned slightly. "Stop trying to divert the topic. Answer me. Are you leaving today?"

Sighing lightly, he said, "Yeah."

Reaching out, he brushed the loose strands of hair on her forehead aside.

"I didn't want to disturb your sleep, but I guess I ended up waking you instead."

They had barely seen each other, but had to part ways again. Staring at the man before her, she felt a strong sense of reluctance rising within her chest.

Rising, she leaned closer and pecked him on the lips. "Safe travels."

A hint of affection and longing flashed in his eyes. "You got it."

Both of them remained in the embrace for over 10 minutes. Then, they heard it.

Knock knock knock!

They heard Floyd's hushed voice next.

"Are you ready, Mr. Ivor? We have to go now."

"Alright," Ivor responded dryly. Loosening his grip on her waist, he said, "I have to leave now, Bonnie."Chapter

"Okay." She responded, her eyes fixed on him.

At the next moment, he held her tightly again before lowering his head and kissing her intensely.

 

Chapter 1079

Instead of pushing him away like she usually did, Bonnie welcomed his kiss. Both of them kissed intensely as if they were trying to absorb each other into their own beings.

They remained kissing for more than ten seconds before she pushed him away.

She regulated her breathing and said in a husky voice, "Go on. Don't make Floyd wait for you too long." Staring at her red, swollen lips, Ivor gave her another passionate kiss before pushing her away. Rubbing her cheeks longingly, he said, "I'm leaving for real now. I want you to miss me when I'm gone." She found that amusing, "Alright. What makes you think I won't?"

"Well..." He couldn't help but grumble, "The moment you get started on your research, you'll forget about eating and sleeping. Sometimes, you'd even forget about drinking, let alone miss me."

She promised him with a smile. "I guarantee that I'll miss you this time. Alright?"

He nodded, satisfied. "That's more like it."

"Alright. That's enough. Stop being lovey-dovey here. Hurry up and go. Floyd's waiting for you outside." She gave him a gentle shove.

"Remember, you have to miss me while I'm gone! Also, I don't care how busy it gets in the research institute, you have to eat your meals in a timely manner!"

He was so concerned that she couldn't take good care of herself that he couldn't stop himself from nagging at her.

"Alright. I said I got it. You're prattling on like a grandpa. I'm an adult, for crying out loud. Do you honestly think I can't look after myself?" She might've sounded impatient, but there was a hint of joy in her tone.

Clearly, she was delighted by the way he was worried about her.

Patting her soft, flowing hair gently, the longing in his expression told her just how reluctant he was to leave. She also saw the deep love he had for her in his eyes.

In the end, she couldn't bear to leave him like this. So, she rose and pecked his lips.

"Feeling better? You really have to leave now, Ivor."

Now that he got her kiss, his eyes were brimming with joy.

"Alright. I guess I have to." With that, he rubbed her hair again before he rose and left the bedroom.

She watched as he left.

Pulling out her phone, she texted Collin, "We're taking a flight to Yale tonight."

Before long, Collin gave her a call and asked, "Didn't you say you needed to make some arrangements, chief? Are you done with it already?"

Yawning, she said, "Ivor went on a work trip to mop up the rest of his work there. So, let's go to Yale earlier than planned. We'll try to capture Falcon and retrieve the chip before Ivor comes back to Pyralis."

"He's going overseas as well? What are the odds?" He frowned. "Something feels off about the timing. Do you think he's also a part of the Falcon hunt, chief?"Chapter

That reminded her about the fleeting, but familiar feeling she had when she was talking with the leader of

the Dark Knights. However, she thought about how honest Ivor had been with her and dismissed the suspicion.

"He went away on an urgent work trip. His location is on the other side of the earth from Yale. There's no way he'd hide from me if he's traveling to Yale!

"Moreover, he told me every single detail in his life. So, what makes you think he won't tell me about it if he's going somewhere that far?"

"Now that you put it that way, I guess you have a point," he said.

Colin thought, 'However, I just can't shake the feeling that something's off. But if Bonnie couldn't sense it, then I'm not going to comment much on it.

"The last thing I want is for me to speak out of place and compromise their relationship.'

"Alright. That's enough. Hurry up and make the preparations. We have a plane to catch tonight." She rose from her bed and went to the restroom to freshen herself up.

'Actually, I don't have to act so hastily, but the fact remains that I have no idea when Ivor is going to wrap up his work on his project. That's why every minute counts.

'I don't want to be caught in the middle when he finished his work while I'm still busy hunting down Falcon at Yale. That'd be a huge mess.'

On the other hand, Collin knew that they were racing against time. So, he dropped the matter. "Roger, chief. I'm going to make the arrangements right away."

 

Chapter 1080

About eight hours later, Bonnie's private plane touched down at the Yale international airport.

The moment they arrived at the hotel, one of her men sent word that the leader of the Dark Knights had arrived.

She couldn't help but raise her delicate eyebrows.

"I've barely arrived at Yale. How is it that he learned about it so quickly? Did he send someone to stalk me?"

"I don't think that's what he did, but I wouldn't be surprised if he sent someone to keep an eye on your movements." Collin responded, "I've also gotten news that he had just touched down at Yale."

At the next moment, a strange feeling rose within his chest again.

'I just can't shake the feeling that the leader of the Dark Knights is somewhat similar to Ivor Knight. But that's just my speculation. I'm not about to say anything until I have a rock-solid proof for my claim.'

"Oh?" She raised her eyebrow. "What are the odds?"

Leaning back on the couch, she waved at the man who brought this news to her. "Let him in."

"Copy that." Her man exited the room swiftly before leading Ivor in here.

"I've just touched down at the airport, and yet you're already here in my hotel room. You've been keeping tabs on things, I see."

His lips curled into a grin when he noticed her inquisitive tone. However, there was no joy in his eyes. "After all, the Nidhogg is one of the major international organizations, and you're its leader. It's only normal that everyone has their eyes on you wherever you go."

It was hard to tell if he was trying to compliment her or make fun of her.

She adopted a profound, meaningful expression and said, "If that's the case, then you should do your job as the leader of the Dark Knights and welcome me with a red carpet. Otherwise, how will you honor my identity as a leader of one of the major international organizations? Wouldn't you say?"

'Geez. He's quick. I'm quite surprised that he could dish out a sarcastic remark back at me so quickly.'

Ivor smiled and sat across from Bonnie.

"I'm more than happy to do it if that's what you want."

"It's not about what I want. You're the one who offered to do it. Don't you think I would've squandered your good intentions if I turned you down?" Her lips curled into a grin, the slight sarcasm in her tone was

unmistakable.

Raising his eyebrow, he chuckled a couple of times.

"You just won't let up, will you? It doesn't matter what anyone says, you just have to argue and shut your opponent up. How am I supposed to make friends with you if you're going to keep this up?"

'Truth be told, I saw a little bit of Bonnie in the leader of the Nidhoggs. She was just the same when I first knew her. She had such a sharp tongue.

'I'm not put off or anything. As a matter of fact, I find that people who speak like this tend to have a strong character.'

She glanced at him nonchalantly. "My friends don't usually come at me with sarcasm."

A hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes. "I'm sorry. If what I said made you feel uncomfortable, then I hope you'll forgive me."

'If this had been another person, then I wouldn't have give a damn about how he feels. However, I need his help. So, it's better for me to apologize.

'It doesn't have to be anything too solemn, either. What matters is that he gets my meaning.