Her lips parted, ready to say no, to refuse. But then she thought again.
'If I reject her, people will talk. They will say I am jealous. Then Silas will think I still have feelings. He will waver. He will not choose either of us. No… I cannot make him a scumbag.'
She pressed her hand flat on the table. "Call her in."
Martha saw Ivy's pale face and felt a pang in her chest. 'She looks hurt. Why does she look so hurt at just hearing that name?'
"Boss," Martha said gently, "if you want, I can make an excuse and send her away. I can protect you from this."
Ivy shook her head. "Thank you, Martha. But I must meet her. I will handle this myself."
Martha looked at her for a long moment. Then, with quiet care, she poured a glass of water and placed it on the desk.
"At least drink this. And remember, you don't have to carry everything. If you wish, I can take some meetings for you." Her tone made it clear: if Ivy wanted, she could even meet Patricia in her place.
