Chapter 241 My Goddess
Ivory had crossed paths with Godfrey more times than she cared to count, and every single time, she caught that unmistakable gleam in his eyes–the kind that made her skin crawl. His gaze lingered a bit too long, always laced with something just shy of indecent.
On the surface, he played the part of Jayden’s closest confidant, laughing at his jokes, clapping him on the back like a loyal friend. But Ivory saw through the act. The man had no respect, none at all. To imagine this man was drooling over his best friend’s girlfriend!
A fair–weather friend at best, a snake in the grass at worst.
So, if Ivory wanted to get Godfrey’s attention, she knew it would be a walk in the park.
Instead of layering on heavy makeup, she went for something subtle yet striking–sharp, winged eyeliner that flicked up at the corners of her eyes, neatly filled–in brows, and a bold, matte red gracing her lips. It was just enough to command attention without looking like she was trying too hard.
In the private lounge, she heard Jayden’s voice rise above the murmur of conversation, his laughter booming as he called out, “Godfrey! Get over here!” Hearing that, Ivory knew then that the man of the hour had arrived. However, she didn’t so much as turn her head. She simply sipped her water, exuding a quiet detachment that was far more alluring than any open invitation.
“Come on, buddy! No introductions needed, right? You two have met before. This here-” Jayden grinned. “-is my goddess, Ivory.”
He then gestured for Godfrey to take a seat.
Ivory lifted her gaze ever so slightly, her expression a careful balance of
As Godfrey settled in, his eyes never wavered from Ivory’s face, tracing its every detail with an intensity that made Jayden shift in his seat.
“Ivory, we meet again.” Godfrey’s voice carried a certain intimacy, the kind that sent an unspoken message. The way he said her name, smooth and effortless, made Jayden bristle. But there was little he could do–the name itself seemed to grant Godfrey a familiarity that Jayden had no way of
denying.
“Hello, Godfrey.” Ivory greeted, her tone crisp, deliberately cool.
She kept a measured distance, fully aware of the kind of women Godfrey was accustomed to–flirtatious, eager, too willing to fall into his rhythm. He
had seen plenty of that. But a woman who held herself apart, who kept him at arm’s length? That was something rare. That, she knew, would awaken
his hunter’s instinct.
And just as she expected, his eyes gleamed with a flicker of challenge. For
once, he didn’t dare overstep.
The three of them settled in as the waiter arrived with their food. Ivory barely touched her plate, instead reaching for a bottle of wine and pouring herself a glass.
She didn’t extend an invitation, didn’t ask if the others wanted to join. She simply drank, lost in her own world.
Godfrey’s brows lifted in amusement. “Ivory, so you drink too? Let’s have a toast, then!”
Jayden chuckled, leaning back. “You would be surprised–Ivory can hold her liquor better than most.”
Ivory lowered her head ever so slightly, feigning a touch of modesty. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that…”
“Come now, just one drink,” Godfrey coaxed, pouring himself a glass and raising it toward Ivory with an easy, expectant smile.
Ivory hesitated for a moment before pouring herself another glass, meeting Godfrey’s gaze with unwavering confidence as their glasses met in a quiet
chime.
As they toasted, her pinky “accidentally” grazed against Godfrey’s fingertip.
The way she tilted her head back to drink, the curve of her neck catching the light, was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Jayden watched her, his concern deepening. “Ivory, don’t drink so much.”
But Ivory dismissed him with a wave, refilling her glass without hesitation. “I’m in a bad mood today. I just want a few drinks–don’t stop me.”
“Exactly, Jayden! Why are you ruining the mood?” Godfrey smirked, leaning in. “Ivory, tell me who has been giving you trouble? Don’t worry. With me
behind you, no one in Tofral would dare lay a finger on you.”
Ivory lifted her glass in a silent toast, her lips curling into a faint, almost teasing smile. “Thank you, Godfrey.”
The way she said Godfrey’s name, soft and honeyed, sent a thrill through him. His heart did an involuntary lurch.
And then, without missing a beat, she downed her drink in one smooth
motion.
“Impressive!” Godfrey roared in approval, his rugged face lighting up with excitement. “I like a woman who doesn’t put on an act! Come on; let’s keep going!”
They clinked glasses three more times, and each time, Ivory drank without hesitation.
Jayden’s unease turned into outright alarm. Ivory was drinking recklessly now, with that reckless edge in her eyes that made his gut twist. The moment she lifted her glass again, he acted, reaching out to stop her. “Ivory, that’s enough.” His tone was firm, almost pleading. “Let me take you home.”
Without waiting for permission, he took the glass from her hand and turned to Godfrey. Clinking his own glass against his. “Godfrey, let’s call it a night. We’ll meet again another day.”
Jayden tossed back his drink, and then moved to help Ivory up.
But Ivory wasn’t having it. Digging her fingers into the table’s edge, she clung stubbornly. “I’m not leaving! I still want to drink with Godfrey!” Then, turning her slightly unfocused gaze to Godfrey, she said with exaggerated earnestness, “Godfrey! You said you had my back! If someone bullies me, will you help me or not?”
