"Wait." Ivan suddenly called out to the security guards.

Violet thought Ivan was going to let her go.

Ivan signaled the security guards to bring Violet over. This time, Violet managed to read the situation; she walked over quickly without needing the guards, her pale face filled with panic. It was the first time she had been treated like this.

The man in front of her was so handsome, yet completely unaware of how to treat women gently.

No, he was standing up for Lia.

Understanding this, Violet felt a deep hatred towards Lia; if not for Lia, she wouldn't be so embarrassed, nor would she have lost Ivan's favor.

She would settle this score with Lia later!

"CEO, Violet is still young, she's used to being playful, she's just joking with her sister." Tom thought there was room to turn things around and quickly spoke for his younger daughter, giving Lia a look in hopes she'd speak on Violet's behalf.

Lia helping Violet would be the last thing she'd do.

Ivan was standing up for her. Helping Violet would make Ivan's involvement unnecessary.

Coming here to discuss business had been forced on her, not her wish, Lia was not supportive of the Aiken Family at all.

"I don't care whether she's joking or not, Mr. Aiken, I'm laying it down here today: Lia will be under my protection. Anyone who bullies her will be my enemy, regardless of who they are or their status, I won't let them off lightly! And that includes Mr. Aiken!" Ivan's words made Tom very uncomfortable and made Violet insanely jealous.

After saying that, Ivan turned to face Lia, and with her slightly dazed expression, he placed his hands on her shoulders. From anyone's perspective, it looked like they were a couple.

"Lia, from now on, if anyone bullies you, just fight fire with fire, don't worry, I'm here backing you. As long as you're not committing crimes like murder or arson, with me here, I can handle anything."

Lia opened her mouth but didn't know what to say; she was stunned by Ivan's words.

This wasn't just taking care of her because of Lena; it felt more like her man was watching over her.

Lena, who had already entered, saw the drama unfolding and immediately became the invisible onlooker, not saying a word, even trying to make sure no one noticed her, so she could continue watching the drama unfold. She even pulled out her phone to secretly record everything, now her aunt could rest easy, her big brother would definitely be recognized!

"Ivan, thank you, but I can protect myself." Lia regained her composure and calmly thanked Ivan.

She really dared not imagine what Ivan meant by helping her like this, openly saying such things in front of her father and sister—it was too fast!

Ivan looked deeply into her eyes.

Then, without saying anything more, he took her hand again and led her into the CEO's Office. Before going in, Ivan ordered: "Throw her out!"

Violet, already driven mad by jealousy, felt even angrier hearing Ivan's words, it made her feel like her lungs were going to explode.

In Valence Group, Ivan's words were akin to an imperial edict, and Violet was indeed thrown out by the guards, truly thrown—the guards tossed her like a stone, she fell to the ground and there was a dull "thud," showcasing her complete humiliation.

Tears streamed down Violet's face.

She hadn't expected those damned guards to actually throw her out.

Tom also felt embarrassed but was concerned for his younger daughter; he hurriedly followed her out, and once Violet was thrown from Valence Group, he ran over quickly to help her up, anxiously asking: "Violet, did you hurt yourself? Are you in pain?"

"Dad."

Violet plunged into her father's arms and wailed.

"Alright, don't cry anymore, I'll have the secretary accompany you to a hotel for now." Tom was worried about his younger daughter but also blamed her for causing trouble. After making sure his daughter wasn't injured, he reprimanded Violet: "Before we came, I told you clearly, at home you agreed, but once here you disregarded my words, even I dare not provoke CEO Ivan, yet you... Now you know, right? We'll see if you dare next time, once we return, I'll let your mom properly discipline you."

Violet cried out: "Dad, it's all Lia's fault, that bitch, dad doesn't love me anymore, only favors her, is it because he sees CEO Ivan likes her? Did she sleep with CEO Ivan, so now he's willing to do business with you? That bitch, why?"