Page 41 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

“My pack will support you,” I said.

Her expression closed immediately.

“Money always comes with conditions.”

“No,” I said quietly. “I want to help you because this is my fault. None of this would be happening if I’d listened to you.” I said, my throat tightening. My admission seemed to catch Ivy off guard. “All I can do now is try to allow you the life you desire. We will provide attorneys, forensic accounting, investigators, and experts if you choose to proceed. Our support will not be conditional on forgiveness, a relationship, or any future access to you.” I held her gaze. “If you never speak to me again after this case ends, we will still help you.”

Her fingers tightened around the folder.

“Why?”

“Because you are the one who created those products.” I started to say, but there was more. “And because we benefited from believing the lie your family constructed,” I added. “We allowed them to use our company’s matching process against you. Supporting your fight will never undo that, but we will not stand aside while they punish you again.”

She looked down at the documents, a determined look forming on her face.

“You know, I realized they won’t stop. If I don’t do as they say, they just try to control me in another way.” She said, almost to herself. She straightened her spine and sharpened her gaze. “They think I’ll be too afraid to challenge them.”

“Yes.”

I watched the change happen. Ivy had always been intelligent. I had seen flashes of her wit, creativity, and courage even when her family tried to bury them. But this was the first time I saw all of those qualities rise in her, with a determination and confidence I hadn’t witnessed before.

“I’m not giving up the boutique,” she said. “And I’m not letting them keep taking credit for my work.”

Pride built inside me.

“Good.”

She closed the folder. “I don’t know how to do this. And I might lose.” She admitted. “But I’m going to fight them. I want them to know that I’m not going to run away scared every time they come after me,” she said. “They already took enough from me.”

I looked at her and saw a woman who I had never truly understood. Maybe no one had. The Carringtons had spent years underestimating her, telling the world that Ivy was timid and unremarkable - even convincing even Ivy herself that she was incapable of standing on her own. Everyone had accepted that version because it fit neatly beside the image they presented of their family.

But this woman was the backbone of an entire business she’d started after fleeing with almost nothing. She had survived abandonment, coercion, and humiliation, then turned the skills her family exploited to create a new life.

This was the true Ivy. I looked at her again, astounded by how much she’d grown and the grit she'd revealed in these past months. She was so much more than anyone had realized - it was a sight to see.

“I can get you access to the best attorneys we have. And if you want, we can be character witnesses, if needed.” I said.

She nodded.

“When I meet with the lawyers, I want Elias there.” The request caused a small ache, but I kept my face neutral.

“Of course,” I said.

“And Ronan.” She added. I nodded, my heart still aching. She stood, taking the file. I maintained a respectful distance as she gathered her bag. At the door, she paused.

“Hunter?”

“Yes?”

Her expression remained guarded, but not cold.

“Thank you for offering your help.”

I nodded once.

“You deserve nothing less.”

She left the office with her shoulders straight and the legal folder held firmly beneath one arm. I remained behind, watching the closed door long after she disappeared.