Chapter 136

Mrs. Smith said, “You should save your paycheck while you can. There’s no need to donate it all to the stock market – no one’s giving out a medal for most generous investor, you know.”

Dr. Handsome replied, “If I follow your lead, I’ll never lose.”

Ivy stared at the message, more than a little surprised. Dr. Handsome had always disagreed with her investment strategies. The two of them were famous for butting heads in their chat group; the others used to joke he was the ultimate cautionary tale, that betting against him was a guaranteed win. Since when did he start singing her praises?

Mrs. Smith typed back, “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m not that special. I’ve got things to do, so I’ll stop here.”

Jamison’s attempt at conversation was thoroughly shut down, but the smile at the corner of his lips only grew. That woman was off shopping, too busy to bother with him.

Meanwhile, Katrina was driving, glancing over as her best friend kept her head down, texting and occasionally scoffing at her phone. Curiosity got the better of her.

“Who’s got you so entertained?”

Ivy set her phone down and answered coolly, “Just some fellow investor. Thought he was all aloof and impressive, but lately… turns out he’s just a forty-something middle-aged guy. Suddenly, he seems a little greasy.”

Katrina couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re still chatting with people online? Be careful you don’t get scammed.”

Ivy snorted. “There’s never been anyone who could outsmart me. If anything, I’ve got him wrapped around my finger.”

Little did Ivy know, she’d soon be eating those words.

The two of them had planned to hit another store, but Ivy started to feel a dull ache in her lower abdomen, pressure building in her back. She did the math and realized her monthly “sentence” was about to start again.

“Let’s head home. I’m wiped out,” Ivy murmured, sounding drained.

Katrina nodded. “Alright. Try to get some rest.”

The next day, Katrina dressed to the nines for a cocktail party – her family insisted on appearances. Ivy was feeling worse, but she kept it to herself. She didn’t want her friend to worry. Maybe the medicine Professor Penn prescribed helped a bit; this time the pain wasn’t quite as bad as before. But cramps were still misery, no matter how mild. It was the height of summer, yet Ivy left the air conditioning off and clung to a hot water bottle. After taking some painkillers, the discomfort eased, and she drifted into a light sleep.

She had no idea how long she’d been out when the pain roused her again. She couldn’t take it anymore. With effort, she sent Katrina a message. They exchanged a few texts, and as soon as Katrina realized how bad Ivy’s cramps were, she grew anxious. Ignoring her father’s warnings not to leave, Katrina was ready to walk out on the party. But as she neared the ballroom doors, she suddenly remembered seeing Dr. Ludwig earlier - he was at the party, too. She recalled that last time Ivy had passed out from cramps, it was Dr. Ludwig who had treated her.

Katrina doubled back, searching the room for Jamison. He stood out in a tailored suit, exuding authority and charm as he chatted with a group of bigwigs. Katrina approached, polite but urgent. “Dr. Ludwig, could I borrow you for a moment?”

Jamison turned, nodding slightly.

Once they’d stepped aside, Katrina’s worry showed. “Dr. Ludwig, Ivy’s having terrible cramps again. She’s really suffering. Would you please come back to the house and check on her? I heard you helped her before and it worked wonders.”

Jamison’s expression darkened, but he didn’t hesitate. He set down his wineglass. “Let’s go.”

“Thank you, Dr. Ludwig!” Katrina was genuinely grateful.

The two of them hurried out, unnoticed by most – except for Micah, who quietly followed after them.

Back at the house, Ivy was curled up in bed, half-delirious with pain, when she heard voices downstairs. She recognized her friend’s voice and felt relieved, hoping Katrina would come up soon with a glass of water.

The bedroom door opened and Katrina rushed in. “Ivy, how are you holding up?”

Ivy, lying on her side with her body tightly curled, forced her eyes open to reply – only to spot the tall figure behind Katrina. She froze.

Katrina caught her surprise and quickly explained, “Dr. Ludwig was at the party. When I heard you were in pain, I asked him to come.”

Ivy was taken aback. But the pain was overwhelming. Any old grudges she had with Jamison were a distant memory now; she just bit her lip, too exhausted to be sarcastic or stubborn.

“Dr. Ludwig, please help Ivy,” Katrina urged, stepping back.

Jamison, still impeccably dressed, his hair perfectly in place, looked like he’d stepped straight out of a magazine. His sharp, handsome features were all cool authority as he moved to the bedside, tall and commanding – a king in his own domain. He set down the acupuncture kit he’d stopped to buy at the pharmacy, slipped off his suit jacket and tossed it onto the foot of the bed, then unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves.

Ivy, still lying on her side, couldn’t help watching him. From her angle, the light caught his profile, making his features seem even more striking and intense. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing forearms that were lean and strong, muscles tensed just enough – powerful but not overdone.

“Hold on, I’ll wash my hands,” he said, all business as always when it came to a patient.

Katrina pointed, “It’s over-”

Before she could finish, Jamison was already striding off. She suddenly remembered – this was his old house. Of course, he knew where everything was.

She and Ivy exchanged a look.

When Jamison returned, he sat by the bed. Seeing how pale Ivy was, her forehead damp with sweat, he spoke in a low, commanding voice. “Ms. Lester, get a heating pad ready.”

“I–I have one…” Ivy replied weakly, pulling the hot water bottle from beneath her blanket.