Ivy held her best friend back while Sawyer quickly explained the situation to the staff, restoring order to the room.

“Miss Windsor, would you prefer to handle your personal matters elsewhere?” Sawyer had only learned Ivy’s true identity a couple of days ago, and he deeply sympathized with her misfortune. Now, seeing her treated this way by her own family, he couldn’t help but take her side.

Lauren completely misunderstood. She glanced at Sawyer’s artsy attire and sneered, “So you’ve found yourself some bohemian artist? Quite the adventurous taste.”

Sawyer’s face darkened. He motioned for the staff. “Please escort this lady out. She’s not permitted in the gallery during the exhibition.”

As one of the sponsors and partners of the show, Sawyer had every right to make that call.

Lauren’s expression changed the moment she heard she was being thrown out. She immediately clung to Baillie’s arm and protested, “I have a ticket. What gives you the right to kick me out?”

“You can stay—if you apologize to Miss Windsor right now.” Sawyer’s tone left no room for argument.

“Baillie…” Lauren tugged at his arm, whining for support.

Baillie stared at his younger sister, clearly confused about her relationship with this long-haired man who was so fiercely protective of her. Lauren was his girlfriend; if she got thrown out, he’d look bad too.

After a moment’s hesitation, Baillie finally spoke. “Ivy, we were out of line just now. Don’t take it to heart.”

Ivy ignored him and turned to Lauren. “And you? Where’s your apology?”

“Me? Didn’t your brother already–”

“I don’t have a brother.”

Lauren’s lips curled in a mocking smile. “Getting bold now that you have a new man backing you up, huh? If Baillie’s not your brother, then who is?”

Lauren was too spoiled to offer a public apology; instead, she decided to escalate the scene.

She raised her voice for the benefit of the well-heeled crowd that had gathered. “Does everyone remember Miss Ivy here? Once the darling of Neo Haven society, look where she is now. Some married man must be keeping her—draping her in jewels, dressing her up in high fashion–”

Baillie frowned and tried to rein her in, muttering, “Lauren, that’s enough.”

“Why shouldn’t I say it?” Lauren retorted, brushing his hand off with a cold laugh. She turned back to the onlookers. “You all better keep an eye on your husbands—her reputation as the top debutante is well-earned. Back in the day, every eligible man was chasing after her–”

The scene was spiraling out of control when suddenly, a clear, commanding voice cut through the commotion.

“Ms. Miller, who told you that Ivy’s ‘protector’ is a married man?”

Everyone turned at once. Striding into the gallery was Jamison, his presence magnetic, his handsome face unreadable but unmistakably intimidating.

A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd.

“That’s Mr. Jamison—he actually came to the exhibition.”

“I doubt that’s why he’s here. Looks like he’s here for Ivy…”

Ivy’s ears pricked up at the familiar voice; she instinctively turned with the others. Her brows knit together in annoyance. Could fate be any more ironic? Wasn’t he supposed to come to the show on the weekend? What was he doing here on a Monday?

Katrina was nearly bouncing with excitement. “Ivy, Dr. Ludwig’s here! This is about to get interesting!”

Ivy shot her a look, her displeasure obvious as she watched Jamison approach. “What are you doing here?”

Jamison arched an eyebrow; his stern features softened ever so slightly. “And why shouldn’t I be?”

He stopped beside her, slipping an arm naturally around her waist as he turned to Lauren. “Ms. Miller, you seem to have a problem with my girlfriend. Care to tell me exactly what she’s done to offend you?”