Emma knew exactly what her parents were thinking. They weren’t kicking her out yet because they still hoped to squeeze a little more use out of her.
Of course, if she could somehow persuade Ivy to come back home, her own role as the adopted daughter would instantly lose its value.
But there was no way that would happen–Ivy was too proud. She’d severed all ties with the family, and she had no intention of returning.
Besides, now that Ivy had found her way into Jamison’s inner circle, with someone powerful backing her, she didn’t need her old family anymore.
It was only after Emma laid out all these calculations that she dared to act so brazenly.
Ivy, meanwhile, let the phone ring a little longer than necessary before finally putting on a reluctant front. “Well,” she sighed, “since you called me yourself, I suppose I can do you this favor.”
Emma scoffed. “Yeah, right. Just don’t take too long, or you’ll miss your chance,” she snapped before hanging up.
Staring at her phone, Ivy fell into thought.
For Jamison’s plan to work, she had to go back to the Windsor family, no matter how hostile the situation might be.
Still, she wasn’t stupid–it would be reckless to go alone. She needed someone on her side.
Thinking of who she could trust, she realized Jamison was the obvious choice. If she was going to ask for help, she’d need to show a little humility. After a moment’s hesitation, she dialed his number.
At the hospital, Jamison was just catching a rare break when he saw his “fiancée’s” name pop up on his phone. One of his dark brows arched, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“Well, wonders never cease,” he teased as he picked up. “Miss Ivy, calling me of her own accord?”
Ivy ignored his banter and got straight to the point. “Are you working late tonight?”
“No, I’m done at my usual time. Why?”
She cleared her throat. “You’ve been feeding me for days–about time I returned the favor. I’ll come to the hospital and wait for you to get off work.”
Jamison blinked, surprised. “Am I hearing this right?”
“You are. I’ll get ready now and head over, so timing should work out.”
“Alright then. I’ll be waiting.”
Even after the call ended, Jamison sat there in mild shock.
Had his sincerity finally melted the icy Miss Ivy? He’d expected a much longer campaign.
As the end of his shift approached, a group of younger colleagues poked their heads in. “Professor Ludwig, it’s Shane’s birthday tonight. We’re all going out for dinner–join us!”
Jamison smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I have plans. My girlfriend’s coming to pick me up soon. But you all have fun.”
His casual words landed like a pebble in a pond, sending a wave of excitement through the room.
“Wait–Professor Ludwig, you have a girlfriend?”
“Dr. Ludwig, you sly dog! No wonder you brushed off all the pretty doctors around here–you were already spoken for!”
“So, when’s the wedding, Professor?”
Normally, Jamison’s cool demeanor and status as one of the hospital’s major shareholders kept his colleagues from joking with him. But today, it was he who broke the ice. When he mentioned his girlfriend, his whole expression softened–so out of character that everyone suddenly felt emboldened to tease him.
Jamison, in an unusually good mood, took it all in stride. “Don’t worry,” he said with a warm grin, “when there’s good news, you’ll all be the first to know.”
Still, some of the nurses looked crestfallen, sighing over their dashed hopes.
Jamison pulled out his phone. “Tell you what, I’ll send a little gift to the group chat. One, to celebrate Shane’s birthday, and two–well, you all know what for.”
Before he’d even finished speaking, two generous digital gift cards were sent out each worth a tidy sum, with the amount randomized for whoever was quick enough to claim them.
Chapter 254
Instantly, the room erupted in cheers as the lucky recipients celebrated, showering Jamison with grateful thanks.