Carla stayed crouched at the end of the hospital bed, supporting her son as he leaned against the bedpost, her face etched with worry and simmering anger.
When she saw her younger brother arrive—not to handle the real issues, but to parade Ivy around, encouraging her to call their parents “Mom” and “Dad” as if nothing was wrong—it was like throwing gasoline on a fire. The scene was just too perfect, too harmonious, and it made her blood boil.
In Carla’s mind, all of this was Ivy’s fault. If her brother hadn’t insisted on being with Ivy, none of this would’ve happened to her precious son.
And the thought that from now on, Ivy would be coming and going in this house, crossing paths with her son—who knew what drama would unfold every time they met—made her feel even more unsettled.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her chest felt tight, and when she heard her mother warmly address Ivy by name, it was the final straw. Carla suddenly raised her voice, her words sharp and accusing. “Mom, you’re just going to let Jamison do whatever he wants? This morning, the Windsor family made a scene down at the registry office—you didn’t see their true colors. They’re out to bleed the Ludwigs dry?”
Jamison’s expression darkened at his sister’s attempts to stir up trouble, and he was about to snap back, but Ivy was quicker. She gently squeezed his hand, stopping him in his tracks.
Jamison turned to her, momentarily surprised, but Ivy’s expression was calm and sincere as she addressed his parents with respect. “Please don’t worry. I’ve cut all ties with the Windsors. Their daughter Emma’s schemes won’t touch the Ludwig family.”
Jamison couldn’t help but arch an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes, a surge of satisfaction warming him.
He hadn’t expected her to step up and defend him so directly.
Even though they hadn’t exchanged a single look or word, Jamison understood—Ivy was doing this for him.
She didn’t want to see him at odds with his family, so she’d spoken up first to clear the air.
The thought only made him happier.
Chapter 297
As Ivy spoke to his parents, Jamison’s gaze never left her, his eyes full of open affection and pride.
She was thinking of him, and that meant she’d taken another step toward loving him.
Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig visibly relaxed at Ivy’s explanation, though they couldn’t help but press further. “It’s good if you can avoid the Windsors’ entanglements, but you’re still their daughter. Can you really break ties with them for good?”
Jamison started to answer, but Ivy stopped him again, her voice steady and clear. “They were the ones who abandoned me in the first place. Now that they want me back, it’s only because there’s something in it for them—not because they care. Yes, I owe them for giving me life, but they’ve also caused me the most pain, nearly cost me my life. When I was at my lowest, it was Jamison who helped me through. I know right from wrong. I won’t be fooled by them again, and I won’t let Jamison or the Ludwig family get dragged into their mess. So please, rest assured.”
Jamison’s pride was practically written all over his face. He pulled Ivy a little closer, his arm slipping around her shoulders.
“Dad, Mom, you both know what the Windsors are like. Adkins and Rosetta have always favored their adopted daughter and kicked Ivy out long ago. She won’t trust them again.”
Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig exchanged a glance, clearly pleased with Ivy’s resolve.
Seeing this, Carla couldn’t hold back any longer. She got to her feet. “Dad, Mom, the Windsors are shameless. They’re never going to give up on Jamison—they see him as their golden ticket. Sure, Ivy’s angry with them now and won’t forgive them, but what about later? What if they keep pestering her? What if, one day, when they’re old and sick, Ivy just turns her back? Will she really let them die in misery? And then—”
“Enough!” Danny, who’d been silent up to now, suddenly brought his cane down with a sharp crack, his voice commanding as he cut his daughter off. “Why don’t you worry about raising Micah properly, and leave the rest for another day.”