Chapter 298
“Ivy…” Rosetta hesitated, her expression caught between guilt and desperation. After a couple of silent seconds, perhaps hoping to draw closer, she blurted out what was really on her mind. “Of course we despise her, but with the company in such bad shape, she’s still useful to us… Don’t worry, we’re just using her. We don’t care about her anymore. After what she did to our family, I can’t stand her.”
Just as Ivy had guessed.
She gave a cold little laugh. “So all those years you treated me well—was that just because I was useful to you too? And when I came back and you couldn’t stand the sight of me, was it just because my reputation was ruined and I had nothing left to offer?”
“That… That’s not the same! You’re our real daughter. No matter what happens, we could never just throw you away.”
“But you did kick me out.”
“That was only because we thought you were sick! We were afraid you’d infect us too…” Rosetta’s voice faltered, shame creeping across her face. She looked at Ivy, defeated. “Ivy, your father and I… we made so many mistakes, but—”
She didn’t get to finish. Jamison strode over and wrapped his arm around Ivy’s waist. “Let’s go home.”
“Yeah.” Ivy replied, not bothering to say another word to Rosetta as she slipped out of her grasp.
Inside the elevator, Jamison glanced at her, concern in his eyes. “You okay?”
She managed a weary smile. “I’m fine. Just tired… I’m usually in bed by now.”
Her words were soft, and before she realized it, she found herself leaning into him. Jamison drew her in, pressing a gentle kiss to her hair. “Sorry, I should’ve wrapped things up sooner.”
He hadn’t meant to stay so long, but the moment he’d arrived, a dozen business leaders had cornered him for conversation. There’d been no escape.
“Don’t…” Ivy nudged him away, glancing around nervously. “Not here—what if someone sees us?” She was getting used to his affection, but public displays still made her uneasy.
They walked out of the elevator and into the underground parking lot, fingers intertwined.
As they neared their car, a bizarre noise caught Ivy’s attention. She turned and caught sight of a familiar figure, half-hidden behind a pillar.
And then she heard the unmistakable sounds—breathy, urgent.
Jamison realized what was happening almost instantly, a wry grin flickering across his handsome face. He tugged Ivy by the hand and guided her quietly around to the other side, peering from behind a parked car at the source of the noise.
Seriously? Could they really not wait?
If a hotel was too far, at least get in the car—it’s a little more private than a parking garage.
“Emma really has no shame. She’s only just met him,” Ivy muttered, disgust written all over her face.
She’d never been so embarrassed on behalf of her own gender.
Just as she finished, Sheridan yanked down his belt and, in one swift move, pulled Emma’s dress up.
Ivy grimaced, too stunned to look away before a hand covered her eyes. “Don’t look, you’ll go blind.”
She yanked his hand away, shooting him a glare. “Shouldn’t you be the one not looking? Emma’s practically naked!”
Jamison just led her back toward their car, tossing over his shoulder, “Nothing to see—it’s all fake anyway. Plastic surgeons can make anyone a double-D these days.”
Ivy caught the implication and shot him a curious glance. “What’s that supposed to mean? You scope out the plastic surgery wing for fun?”
“Do I look like I have a problem? Why would I do that?”
“Right… You see enough in your own department. Must get old fast.” No need for him to go out of his way to ogle.
Jamison just shook his head, clearly regretting he’d brought it up.
As they climbed into the car, Ivy’s mind was elsewhere. “Do you think Emma has a chance with Sheridan? I mean, will the Carter family even take her seriously?”
Jamison chuckled, glancing over his shoulder as he pulled out. “Do you know who Sheridan’s last wife was?”
“No, who?”
“An influencer,” Jamison replied, then added, “If he could marry a social media star from nowhere, why not Emma? At least she’s got the Windsor family name behind her, even if she’s adopted.”
Ivy thought about it and nodded. He had a point.
And with Emma’s scheming, she’d probably sink her claws into Sheridan for good.
As the car started, they buckled their seatbelts.
They turned a corner, and the two figures behind the pillar had vanished. But not far away, a luxury Porsche rocked steadily—unmistakable evidence of what was happening inside.
Ivy’s cheeks went scarlet. She pretended not to notice.
But as their headlights swept past, she couldn’t help seeing through the windshield: Emma’s bare back, Sheridan’s arms wrapped tight around her waist.
“Disgusting…” Ivy muttered under her breath.
Jamison didn’t say a word. But as they drew level with the Porsche, he suddenly leaned on the horn.
The single blare startled the two inside, freezing them mid-act.
Ivy jumped and glared at him. “Jamison, you’re terrible.”
A wicked grin tugged at his lips. He feigned innocence. “Yeah, maybe that was a bit much. Let’s hope I didn’t ruin the mood for them.”
Ivy could only shake her head, speechless.
Chapter 299