“Of course. I know this isn’t easy for you. Take your time – think it over and get back to me,” Gallagher said gently.
“Alright,” Ivy replied.
After ending the call, she looked up at Jamison, her eyes clouded with uncertainty and indecision. She didn’t know if she should go.
Jamison understood without her saying a word. Squeezing her hand, he steered the conversation away from her worries. “Come on, let’s get something to eat first. No matter how big the problem, it can wait until we’ve had a proper breakfast.”
Ivy didn’t protest. She let him lead her out, and together they headed to a nearby café.
Over breakfast, as the comforting warmth of the meal took the edge off her nerves, Ivy finally spoke. “Jamison, I think I want to go. Even if I can’t actually help the police, at least I should try.”
Jamison drew a deep breath, nodding as if he, too, had just made up his mind. “Alright. If you’ve decided, I won’t stop you. I’ll go with you.”
“You’ll come with me? But you’re so busy, I can’t ask you to-”
He laughed, brushing off her concern. “I haven’t taken a real vacation in years. If I want time off now, who’s going to stop me?”
And as one of the company’s major shareholders, nobody would dare object.
Ivy still frowned, anxiety knotting her brow. “But… that place is really run-down. It’s dangerous, filthy – you don’t have to see it for yourself.”
He shrugged, still smiling. “I’m not planning to move in. Whether it’s pleasant or not isn’t my concern.” His grip on her hand tightened, his voice lowering. “If you’re going, I’m going with you. That’s my only condition. Otherwise, it’s not up for discussion.”
Ivy hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively. “Alright. We’ll go together.”
After a short pause, she remembered something else. “Since you’ll be with me, I want to visit someone while we’re there.”
Jamison studied her face, then seemed to understand. “You mean that boy, Silas? The one with cerebral palsy?”
Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise – he actually remembered!
“Yes. I’d like to see how he’s doing now.” Silas had once helped her, and though his parents had been accomplices to human traffickers, her feelings toward that family were complicated. Given the chance, she still wanted to see Silas again.
Jamison’s expression darkened. “Are you really willing to go back there?”
After all, it was the place she’d been imprisoned for three years – her personal hell and the source of her deepest fears.
Ivy’s face paled. Clearly, she was still frightened, but when she looked at Jamison, she seemed to draw strength. “With you by my side, I think I can do it.”
By saying that, she was acknowledging the trust she’d placed in him – seeing him as her anchor, someone she could rely on.
Jamison’s features softened into a gentle smile. “Alright. I’ll go with you. But for safety’s sake, I’m bringing a few security guards.”
Even though Gallagher had said there’d be plenty of officers to guarantee her safety, it never hurt to be extra cautious.
“Of course. You handle those details.”
Once their plans were settled, Ivy called Gallagher back.
Hearing her agree, Gallagher was clearly relieved and thanked her profusely.
“Gallagher, I’m married now, and my husband will be coming with me. He’ll also be bringing some additional security,” Ivy explained. Since they’d be working with the police, it was best to be open about the arrangements.
“Understood. I’ve heard about your marriage, actually. Word is your husband’s the youngest of the Ludwig family – very well-off, highly respected, and a renowned surgeon to boot. Congratulations, Ivy. After all you’ve been through, you finally have the happiness you deserve.” Gallagher’s voice was warm with genuine wishes.
Ivy was stunned. She hadn’t expected even people outside their social circle to know about their marriage.
Jamison just chuckled. “That’s not so strange. The police have…”