Chapter 34

Ivy stared at her best friend in disbelief. “You’re not secretly crushing on him, are you?”

“Oh, please. Nothing like that–I’m not in his league. It’s just pure admiration, that’s all.”

“Admiration is unnecessary. Don’t forget what the Ludwigs are all about. He invests in medical research, and if he succeeds, he’ll rake in a fortune–enough to monopolize the industry.”

Katrina’s face, which had been glowing with admiration, wilted instantly. “Why do you always have to ruin good things? It sounded so nice until you put it that way.”

Ivy glanced down at her phone, scrolling idly through news about the Ludwig family’s business empire. “See? The Ludwig Group owns a whole pharmaceutical conglomerate.”

Katrina was speechless for a moment, then mumbled, “Whatever. Mr. Jamison is still a young trailblazer–one in a million. You’re just biased because of Micah. Guilty by association, huh?”

Ivy just rolled her eyes.

The two wandered around the neighborhood for a while until Ivy’s phone buzzed. The realtor was calling–the seller had arrived.

They headed back, and from a distance, spotted a striking sports car parked outside the real estate office.

The car was jet black and gleamed in the sunlight. Its design was minimalistic but undeniably stylish.

With its ultra-low nose, oversized rear wing, and sleek lines, the car exuded an air of pure elegance and luxury.

A small crowd had gathered, gawking and murmuring in awe and envy.

“Whoa, is that a Koenigsegg?” Katrina gasped, her eyes wide. “Those are ultra-rare! I think there’s only one in the country, and it’s worth at least five million! Can you believe we’re seeing one up close?”

Ivy glanced at the car. It was gorgeous–no question.

But she didn’t envy the owner in the slightest.

Anyone willing to spend that much on a car was either an idiot or just had too much money to burn.

The realtor stepped out to greet them and ushered them into the lounge.

But as soon as Ivy laid eyes on the seller, she nearly did a double take.

The realtor beamed. “Miss Windsor, this is the owner of the penthouse–”

Before he could finish, Ivy cut in, stunned. “You?!”

Jamison looked up, his usually cool and composed face registering a flicker of surprise, his eyes darkening.

What were the odds? Of all people, the “wealthy woman” who wanted to buy his place turned out to be Ivy–the same Ivy who had spent the past year calling him a quack.

The realtor blinked in confusion. “Wait… you two know each other?”

Ivy gave a dry laugh. “Know him? Oh, you could say that.”

Katrina’s jaw dropped. What were the chances?

Her best friend was about to buy Mr. Jamison’s apartment. And just a moment ago, they’d been gossiping about him behind his back.

Jamison stood, his face expressionless. “I’m not selling the apartment anymore. I have somewhere to be.”

Without another word, he nudged his chair aside, straightened up, and made for the door.

Ivy’s brow furrowed. She reacted in a flash, stepping in front of him to block his way.

“Why not? I already paid the deposit.”

“I’ll refund it.”

“No way. If you breach the contract, you owe me a penalty.”

Jamison looked down at her, a faint, cold smile tugging at his lips. “Are you that desperate for cash? Trying to squeeze me for money?”

Ivy shot back, “If I can afford your apartment, do you really think I’d be that petty? I paid my deposit. Let’s stick to the deal.”

The realtor stood by awkwardly, glancing between them as tension crackled in the air.

He’d just found out they knew each other–and had worried they might cut him out of the deal.

But now? They acted like bitter enemies.

Was the sale really about to fall through?

With a commission this big on the line–enough to buy a new car himself–the realtor mustered his courage. “Mr. Ludwig, Miss Windsor is genuinely interested in your apartment. Look, the market’s tough. The place has been on the listings for a year without any serious buyers. This is a golden opportunity…”