Chapter 37

“Who was it that changed their mind about selling as soon as we arrived?”

Jamison knew exactly what she was getting at. He paused for a moment, then said, “Alright, if you can pay in full, I’ll knock a hundred grand off the price.”

Katrina was over the moon. She grabbed Ivy’s arm and shook it excitedly. “That’s fantastic, Ivy! Let’s do it!”

Ivy kept her cool, but inside, she couldn’t help feeling a rush of joy. She hadn’t expected to shave off a hundred thousand so easily. Maybe he’d finally come to his senses after she’d told him off – suddenly found a conscience and decided to be a decent guy for once?

With both sides in agreement, they sat down to go over the contract details. The agent was clearly thrilled, darting around with paperwork and guiding everyone through the forms.

“Next Monday, we’ll meet at the property office to finalize the transfer,” the agent beamed, eager to seal the deal before anything else could go wrong.

Once Ivy finished the paperwork, she held out her hand. “Give me the keys. Also, show me the parking spot – I’ll need it right away.”

Jamison looked surprised again.

When the agent stepped out to fetch the ink pad, Jamison’s brow furrowed as he finally voiced what had been on his mind. “You’re buying a house and a car at the same time. Where’s all this money coming from?”

“None of your business,” Ivy shot back, her words hitting him like a slap. Jamison’s face darkened.

“Ivy…” Katrina nudged her arm, trying to signal her to ease up a little.

Jamison was used to Ivy’s attitude by now. He looked away, pretending he’d never asked.

With the forms complete, the agent reminded them to be at the property office at nine sharp Monday morning to process the ownership transfer.

Jamison was the first to leave. As he slid into that ultra-luxury sports car – worth five million dollars if it was a cent – Ivy leaned into Katrina and whispered, “See? Your dream guy – doesn’t he look just a bit like a sucker?”

Katrina was speechless.

Ivy gave a soft, dismissive sigh. “Everyone’s out for themselves in this world. He talks a big game about ambition and purpose, but honestly? He just wants the high life. Otherwise, why drive a car with a price tag like that?”

Inside the Koenigsegg, Jamison pulled out of the parking space. Maybe he could sense someone talking about him; his sharp, icy gaze sliced through the window, lingering on Ivy outside.

But Ivy didn’t back down. She met his stare head-on, refusing to look away.

After Jamison left, the agent took Ivy and Katrina to tour the penthouse, then pointed out the designated parking spot in the underground garage.

Once the agent left, Ivy and Katrina returned to the duplex, giddy as kids as they explored every room.

“Katrina, how’s life in the dorms?” Ivy asked, pushing open the door to a spacious suite on the second floor. “If you’re not comfortable there, move in here. This room’s yours.”

Katrina’s eyes lit up as she walked over. “Are you serious? But… I can’t afford rent on a place like this.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Like I’d charge you. This place is way too big for just me. Come on, move in.”

Ivy was genuinely inviting her. She was planning to start a business with Katrina someday anyway, and living together would make everything easier.

Katrina hesitated. “So, when are you moving in?”

Ivy sighed. “Hard to say. Probably when the Windsor family finally kicks me out for good.”

She knew all too well – those people were plotting every day to get rid of her. Emma would stop at nothing to get her way. One day, when she just couldn’t take it anymore, she’d cause a scene, break all ties, and leave that cursed place behind.

But that house had been her home since childhood, a treasure chest filled with happiness and laughter. The thought of cutting ties for good wrenched her heart.

Katrina could see the sadness in her eyes, and she knew exactly what Ivy was thinking. She walked over and pulled her into a hug. “No matter what happens, you’ll always have me. Best friends for life, remember?”

“Deal. And even when you get a boyfriend, you’re not allowed to ditch me,” Ivy joked, grinning at her.