Ivy thought he was being utterly childish, still playing those cheesy pickup games.

"Sorry, my husband's coming to get me. He's the jealous type–if he sees me talking to another man, he'll throw a fit."

She stared at him, her expression serious.

Jamison yanked off his sunglasses and protested, "Am I really that petty?"

She snorted. "Not much bigger than a pinprick."

He fell silent.

Walking around the front of the car, Ivy slipped into the passenger seat. The cool air from the AC washed over her, instantly soothing her nerves. But Jamison quickly reached over and nudged the temperature up a couple degrees.

"I'm not that fragile, you know," Ivy said, seeing right through him and protesting immediately.

"I'm a doctor; you know I get the final say. You shouldn't be sitting in a draft." He didn't just turn up the temperature–he angled the vents away from her as well.

Ivy was speechless.

"So, where to? Want to take a drive, or just head home and rest?"

Honestly, Ivy wanted nothing more than to go home and rest. She was exhausted–her period had just started, and she was cramming for exams. But with the two of them having spent a few days apart, and seeing that hungry glint in his eyes, she knew going home meant she wouldn't get a moment's peace.

"Let's drive around a bit," she said instead.

Jamison saw right through her little scheme. As he gripped the steering wheel, a teasing smile played at his lips. "You're just scared to go home with me, aren't you?"

"Scared? Of what?" Ivy shot back. "I'm just hungry. Let's find somewhere to eat."

His smile widened. "Alright, I'll take you somewhere good."

Chapter 73

The car glided smoothly down the road. Ivy finally let herself relax and breathed out a contented sigh.

Jamison glanced over at her. "You've been pushing yourself pretty hard lately. Once your exams are over, take a real break. Take care of yourself."

She replied, calm as ever, "I can only rest for a few days. I have to start prepping for my CPA exams soon. I've already lost over three years, and you only have five to pass all the required modules. No time to waste."

She'd mapped everything out long ago–she was never one to go into battle unprepared.

Jamison looked puzzled. "Why do you need so many professional certifications anyway?"

She shrugged. "The more skills, the better. The finance industry's always changing–if I know my stuff, I won't have to rely on anyone else at work."

Depending on others was a hassle–and if you were unlucky, it could come back to bite you. If she understood things herself, at least she could avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Jamison nodded. "No wonder Naylor always says you're a force to be reckoned with."

"What's that supposed to mean? You two talking behind my back?" Ivy eyed him suspiciously.

He grinned. "Nothing like that. It's all praise, I swear."

She snorted. "Well, thanks for not saying something like, 'Even a dog deserves respect for its owner.'"

Jamison couldn't help but laugh. "How come I never realized you were this funny?"

She grinned. "Please. You couldn't uncover all my good qualities in just a few months."

He chuckled. "True. Looks like I hit the jackpot–a real hidden gem."

Ivy turned back to her phone, eyes widening slightly at something she saw, ignoring his attempts at flattery. As her finger slid over the screen, she couldn't help but smile.

This guy, sneaking around chatting in the “Stonks Only Go Up” group when he thought she wasn’t looking. He had some nerve.

Call him clueless, but he was a genius in medicine–crazy smart, sly as a fox in daily life. Call him clever, but somehow he still hadn’t noticed his cover was blown, strutting around the chat as “Dr. Handsome” without a care in the world. Did he really think she hadn’t figured him out?

Ivy smirked to herself. She was half–tempted to call him out right now, just to see the look on his face. But he was driving, and safety came first.

She switched to the group chat and typed:

Mrs. Smith: I’m back! Sorry I’ve been MIA–exams have kept me busy, but I’ve missed you all.

Her reappearance reignited the group, which had just gone quiet.

Bob: Mrs. Smith, you’re finally here! [hug emoji]

Dale: You and Dr. Handsome are such a mystery. You’re never online at the same time.

Coach Murphy: I noticed that too. Dr. Handsome was just here, then poof–he’s gone and Mrs. Smith shows up.

Jay: Am I the only one picking up on something? Dr. Handsome said Mrs. Smith’s been busy with exams, then deleted the message. Now Mrs. Smith herself says she’s busy with exams…

Bob: So you two must be talking privately!

Jay: @Mrs. Smith, have you and Dr. Handsome ever met in real life? I told him earlier that it feels like you two are having a secret affair. [smirk emoji]

Ivy read the messages, then glanced at the man beside her, deep in thought. He’d mentioned her exams in the group chat? Was he trying to give himself away? Did he really think deleting the message would cover his tracks?

Coach Murphy: Wait a minute–are you and Dr. Handsome the same person? Remember when I took the team out of town? We were supposed to all meet for dinner, but neither of you showed up.

A wave of mischief surged inside Ivy.