Celeste was no fool. She immediately caught the hidden meaning and asked, “So, there’s still no way to treat Jamison’s wife’s illness?”
Professor Penn shot back, “Whether it can be treated or not has nothing to do with you. Just mind your own business.”
After leaving Professor Penn, Jamison returned to his department while Ivy made her way to visit Katrina in her hospital room.
Katrina had recovered quickly after having her stomach pumped. The doctors gave her a thorough checkup and, finding no further danger, signed her discharge papers.
When she saw the bill, Katrina tried to transfer the money to Ivy.
“No rush,” Ivy waved her off. “You still need money for your mom’s treatment. Pay me back once you’re on your feet.”
But Katrina insisted, “I’ve already sent it. Go on, accept it. My aunt came by and wired me ten grand. Once my mom’s out of the ICU and past the critical stage, the bills won’t be so steep.”
Seeing her best friend so determined, Ivy had no choice but to accept.
After checking in on her mom, Katrina, with Ivy at her side, headed to the police station to give her statement.
There, they were surprised to learn that Emma was in the process of making bail.
Katrina, who knew a thing or two about the law, frowned. “Cases like this usually don’t allow for bail unless there are special circumstances.”
When they asked an officer, the answer left them speechless–Emma was pregnant again.
Ivy’s face was hard to read.
“How does she always get so lucky? She gets pregnant like it’s nothing,” she said, half in envy, half in disbelief.
Katrina snorted. “Is that so strange? Didn’t you say Mr. Carter was taking her out as a party girl? Hanging around men all day–it’s not surprising she wound up pregnant.”
Men like that were always chasing thrills. Safe sex was the last thing on their minds.
Katrina muttered under her breath, “Honestly, it’s not just accidental pregnancies she should worry about. Catching HIV is a real risk! I read a report just last week–HIV rates are spiking, even among college students.”
Ivy couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. “She tried to accuse me of having HIV once. Wouldn’t it be ironic if she turned out to be the one?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Katrina replied.
They were only half-joking, never imagining how soon their words would come true. After giving her statement, Katrina asked what kind of sentence the suspect might be facing.
She had her own sense of the law, but considering Sheridan’s background, and the Carter family’s wealth, there was always the chance things could take an unexpected turn.
The officer, bound by protocol, couldn’t say much. “The evidence is solid and the case is already filed. Jail time is inevitable. How long the sentence will be, that’s up to the court.”
Good enough. Ivy felt a little of her anger subside.
But she couldn’t help feeling frustrated–Emma had dodged another bullet.
Katrina shook her head. “Not so fast. If Sheridan’s convicted, Emma’s an accessory, and she won’t get off easy. Even if she avoids jail for now because of the pregnancy, once the baby’s born and she’s done nursing, the law can still put her away.”
Ivy smirked, thinking of how much trouble Emma could stir up. “Who knows if she’ll even carry the baby to term? If Sheridan goes down and the Carter family refuses to claim the child, they might not let her keep it.”
Katrina nodded. “Exactly. With the way they live, who can say who the father is? The Carters might want to avoid a scandal and force her to get rid of it.”
That evening, when Jamison came home from work, Ivy told him about the situation.
He was taken aback. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? If she’s out, she’s a loose cannon. You need to watch your back.”
“I doubt she’ll cause trouble for now,” Ivy replied. “That baby is her get-out-of-jail-free card. If she loses it, she’s going straight to prison.”
“Still,” Jamison said, always cautious, “you should be careful.” After a moment’s thought, he called Boyd and told him to have someone keep an eye on Emma.
Ivy thought he might be overreacting, but if it made him feel more at ease, she didn’t protest.
Technically, Ivy was supposed to head back to campus that Sunday night.
But she and Jamison, still caught up in the rush of young love, couldn’t bear to part. After dinner, Jamison drove her home.
The moment they stepped through the door, they fell into each other’s arms, lips meeting in silent agreement.
Jamison’s strength was impressive. With a quick lift, he hoisted her up so she was wrapped around his waist.
Ivy blushed, half protesting as she playfully smacked his shoulder. “Put me down!”
“What’s the matter? It’s not like you haven’t ridden me before–just because we’re standing, you’re shy now?”
His grin was both charming and wicked. One arm held her steady while his free hand slid up to cradle her neck, leaving her nowhere to run.
Ivy could have screamed. In public, Dr. Ludwig–Professor Ludwig–Mr. Jamison–was the picture of cool authority. But in private, when it came to the bedroom, he was downright shameless.
It was like he wore two completely different masks.
“Come on, let’s save time and shower together,” Jamison suggested, still holding her close.
“I can’t! I have things to do–you go ahead,” Ivy tried to wriggle away.
“Oh? And what could possibly be more important than fulfilling your marital duties?”
“Marital duties?”
“Mmm. Conjugal relations are a legal responsibility between husband and wife, and a right. And right now,” he whispered, “I fully intend to exercise my rights as your husband.”