Chapter 533

Jamison’s composure shattered the moment he heard those words, his voice rising in alarm. “Something this serious, and you’re only telling me now? Where are you?”

“I’m at school, sitting in the little garden outside the library. Don’t worry–I’m perfectly safe.”

But Jamison was far from reassured. He spoke in a low, urgent tone. “Go into the library. Stay somewhere crowded. I’m coming to get you right now.”

“That’s not necessary. Everything’s been handled, you-”

“Wait for me!”

Before Ivy could protest, the call ended abruptly.

She let her phone drop into her lap and sighed, resignation flickering across her face.

Back at the hospital, Jamison wrapped up the call, quickly delegated his remaining cases to colleagues, and practically stormed out, leaving the staff bewildered in his wake.

“What on earth happened?” someone wondered aloud.

Another nurse chimed in, “Professor Ludwig’s finally started acting human since he got married. Used to be all work, all the time.”

“True. Honestly, it’s more peaceful when he’s not here.”

Someone else grinned. “I hope he spends more time with his wife. God forbid he keeps burning the candle at both ends in the department.”

Celeste overheard the chatter, her tone cool and clipped as she interjected, “Doctors are supposed to be on call, always ready. That’s what earns our patients‘ trust. If you want an easy life, maybe medicine isn’t the right path.”

A few colleagues glanced at her but didn’t bother responding.

One, less intimidated, shot back, “Dr. Quinn, everyone deserves a life outside work. Wanting more family time doesn’t mean we’re not dedicated doctors.”

Celeste was left speechless, though inwardly, her resentment toward Ivy grew. She was convinced Ivy was a femme fatale, luring a once–promising, ambitious doctor into trading heroics for domesticity.

Meanwhile, Jamison was stuck in the usual crush of rush–hour traffic, his nerves raw. He called Boyd, wanting to confirm the security detail he’d arranged for Emma.

“The bodyguard’s been on duty since you called yesterday,” Boyd reported. “Emma’s still at Sheridan’s place. The Carters and their lawyers went over to see her today–they’re all probably scheming about how to get Sheridan out of trouble.”

Boyd paused, curiosity getting the better of him. “Uncle, what’s going on?”

Jamison’s voice was tight. “Emma bribed Ivy’s roommate. She tried to hurt Ivy.”

“What? She’s got that kind of reach? Even knows Ivy’s roommate?” Boyd sounded stunned.

“Maybe it’s not just her. Sheridan’s got a hand in this too–I’ve crossed him before. He called me not long ago, tried to get a favor. I turned him down, and he lost it–ranted about breaking off the engagement with Emma, refusing to be her fall guy anymore.”

“Who knows why he didn’t go through with it–probably worked something out with her. So if he’s helping Emma target me or Ivy, it makes sense.”

Jamison’s jaw tightened with regret. He’d been too careless. He should have been monitoring Sheridan as closely as he’d watched Emma.

“Boyd, see if you can find a decent apartment complex near Neo Haven University. Ivy can’t stay in the dorms anymore–she needs to move out.”

“Got it. I’ll check around right away.”

After hanging up, Jamison called Ivy again. He only relaxed when she told him she was inside the library. Still, he pressed on, weaving through traffic as fast as he could.

Late summer had slipped into fall, and the sun was setting earlier every day. By the time the city lights blinked on, Jamison finally pulled up outside the library.

Ivy’s stomach was growling from hunger as she answered his call and slipped outside. Under the curious gazes of her classmates, she slid into the passenger seat.

Jamison turned to scrutinize her, searching her face for any sign of distress. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine! If something was wrong, I would’ve called you ages ago.” Sensing his anxiety, Ivy reached out to reassure him. “Can we just get going? Everyone’s staring.”

“Alright. Let’s get dinner first.”

They found a quiet spot in a nearby restaurant and settled into a secluded booth.

“Now tell me exactly what happened. Where’s your roommate? Did you call the police?” Jamison’s questions tumbled out, one after another.

Ivy squeezed his hand, trying to calm him. “Take a breath. I’m right in front of you–no need to panic.”

She recounted everything Roberta had told her earlier that day, word for word.

When Jamison learned her roommate had tried to poison the water dispenser, his expression turned dark. “This is serious. We have to call the police.”