Danny was completely baffled. “When did I ever make her angry? In this house, who would even dare?”

Jamison assumed the old man was just being stubborn and refusing to admit it. Not wanting to argue, he mumbled a few words of comfort and hung up the phone.

Ever since Ivy Windsor moved out of the dorms, life had been much quieter. The only downside was for Dr. Ludwig, who now spent over two hours commuting back and forth each day.

One evening, after another long day at the library, Ivy got a call from Katrina Lester. They agreed to meet at the nearest campus cafeteria. After grabbing their food, they sat down together. Katrina let out a sigh. “Ugh, things have been so rough lately. I still have to head to the hospital after this. My aunt went home yesterday, and now there’s a nurse taking care of her, but I have to stay overnight.”

Ivy knew how hard things had been for Katrina and tried her best to offer comfort and encouragement.

Katrina glanced up, talking faster than usual—she was clearly in a hurry. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something. How do you think I should thank Mr. Wilson? Would it be alright to invite him to dinner this weekend? Of course, you and Dr. Ludwig would come too.” After all, it was Ivy and her husband who had teamed up with Mr. Wilson to help Katrina that night.

Ivy replied, “Jamison and I don’t need to be included. Just invite Mr. Wilson.” She knew Katrina was strapped for cash. Even though one dinner wouldn’t make a dent in the mountain of medical bills, every little bit helped.

“No way! If you two don’t come, he probably won’t show up either, and honestly, I’d feel a bit awkward.” A young woman dining alone with a man—people might get the wrong idea.

Thinking of that, Ivy suddenly grew curious. “Katrina, what do you think of Naylor Wilson?”

Katrina paused, spoon in midair, looking confused. “What do you mean?”

Ivy hesitated. She remembered Jamison saying they weren’t suited for each other and almost dropped the subject. But Katrina was already watching her closely, eyes widening in surprise. “Wait, you’re not trying to set me up with Mr. Wilson, are you…?”

“Uh…” Ivy didn’t deny it, just gave a sheepish smile. “I actually thought about it. Naylor’s a great guy—sure, he has a few too many exes, but otherwise, he’s pretty much perfect. I just thought… since your family’s always pushing you to go on blind dates, if you had a boyfriend, maybe they’d ease up.”

At the mention of her family, Katrina’s expression turned fierce. She spoke decisively, “I’ve cut ties with them. I’m done with their matchmaking nonsense.”

Ivy nodded in approval. “Good for you. Honestly, what your dad did that night—pushing you to drink and letting you leave drunk—was absolutely despicable.”

Katrina’s anger flared again. “And now that it’s turned into a big deal, the Carters came to my family a couple days ago hoping I’d agree to mediation. That way, Mr. Carter would get off with a lighter sentence. I refused, and we had another huge argument.” She was still fuming just thinking about it. A criminal offense, and the Carters were trying to sweep it under the rug. Katrina might need money, but she’d never sacrifice justice for it.

Ivy had been through almost everything Katrina was now facing. She understood completely and was full of sympathy.

“It’s better to cut them off,” Ivy said quietly. “No point in getting upset every time you talk to them. And if your aunt’s treatment gets expensive, just tell me I’ll lend you what you need, and you can pay me back with interest whenever you’re able.” She knew Katrina would hate to keep asking for help, so she made it clear it was just a loan—with interest.

Sure enough, Katrina seemed more comfortable with that. “Alright. If I need anything, I’ll let you know, and I’ll pay you back every cent, with interest.”

“Good.”

“As for Mr. Wilson… I know he’s a great guy, but honestly, someone like him wouldn’t be interested in me. I’ve got so much baggage that anyone with sense would run the other way.”

Ivy let out a sigh. She understood. Katrina was fiercely independent; there was no way she’d go looking for a man to lean on, not now.

“But still, help me set up that dinner with Mr. Wilson. No matter what, I need to thank him in person for what he did.”

“Of course. I’ll ask Jamison for his number and send it to you.”

After dinner, Ivy got Mr. Wilson’s number from her husband and sent it to Katrina.

“When I get the dinner set up, you have to come too—promise!” Katrina insisted, standing up and gathering her things for the hospital.

Ivy suddenly remembered how Katrina had once come along to her dinner with Jamison, then found an excuse to sneak out, leaving Ivy and Jamison alone together for their “not-a-date.” Inspiration struck.

“Alright, I’ll come with you,” she agreed, already planning to make her own quick getaway if the timing was right. Who knew if anything would come of it, but at least she’d be creating an opportunity for the two of them.

The girls left the cafeteria together, chatting about nothing in particular. Across from the cafeteria was a basketball court, now at its liveliest, filled with whistles, the thud of the ball, and bursts of cheering. The court was surrounded by a tall chain-link fence, the gate propped open with students coming and going.

Just as Ivy and Katrina passed by, a basketball suddenly shot out of the court like a cannonball. Katrina barely had time to shout “Watch out!” before there was a loud smack. The ball hit Ivy square on the head, nearly knocking her off her feet. Katrina caught her just in time.

“Ivy! Ivy!” Katrina’s face went pale as she grabbed her friend, then turned and shouted furiously, “Hey! Who the hell’s playing so recklessly? What if you’d seriously hurt someone?”