Chapter 73

Ivy froze for a moment, a cold, mocking smile curling at the corner of her lips.

There it was – her family in all their glory.

She’d spent the night out, and not a single person in the house seemed to care where she’d gone or if she was safe. Yet the moment she set foot through the door, their first order of business was to shove her right back out. If she hadn’t witnessed it herself, she never would have believed parents could be so heartless and cold.

Emma was curled up on the couch, wearing her most pitiful, wounded expression, but the sly, calculating glint in her eyes didn’t escape Ivy’s notice for a second. Ivy knew exactly what this snake was up to – Emma had been plotting all along, manipulating their parents into kicking Ivy out of the house.

Well, Ivy wasn’t about to make it that easy. She would leave this home eventually, but it would be on her own terms – never because they’d thrown her out like yesterday’s trash.

After that chilling smile, Ivy’s voice was as cool and unhurried as ever. “Emma’s just found out she’s pregnant – she should be taking it easy. Are you sure you want to throw me out now? Aren’t you worried about bringing bad luck to the baby?”

Rosetta’s face stiffened, her brow creasing. “What does this have to do with the baby?”

“Your own daughter’s gravely ill, and now you want to kick her out – what kind of heartless family does that? If the guardian angel watching over unborn children could see this, I’m sure she’d be shaking her head and hurrying away.” Ivy settled into an armchair, speaking slowly as she glanced over at the stunned Windsor family.

Emma looked at her mother, her voice low and urgent. “Mom… she’s just being superstitious.”

Rosetta squeezed her youngest daughter’s hand, frowning even more deeply. Old beliefs still held plenty of sway – especially during pregnancy, when everyone tiptoed around a dozen supposed taboos.

“Superstitious?” Ivy sighed, putting on a wounded look as she stood. “I was only trying to help… but if you won’t listen, fine. I’ll call the movers and be out by the end of the day.”

“Moving?” Rosetta cut in immediately. “Absolutely not! You can’t move house or redecorate when there’s a baby on the way – you’ll upset the guardian angel!”

There was, in fact, an old superstition about never moving or renovating during a pregnancy. No using scissors, no attending weddings or funerals – it all sounded like nonsense, but plenty of people still believed it.

The more Rosetta thought about it, the more anxious she became. “Emma’s barely pregnant – let’s not take any chances. We’ll wait.”

“Mom, it’s the twenty-first century,” Baillie piped up, clearly unimpressed. “She’s just using this as an excuse to stay and stir up trouble.”

“What do you know?” Rosetta shot back. “Even the doctor said yesterday that the first three months are critical. Better safe than sorry.” She turned to Ivy, her tone softer. “You’re right – it’s best not to move right now. But if you’re staying, you need to behave yourself. I won’t tolerate you upsetting your sister again, understand?”

Ivy’s heart felt colder than ever, but she managed a bright smile. “Emma’s having a baby, and I get to be an aunt – I’m happy for her. Earlier was just a misunderstanding. Emma, I’m sorry, okay?”

Rosetta’s face finally relaxed. “Now that’s how an older sister should act.”

Emma had thought she’d finally managed to get Ivy out of the house, only to watch her mother fold after a few quick words. Listening to Ivy’s fake apology, Emma glanced up and caught the smug glint in her sister’s eye. Fury burned in her chest, making her ears ring. Acting the victim had always been Emma’s specialty – now Ivy was giving her a run for her money.

The more Emma stewed, the more resentful she felt. And, to her surprise, a dull ache started in her lower stomach.

“Emma, what’s wrong?” Micah asked, alarmed as he saw her double over, wincing.

“Oh, dear!” Ivy leapt up, putting on a show of concern. “You must have upset the guardian angel! Micah, hurry – take her upstairs to rest. She needs absolute peace and quiet.”

Micah, thoroughly rattled, scooped Emma up and carried her out of the room.

Ivy watched them go, quietly savoring her victory.

Turnabout was fair play – Emma, you’re still too green to take me on.

Emma spent the next two days cooped up at home, bored out of her mind. Micah had bought her a brand-new luxury car, but she hadn’t even had a chance to show it off yet. Luckily, one of her girlfriends called to invite her out shopping. Early the next morning, she dressed herself to the nines and got ready to hit the town.