Those almond-shaped eyes – dark, brilliant, and sharp – seemed to see straight through the world’s charades, carrying an air of tranquil detachment and wisdom beyond her years.
Jamison couldn’t help stealing another glance at her. She wore no makeup, yet her strikingly pale skin was luminous – almost too flawless to ignore. It was beauty in its purest form, untouched by cosmetics or artifice; the kind of allure that no amount of makeup or effort could ever hope to mimic. In Jamison’s opinion, the title of Neo Haven’s most prominent socialite was only growing more deserved with every passing day. No wonder Emma was so jealous – jealous enough to break the law just to make her disappear. Human nature at its ugliest. People really were unpredictable.
Noticing Jamison’s lingering gaze, Ivy shifted uncomfortably. She managed a small smile and asked, “What are you staring at?”
Jamison blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “You’re looking a lot better. Your color’s come back, too.”
She nodded. “Yeah. Ever since I moved out, things have been a lot quieter. Katrina’s taken good care of me.”
“Ms. Lester’s a real friend.”
At that, Ivy’s expression soured slightly, and she muttered under her breath, “Some friend. More like a fair-weather one.”
Jamison gave a soft chuckle. When he smiled, the hard lines of his chiseled face softened, making him look mature, magnetic, and almost dangerously attractive. Ivy glanced at him, pressed her lips together, and quickly looked away. Honestly, if Jamison weren’t Jamison, if he weren’t Micah’s uncle – just judging by that face and that body – it’d be tempting to have a fling. One night wouldn’t be a waste, that’s for sure. Pity.
An awkward silence set in, the kind where searching for conversation only made things worse. Trying to force small talk was even more uncomfortable than silence, so Ivy simply gave up and kept quiet. Just then, her phone pinged with a new message. She picked it up to see that Dale had tagged her in the group chat.
Dale: @Mrs.Smith, you didn’t finish what you were saying earlier. If you’re selling this afternoon, when do you plan to get back in?
Bob: We should probably wait until the weekend to see if there’s any market news before making a move.
Ivy glanced at Jamison, a little embarrassed. “I just need to reply to this real quick.”
“Go ahead, don’t mind me,” Jamison said, watching her with a knowing look. He could tell she was chatting with a group. With a casual air, he picked up his own phone and opened WhatsApp.
Mrs.Smith: There’s no bad news at the moment, but the market keeps dropping. Either wait for news this weekend, or hold off until things bounce back. As for when that’ll happen…[shrug emoji]
Dale: What did I do in a past life to deserve this? Why am I doomed to day trade? [crying emoji]
Ivy stared at her screen, fighting a smile. Suddenly, “Dr. Handsome” – the group’s long-missing member – finally chimed in.
Dr.Handsome: Sorry, I’ve been busy lately and haven’t kept up with the market. Mrs. Smith and I are fine – no drama here.
Ivy arched an eyebrow in surprise. The chat instantly exploded.
Bob: Dr. Handsome, you’re alive! We thought you’d muted the group for good.
Jay: Glad you two are all right. We’ve all been worried, just didn’t want to pry.
CoachMurphy: +1.
Dr.Handsome: @Mrs.Smith, we’re good, right?
Ivy frowned at the screen. Is he really @-ing me on purpose? she thought.
Mrs.Smith: Yes, we’re fine. No hard feelings. We’re all friends here, but thank you for your concern.
Jamison glanced up after reading her reply, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. Then he switched to private messaging.
Dr.Handsome: How have you been? Feeling any better lately?
Ivy saw the new chat pop up. Just a normal check-in, nothing special. She frowned again, a little perplexed. He messaged her privately right after she’d reassured everyone in the group. If she ignored him, it’d look petty.
Mrs.Smith: I’m doing well, thanks for asking.
Dr.Handsome: Of course.
Dr.Handsome: You mentioned meeting up in person before. Does that offer still stand?
Ivy’s eyes widened. What’s that supposed to mean? She remembered – while waiting for her appointment with Professor Brown a while back, they’d chatted online. She’d offered to treat him to dinner as a thank you for his help. He’d shot her down immediately. Why was he bringing it up again?
Mrs.Smith: What made you change your mind?
Ivy was never one to beat around the bush. Jamison, watching her, smiled quietly and tapped out his reply with long, graceful fingers.
Dr.Handsome: Back then, we barely knew each other. I thought meeting up would just be awkward.
Mrs.Smith: And now?
Dr.Handsome: Now we’re at least a little more familiar.
Mrs.Smith didn’t reply.
Dr.Handsome: So, is a meet-up still on the table?
Ivy stared at her phone, cheeks inexplicably warm. Just a few days ago, he’d made his intentions clear in private chat, and she’d turned him down flat. But he wasn’t giving up. Now he wanted to meet up in real life.
Mrs.Smith: Are you planning to officially pursue me or something?
Dr.Handsome: Are you always this blunt?
Mrs.Smith: Saves time. Less complicated.
Dr.Handsome: We could just start as friends.
Mrs.Smith: I don’t need more friends.
Dr.Handsome: You mean you don’t have any friends in real life?
Mrs.Smith: Pretty much.
Dr.Handsome: Then maybe I could be your first.
Mrs.Smith: No thanks.
At that point, the conversation fizzled out. The chat went quiet; no new messages arrived. It was only then that Ivy remembered she wasn’t alone. She’d invited Jamison out for dinner, and here she was, ignoring him. She cleared her throat and straightened up, about to say something – when her phone buzzed again.
Dr.Handsome: What are you up to right now?
Ivy leaned back in her chair.
Mrs.Smith: Eating dinner.
Dr.Handsome: Alone?
Mrs.Smith: Why, you want to join?
Dr.Handsome: Send me the address.
Ivy stared at her phone as her heart began to race.
Chapter 169