Jamison let out a slow, meaningful smile and exhaled with practiced grace. “For a woman, an unhappy marriage is a far greater prison than any cell. It’s the kind of cage that can trap her for life—a life sentence with no chance of parole.”

Ivy turned her head, giving him a sidelong glance. Her expression was a tangled mix of surprise and something unreadable, as if she hadn’t expected such a sentiment from him. Katrina, who’d been silent for ages, suddenly piped up from the back seat. “Dr. Ludwig, impressive! Who knew a painting could inspire such wicked ideas?”

Ivy snorted, barely hiding her sarcasm. “No wonder they say the most dangerous man is the one closest to home.”

Pulling something like this on Emma was practically a way of using someone else to do the dirty work—masterful, really.

Seeing her reaction, Jamison hurried to clarify, “Don’t get me wrong—I’m on your side here. That’s the only reason I even thought of something so ruthless. Doesn’t mean I actually am a ruthless person.”

Ivy let out a soft chuckle. “Relax. I can be even crueler than you.”

He blinked, caught off guard. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She smirked. “Oh, I’ve fantasized about luring Emma off to some remote mountain village, making her suffer every hardship I did—except she’d never get to escape.”

Jamison’s face froze for a brief moment.

“What?” Ivy caught his expression and shot him a self-mocking look. “Scared now? I told you—I’m that ruthless. Still time to back out if you’re having second thoughts.”

He quickly regained his composure, mouth curving into a lopsided smile. “But you didn’t go through with it. That means you’re still rational. I’m not worried about Emma’s feelings; I just think she’s not worth sacrificing yourself for.”

“True. I have no desire to turn myself into some kind of villain,” she admitted, which was why she never acted on those thoughts.

“But with your plan, where am I supposed to find a wealthy man with such… unusual tastes? I can’t exactly throw myself at some sleazy nightclub to bait a sugar daddy.”

Jamison offered a cool, matter-of-fact smile. “Isn’t that what I’m here for?”

Ivy looked genuinely surprised. “You? With your status, stooping to this? Isn’t that a bit beneath you?”

He shrugged. “As long as it wins you over, I don’t mind.”

She was momentarily speechless. For some reason, her cheeks began to heat up.

They pulled up outside the restaurant, and after Jamison parked, Ivy turned to face him head-on. It was time to cut through the subtext.

“Can you tell me, honestly—what exactly do you like about me? I was kidnapped for three years, my reputation is in ruins, and I was thrown out with nothing. Being with me would be the biggest stain on your entire life.”

Jamison’s brow furrowed slightly. “I’ve asked myself that same question, and there’s no easy answer. You’re beautiful and intelligent. You’re clear-headed and decisive, and you always know what you want—and then you go after it. You’re nothing like any of the girls I’ve known before.”

“Wow…” Katrina burst out, clapping with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Ivy, you just got the highest praise from Dr. Ludwig!”

“Oh, shut up!” Ivy shot her friend a murderous look, cheeks burning even brighter.

Then she turned her gaze back to Jamison—but couldn’t quite meet his eyes.

She laughed softly, her tone half-flirtatious, half-shy. “Sounds like you’ve had quite the adventures, Mr. Jamison. Are you just intrigued because I’m the first woman you can’t quite figure out? Is this all about the thrill of the chase?”

He shook his head. “No, I’ve never cared about conquering women. The only thing I want to conquer is disease.”

She fell silent again.

“And I’m not exactly Mr. Experienced. Most of those so-called adventures were arranged by my family—one dinner and I know if someone’s not for me.”

Ivy was at a loss for words.

Jamison leaned toward her, voice gentle but clear. “So, do you believe me now? Will you give me a chance—be my girlfriend?” He didn’t care that Katrina was still there; he made his feelings plain, right there and then.