Jamison turned around, his features as sharp and enigmatic as ever, though a faint smile lingered on his lips. His tone was steady, almost casual. “Ivy, if you—on your own—had the courage to break away from your family, do you really think I, as a grown man, wouldn’t be able to do the same?”

“That’s not the same thing at all.”

“It’s pretty much the same at its core.” Jamison reached over, taking her hand firmly in his, refusing to let her pull away. His thumb traced soothing circles across the back of her hand.

“I’m an adult. I can choose who I want to be with, what kind of life I want to live, and I can take responsibility for my own choices. I’ve set out on my own without leaning on my family’s money or influence. My older brother inherited the family business–everyone knew that from the start. I made it clear I didn’t want any part of it. How I live is none of their business.”

As Jamison spoke, Ivy’s attempts to free her hand gradually stilled.

She couldn’t help but ask, “So, what—you’re just rebelling against your family because you’re dissatisfied?”

If that were true, then she was just a pawn in his private war against his own blood. That was something she could never accept.

He shook his head, calm and untroubled. “No. I’ve never had any issues with how the inheritance was divided. Look, in every powerful family, throughout history, the eldest son is the one who inherits everything. Unless the eldest totally fails, then they might look elsewhere. That tradition protects the family’s interests, keeps the infighting and the dilution of wealth at bay.”

A sudden clarity washed over Ivy, reshaping her impression of Jamison yet again.

He gave a small sigh and continued, “Besides, I was born much later than my brother. By the time I was old enough to understand things, he was already in the company’s upper management. He’s smart, capable, knows how to win people over–he has deep roots in the business. Why would I bang my head against the wall trying to compete with him?”

“On top of that, when I came of age, I got my fair share in company stocks. Even if I did absolutely nothing, the annual dividends alone would be enough to live more than comfortably. Why would I put myself through unnecessary drama?”

The easy smile at the corner of his lips sent another ripple of shock through Ivy.

The logic was flawless. The fact remained, though, that so many heirs to great fortunes couldn’t let go of their ambition. Even when they knew they’d never win, they’d still fight tooth and nail, dragging everyone down, hurting their own families in the process.

Jamison had both the talent and the ability, yet he could see through all the trappings of power and wealth and simply step aside. That was rare. That was admirable.

After a long silence, Ivy cleared her throat and asked quietly, “So you mapped out your future from early on?”

“Yes, but… not entirely.”

“What do you mean?”

He chuckled. “I knew early I didn’t want to fight my brother for control of the business. But as for what I actually wanted to do… well, that was—let’s say—a friend’s idea.”

“A friend’s idea?” Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise. “Who could possibly talk you into something?”

He grinned. “Remember that time in the restaurant, when you mistook me for someone else and gave me a piece of your mind? Right after that, a guy showed up. That’s my old friend, Naylor Wilson. We’ve known each other since elementary school, grew up together. His dad’s a leading medical researcher, also a top member of the National Academy of Engineering. Naylor’s father wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but Naylor hated the idea of a medical career.”

Realization dawned on Ivy. “So he talked you into studying medicine instead?”

Jamison nodded, still smiling. “I was an honors student, top of my class. Naylor said if I wasn’t planning to go into the family business, I should pick something as far removed from it as possible–and what’s more challenging than medicine? So we made a bet, and I dove in headfirst. To be honest, I was young and reckless–I picked medicine almost on a whim.”

Ivy couldn’t help laughing. “So, your only real plan was to avoid the family business and not compete with your brother. The rest just kind of… happened.”

“Exactly. But once I started medical school, I realized it really did suit me. Naylor’s dad took me under his wing. I did my graduate work with him, and later, he recommended me for a PhD program overseas. One thing led to another, and here I am.”

As Jamison finished, a thought struck him. “By the way, do you remember Professor Penn, the doctor who treated you?”

“Of course, why?”

“She’s actually-” He caught himself just in time. He’d nearly blurted out that Professor Penn was Naylor’s mother, but then remembered he’d already let something slip under his “Dr. Handsome” alias.

His expression changed, lips pressed shut.

Ivy noticed and asked, puzzled, “What about Professor Penn?”

“Uh, well… she was also one of my mentors.”

He figured that was vague enough not to arouse suspicion.

“That’s quite a coincidence.” Ivy’s mind flashed back to when Dr. Handsome had recommended Professor Penn–he’d mentioned she was his mentor’s wife. So Professor Penn was Jamison’s mentor, too. The medical world really was small. Odds were, Jamison must know Dr. Handsome as well. Maybe they even worked at the same hospital.

“What’s such a coincidence?” Jamison feigned ignorance, pushing for an answer.

“Nothing. Just, I have a friend who knows Professor Penn well too. I guess your world is smaller than I thought–everyone seems to know everyone.”

“Pretty much,” Jamison agreed, deftly steering the conversation away. “But anyway, the point of all this is–if I ever do break ties with my family, it won’t be because of you. Don’t take that on yourself.”