Ivy frowned and turned away, her shoulders stiff.

Jamison noticed her silence and a sudden idea struck him. His voice grew tense. “Did my family come looking for you again?”

Realizing the misunderstanding, Ivy quickly shook her head. “No, it wasn’t your family. It was the Windsor family.”

“Adkins?” he pressed.

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“You were busy. And what difference would it have made if I did? Would you have stormed over to the Windsors and started a fight?” Ivy’s voice was calm, almost cold.

Jamison’s expression darkened. Without warning, he grabbed her hand. “Come with me. I’ll stand up for you–let’s see if he dares lay a finger on you again!”

“Jamison!” Ivy pulled him back. “Don’t be so reckless. I don’t like people who act on impulse.”

He froze, turning to look at her. “So you want to just let it go? You might be able to endure this, but I can’t.”

What kind of man could just stand by while his girlfriend got slapped and do nothing?

Noticing the storm in his eyes, Ivy met his gaze steadily. After a moment, she said, “Relax. I won’t let him get away with it. I already have a plan to make him pay–but I need your help.”

Jamison stared at her, genuinely surprised.

Seeing his reaction, Ivy misunderstood and turned away again, avoiding his eyes. “If you don’t want to, forget it, I can handle it myself–it’ll just take more time.”

“Who said I’m not willing?” he said quickly. “I’m just surprised you’d actually ask me. I guess that means you finally see me as your boyfriend, someone you can rely on.” His tone softened, his irritation melting away.

Ivy noticed the change in his mood. Lips pressed together, she shot him a sidelong glance, her tone dry. “So what was with the attitude when you walked in?”

“What attitude?” Dr. Ludwig denied, a touch too quickly.

“Oh, please. The moment you barged in uninvited, you looked at me like I’d trespassed on your sacred territory.”

Jamison wouldn’t admit it, but in truth, she saw right through him. Sometimes, having such a perceptive girlfriend was a double-edged sword–nothing he felt ever escaped her notice.

He really had been annoyed on the way over. They were officially a couple now, but she still refused to meet his closest friends, making it seem like she didn’t care to know him better or be part of his world. Who wouldn’t be frustrated?

But now, seeing the red mark on her cheek, it all made sense. That was why she hadn’t wanted to go out, or have dinner with Naylor. All his irritation vanished in an instant.

That was the end of it. Jamison squeezed her hand and pulled her gently out of the kitchen. “Leave the dishes for now. I brought dinner–let’s eat while it’s still warm.” He settled her at the table and unpacked the takeout boxes he’d brought.

“So, tell me about this revenge plan of yours. How can I help?”

Ivy picked up her fork, hesitating. She’d always hated owing people favors, and asking him for this would be a big one.

He noticed her reluctance. “What, changing your mind? Don’t want my help after all?”

Sitting up straighter, Ivy raised her bright, striking eyes to his and spoke quietly. “I want to borrow some money from you–a lot of money.”

Jamison’s brows lifted, his interest piqued. “How much are we talking?”

“Five million,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

She felt a pang of anxiety. She knew Jamison had that kind of money, but with their relationship still so new and unsteady, it wasn’t something most people would agree to.

But Jamison’s face didn’t so much as flicker. He took in the number with the same composure he might show if she’d asked for five thousand.