Ivy had no time to fuss over the little details; all she could think about was returning to Silverfen. Her nerves were a tangled mess.

When she got home, Katrina had already heard the news and was firmly against the idea.

“Ivy, you can’t go! Rescuing women from trafficking rings is the police’s job, not yours. What if someone there recognizes you and tries to lock you up again? You barely escaped with your life last time!”

Katrina clung to her hand with a grip so tight, it was as if she feared Ivy might bolt out the door that very second.

Ivy understood her friend’s concern and managed a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry; let go of my hand for a second. I’m not leaving right now—I have to wait two days. The police need to process some paperwork, and Jamison’s arranging for a trustworthy bodyguard to go with me.”

“No way! Dr. Ludwig is unbelievable—how could he possibly let you do this?”

“Katrina, calm down.” Ivy squeezed her hand in return, waiting until Katrina’s breathing slowed before continuing, her tone resolute. “This isn’t just some reckless urge to play hero. My heart aches for those women—they’ve been through what I have. I know how hopeless it feels. The police have already found them, but because the villagers are hiding them, they can’t get them out. I have to try, whether it works or not.”

Katrina looked at her, at a loss for words, and finally muttered, “You’re just too damn soft-hearted.”

Maybe she was. Ivy knew her compassion was a kind of weakness, but she couldn’t help herself.

The trip to Silverfen would take at least three or four days. She made a mental list of what she’d need on the road and for her stay there. She’d have to make a run to the mall to stock up on supplies.

She hadn’t expected to run into Emma there.

Emma was strutting through the mall with arms full of designer bags—her face radiant, brimming with confidence. The gloomy, defeated woman from a few days ago was nowhere to be seen.

When she spotted Ivy, Emma strode right over, her tone deliberately sweet. “Well, if it isn’t my darling sister. What a coincidence.”

Ivy smiled, already guessing what had put Emma in such a good mood. “I heard you finally landed Sheridan. Congratulations.”

Emma gave a sly, almost mocking smile. “Well, I should thank you—and my dear brother-in-law. If it weren’t for you two, I never would’ve gotten close to Sheridan.”

“Please, you did it all with your own charm.” Ivy didn’t hesitate to jab.

Emma’s smile faltered, her expression tightening. She didn’t reply.

Just then, Emma’s phone rang. She fumbled for a moment before answering with a syrupy voice that sent shivers down Ivy’s spine. “Darling… Mm-hmm, I’m done shopping and about to head out. You’ve picked the restaurant? Perfect, I’ll meet you there… See you soon. Bye.”

Emma hung up, grinning so widely it looked almost painful. “Well, Mr. Carter’s invited me to dinner. I’ll leave you to your shopping.”

She swept past Ivy, but before she’d gone far, Ivy turned and called after her.

“Something else?” Emma turned back with a raised eyebrow.

Ivy’s smile was gentle, but there was a warning in her tone. “Emma, don’t put too much faith in men. Sometimes that’s a fast track to disaster.”

Emma gave an exaggerated, scornful laugh and rolled her eyes. “Oh, Ivy, you just can’t stand to see me back on my feet, can you? You tell me not to trust men, but look at you—didn’t you rush into a marriage with Mr. Jamison? Did you ever stop to think that might be a trap?”

Ivy knew there was no point arguing. She just smiled, gave Emma a knowing look, and walked away.

Emma glared at her retreating back, muttered a curse under her breath, and strutted off in her high heels with all the attitude she could muster.