"He's amazing–having someone like him even notice me is a real honor. But honestly, when I started working with him, I realized just how clueless I am. I barely know anything and have to learn everything from scratch. But him? He’s a total pro, no matter what he does. I admire him so much."

Ny let out a quiet laugh. "You’re looking at him through rose-colored glasses. He’s not perfect, you know; he’s got his weaknesses."

Boyd grinned. "Let me guess, is it investing in stocks?"

Ivy’s smile widened as she shot him a sidelong glance. “Wow, your reputation really precedes you.”

Jamison just fell silent.

“Everyone who knows him is in on the secret: if you want to make money in the stock market, just do the opposite of what my uncle does. He’s a walking contrarian indicator–whatever he buys, no matter how strong the uptrend, it’s sure to tank right after.”

Ivy couldn’t hold back her laughter and turned to Jamison with curiosity. “Are you sure there isn’t some Wall Street big shot out to get you, purposely sabotaging your trades?”

Jamison just shrugged. “With the tiny amount in my personal account, which big shot would even bother?”

“Well,” Ivy teased, “maybe it’s not about the money. Maybe they just enjoy watching you crash and burn for fun.”

Jamison had no comeback for that.

Ivy hadn’t expected that this little outing would give her such a candid glimpse into his life. They might be married, but the truth was, they still knew so little about each other’s pasts. Today felt like the perfect chance to fill in the blanks. The only problem was, whenever she tried to dig for information through Boyd, he only ever gave her the good stuff–he practically talked Jamison up to the heavens. Just then, Ivy’s phone rang, cutting their banter short.

She glanced at the screen and groaned. “Damn, I forgot to call Katrina.”

“Hey, Katrina…”

“Ivy, have you left yet? Where should I pick you up?”

Lately, Katrina had been using Ivy’s car, and they’d arranged for Katrina to give her a lift today.

“Uh–actually, you don’t have to come get me. Jamison’s here with me. He said he was bored at home and insisted on tagging along. How about we just meet at the mall?”

“Oh? Well, if Dr. Ludwig’s keeping you company, then you two go together. Consider it a date.”

“But we’d already made plans…”

“It’s fine. I’ve got something to do at campus anyway–semester’s about to start, and my advisor wants to see me. I was going to go tomorrow, but might as well do it now.”

“Alright, take care.”

After she hung up, Ivy shot Jamison a look. “This is your fault. You made me ditch her last minute.”

Jamison raised an eyebrow. “You’re complaining when I’m basically your walking ATM today?”

“You said it–so you’re paying for everything.”

“Deal. It’s not like I’ve ever short-changed you.”

After all, the moment they got married, he’d given her half a billion. You’d be hard-pressed to find another man in the world that generous.

When they arrived at the mall, Boyd didn’t tag along to play third wheel. He just told them to call him when they were ready to leave, then disappeared.

Ivy wanted a haircut, so she headed to her favorite salon.

To her surprise, her old stylist, Tony, still worked there and even remembered her.

“Miss Ivy, it’s been ages!” Tony greeted her warmly, but before he could reach her, Jamison stepped between them, blocking the way with one arm.