Ivy liked the dress too, but not enough to make a fuss over it. She was about to tell Jamison to forget it and look for something else when he leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Didn’t you want to steal the spotlight tonight? This dress is perfect–it matches your new haircut and fits the occasion.”
The color and design were striking, almost bridal in their elegance. If she wore this gown to Emma’s engagement party, she’d outshine the bride-to-be for sure. Ivy pictured Emma’s sour expression and felt a flicker of temptation. She glanced at Jamison, her eyes alight with mischief. “But it’s not for sale. Do you have a plan?”
Jamison grinned. “Call me ‘darling,’ and I’ll make it happen.”
Ivy rolled her eyes, teasing, “Lucky for you, you didn’t ask for a kiss.”
“That would be even better,” he shot back.
“Get out of here.” She pinched his arm playfully. “Forget it, I’ll look at something else.”
But Jamison caught her hand, pulling out his phone. “Wait a sec. Let me make a call.” He stepped away, phone pressed to his ear.
The sales assistant, not recognizing them, assumed they were ordinary customers and continued her pitch. “We have plenty of other exclusive gowns–some even more beautiful than this one.” Before she could finish, Jamison returned, tucking away his phone. “Give it a few minutes. The mall owner is on his way.”
The assistant froze. Monarch Plaza was the most exclusive luxury shopping center in Neo Haven. The owner was practically a legend–she’d worked here over two years and never seen so much as a glimpse of him. Even during major inspections, only the vice president and a few managers ever appeared. But now, for a couple of unknown customers, the owner himself was coming down? She barely had time to process this when the store manager rushed over, beaming, and ushered Jamison and Ivy into the VIP lounge to wait.
Moments later, the mall owner arrived, all charm and courtesy, shaking Jamison’s hand and exchanging pleasantries. In the end, the once “not for sale” gown was quietly wrapped up for Ivy to take home.
But as soon as she heard the price of that limited-edition couture dress, Ivy hesitated. One hundred and eight thousand dollars. More expensive than anything she’d ever worn. Jamison, however, didn’t so much as blink. He paid on the spot. He even picked out two more outfits for Ivy, plus a pair of red-soled heels to go with the gown. The total came to one hundred eighty thousand. After all, they’d put the staff in a tough spot–buying a few extra pieces was his way of making amends.
When they left the flagship store, the mall owner and store manager personally escorted them out, sending a staff member along to carry the garment bags to their car.
Once the car doors closed, Ivy turned to Jamison, her voice soft. “You can’t just spend money like that. It’s too much–it’s not necessary.”
“If it makes you happy, then it’s worth it. Money comes and goes, but something you truly love? Miss it, and you might never get another chance,” he replied, utterly matter-of-fact, as if he’d just spent eighteen dollars, not one hundred eighty thousand.
Ivy stared at him, a warmth rising in her chest. They say a man’s heart is wherever he spends his money. Jamison spared no expense for her–from the five thousand he’d dropped on her haircut earlier, to the fortune he’d just spent on her clothes, to the five million he’d given her as a wedding gift… He showed her with actions what it meant to love someone. If love could be measured in dollars, Jamison’s devotion was beyond counting.
Chapter 391
That evening, in Jamison’s apartment.
Ivy was dressed to perfection, breathtakingly beautiful–a vision no one could take their eyes off.