But the way her figure filled out that dress was downright distracting—even as a woman, Ivy found her eyes drawn in despite herself. Almost instinctively, she offered a polite compliment. “Congratulations. You look beautiful today. Wishing you a wonderful engagement and a happy marriage ahead.”
“Thank you, Ivy,” Emma replied with a bright smile, then added, “Well, I am the star of the day. Of course I have to look my best! Wouldn’t want anyone else stealing the spotlight—how frustrating would that be?”
As she spoke, Emma’s gaze swept over Ivy’s designer gown—no doubt expensive. Despite the smile, there was a flash of resentment in her eyes.
Ivy arched an eyebrow and gave a gentle, amused smile.
So Emma was just going to come out and say it, right in front of everyone.
Well, if that’s how we’re playing it, Ivy saw no reason not to be a little more direct herself.
“Don’t worry—no one could outshine you today. That dress, and your look… even the makeup Mr. Hickey created for you seems dull in comparison. If I’d known you’d turn out like this, I wouldn’t have bothered waiting two hours for the stylist. Don’t you agree?” Ivy’s smile was sweet as honey.
The people around them looked confused, not quite catching the subtext.
But Jamison couldn’t help it; he ducked his head and stifled a laugh.
When it came to sly jabs, Ivy gave as good as she got—maybe better.
And honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
Emma’s makeup really was flawless today. It brought out her features perfectly, highlighting every advantage.
A shame, though—no matter how alluring her curves, it was impossible to look anywhere else.
Emma knew exactly what Ivy meant. She deliberately let her gaze linger on Ivy’s chest, then grinned. “Looks like you’re jealous, Ivy. I mean, you’re so slim—like a board! That gorgeous gown is wasted on you. It deserves a figure with a little more… presence.”
Ivy glanced down at herself. The gown fit her perfectly, an impeccable custom piece—but Emma was determined to find fault.
Chapter 396
There were a dozen clever ways she could have fired back, but tonight, wearing the title of Jamison’s wife, Ivy refused to stoop to Emma’s level and cause a scene.
So she simply smiled and said nothing, letting the childish, crass subject drop.
But her silence only spurred Emma on, making her bolder.
Emma’s eyes flicked to Jamison. With a syrupy, affected voice, she purred, “Uncle Jamie—oh no, I mean, brother-in-law now! Brother-in-law, poor you… Just look how happy my fiancé is! So lucky, isn’t he?”
God knows whether she meant “lucky” or something far less innocent.
Ivy’s face drained of color in shock.
Since when did Emma get so shameless?
To talk about bedroom matters so overtly in public—absolutely scandalous.
And Sheridan wasn’t even stopping her!
Emma, noticing Jamison’s growing irritation, only pressed on, her tone even more outrageous. “Ivy, you know, with a husband like yours, you really should make an effort to keep him close. There are plenty of women who’d love to take your place. Maybe I should introduce you to my doctor—guaranteed results, if you know what I mean…”
“That won’t be necessary,” Jamison cut in coldly, unable to listen to another word. “Why don’t you keep him for yourself?”
He was already regretting showing up.
What a mess.
A supposedly elegant engagement party, packed with guests, and here was the bride-to-be—crude, vulgar, not the least bit discreet. It was an assault on the senses.
Around the room, the buzz of gossip grew louder. People stared at Emma, their eyes hungry, their faces twisted in gleeful malice as they whispered behind their hands.
Across the hall, the Windsor family watched the spectacle unfold.
Baillie Windsor knocked back her wine in one gulp, her expression twisting in disgust. “Is Emma out of her mind? She’s not worried about crossing the Carter family?”
Chapter 397