Chapter 428

Jamison couldn’t stand the way she looked at him, her eyes shimmering with that helpless, heart-tugging innocence. He hooked a finger under her chin and pressed a few quick kisses to her lips, unable to resist.

Just then, the quiet was shattered by a loud, piping question from a little boy: “Uncle Jamie, Aunt Ivy, are you trying to make me a little brother or sister right now?”

Both adults froze, caught mid-movement.

Standing in the bedroom doorway was Halley, small and serious, his big dark eyes staring straight at the two of them, clearly demanding answers.

Footsteps approached from behind him. Quick as a flash, Halley spun around to intercept, whispering, “Aunt Katrina, shhh… don’t bother Uncle Jamie and Aunt Ivy. They’re busy making me a little brother or sister.”

“What?” Katrina nearly dropped the mug in her hand, eyes wide with shock.

In broad daylight? Really? And they hadn’t even bothered to shut the door?

Inside, Ivy felt her whole body tense at Halley’s words. Who knew where she found the strength, but she shoved Jamison away so hard the tall, muscular man actually stumbled. She darted out, cheeks flaming.

“Don’t listen to a word this little rascal says!” Ivy blurted, desperate to defend herself.

Katrina, still reeling, glanced at her friend’s swollen lips and pointed, “So… you were just kissing?”

Ivy instinctively touched her mouth, at a complete loss for words.

She could have strangled Jamison. He just had to start something in the middle of the day, without the slightest regard for decency. Now they’d been caught by a child, and she dreaded what Halley might tell his parents. How was she supposed to face anyone after this?

Jamison sauntered out, hands in his pockets, face as cool and authoritative as ever. “Halley, do you interrupt your mom and dad at home like this?”

Didn’t his father ever just toss him out for barging in?

Halley, unbothered, replied, “My mom and dad always lock their bedroom door…”

Ivy nearly choked, picturing Thad and his wife having to explain themselves. If they’d been here, they’d probably want to disappear into the floor.

Jamison’s stern expression softened with amusement. “You know a lot for your age.”

“Of course! I’m really smart,” Halley chirped.

Ivy was speechless.

Katrina just stared, wide-eyed. “This kid is something else.”

The night before classes started, Ivy actually wanted to spend her last evening at home. But she’d already promised Jamison she’d stay with him, and she couldn’t go back on her word now.

Thankfully, Katrina understood. “You’re going back to campus soon, so you and Dr. Ludwig will be apart for a few days. Stay with him tonight. We’ll have plenty of time to hang out once you’re back at school.”

Katrina, about to start her third year of grad school, would be busy with her thesis and mostly living on campus anyway.

Ivy nodded, and as she was about to leave, she reminded Katrina, “When you head out, double-check the apartment for anything weird. Call me if you find anything.”

“Got it. See you at school.”

After loading her bags into the car, Jamison glanced over. “Did Katrina cut ties with her family too?”

“Sort of. Her mom’s been ill for years and lives in a nursing home. The care costs a lot, and her family still pays for it, so she can’t completely break away.”

Talking about Katrina, Ivy felt nothing but sympathy. Her own life had seen its share of hardship, but things were finally looking up. She could only hope Katrina’s luck would turn soon as well.

On the way back to the apartment, Jamison made a quick detour to drop Halley off at home.

Halley pouted, clearly annoyed. “Uncle Jamie, it isn’t even dark yet. Why are you taking me home now? I didn’t even get to play with your cat this afternoon!”

Jamison tried to scare him straight. “If you stay too long, your mom and dad might decide to make you a little brother or sister, and then your parents' love will have to be split in half.”

Ivy shot him a look. “Can you not fill his head with nonsense?”

Jamison seemed certain the warning would work, but Halley just shrugged. “So what? If I get a little brother or sister, I’ll have my own sidekick! They can fetch my drinks and give me back rubs. Sounds pretty great to me.”