“What do you mean?” Katrina asked, puzzled.

“The fact that the Windsor family is bankrupt is already public knowledge. Everyone knows I’m married to Jamison. Now, if Mrs. Burke managed to get the upper hand over me today, just think–every creditor who lost money thanks to the Windsors would come straight to me, demanding to be paid back.”

Ivy always kept her head clear, explaining calmly, “If I let Mrs. Burke embarrass me today, you can bet she’ll spread rumors about me in our circle. Soon, everyone will know I gained nothing from marrying Jamison–just an empty title, really. Naturally…”

“I get it! Ivy, you’re brilliant–you see five moves ahead every time!” Katrina’s face lit up, her admiration sincere. But then her expression clouded with worry. “But if you play it this way, Dr. Ludwig will have to take the blame. He’s been nothing but generous to you–he’s shelled out millions, and now everyone will think he’s a penny-pinching miser.”

Ivy just smiled. “He cares even less than I do about what people think. Besides, every wealthy couple signs a prenup before marriage. It’s just common sense–everyone wants to protect their own assets. If this gets around, people might actually compliment Jamison for having a clear head, not falling for a pretty face and losing all sense. Whether it turns into a scandal or actually helps clear our names remains to be seen.”

Katrina nodded, giving Ivy a thumbs-up. “You’re amazing! If I had half your smarts, the Lester family wouldn’t have gotten away with walking all over me.”

Ivy squeezed her friend’s hand. “You’re not lacking brains–you’re just stuck because of your mom’s illness. Once you start earning your own money, you’ll stand tall again.”

“Yeah, I’ve got to make some real cash!”

They strolled on, Ivy feeling a spark of satisfaction at the thought of the Windsor family finally facing consequences for their actions. As they passed a luxury men’s boutique, Ivy’s mood lifted even further. She hooked her arm through Katrina’s. “Come on, let’s take a look. I want to get Dr. Ludwig a little something.”

Katrina gave her a teasing grin. “Look at you, finally growing a conscience. About time you did something nice for Dr. Ludwig.”

Ivy didn’t have much experience shopping for men, but her taste was impeccable. After careful browsing, she picked out two shirts, a pair of cufflinks, and two silk ties for Jamison, dropping nearly twenty grand in the process. She had no idea if he’d even use any of it, but it was the thought that counted.

Once they stepped out of the boutique, Ivy found herself a bit tired. She was just about to suggest finding a place to sit down for a drink–and maybe call Jamison–when she spotted Rosetta, who was scanning the crowd, clearly looking for someone.

The moment Rosetta saw Ivy, her face lit up. She hurried over, calling, “Ivy! Ivy!”

Katrina, sensing the tension, instinctively stepped in front of Ivy, her tone icy. “Mrs. Windsor, please, this is a public place. Have some dignity for once. Don’t make a scene just so everyone can have a laugh at your expense.”

Rosetta’s expression soured immediately. She snapped, “Ms. Lester, what business is this of yours? I’m talking to my daughter. Your father’s been acting like a lunatic, calling Ivy’s dad the other day, ranting and raving that my Ivy led you astray and now you never go home! If you ask me, you’re the one clinging to Ivy like a leech, hoping to get something out of it!”

“Mrs. Windsor, looks like you and your family are finally turning on each other. How fitting,” Katrina shot back, her voice cold and mocking.

Ivy stepped forward, gently pulling Katrina behind her as she faced Rosetta squarely. “Katrina is my best friend. She’s family to me.”

“Ivy, we’re your real family,” Rosetta protested, anguish twisting her features. “How long are you going to keep this up? We’ve already apologized, admitted we were wrong. You wanted Emma to pay a price–well, she’s stuck with Sheridan now, that bastard. Isn’t that enough for you? The family’s in real trouble, your father and I are at our wits‘ end… If we can’t get through this, the Windsors are finished. You’re one of us–you can’t just stand by and watch us go down. You can’t abandon your own family!”

Rosetta’s desperation was palpable, but Ivy’s expression didn’t waver. “You’re only reaping what you’ve sown.”

“No, Ivy, you have to help us. Please, talk to Jamison–ask him to lend us ten million. We’ll pay it back, every cent, with interest!” Rosetta reached for Ivy’s arm, but Katrina jumped in again, blocking her.

“Mrs. Windsor, you want to talk, then talk–but keep your hands off Ivy!”

Ivy didn’t want to be touched either, so she let Katrina shield her.

“Ivy…” Rosetta looked completely defeated. Suddenly, her face crumpled. “Ivy, if it’ll make you forgive us, I’ll get down on my knees right here. I don’t care how humiliated I am, as long as you’re not angry anymore. I’ll kneel–right now-”

Rosetta bent her knees, meaning to kneel in the middle of the shopping mall. If she actually went through with it, the whole place would be gawking. Someone would film it, post it online, and Ivy would be caught in a storm of public opinion.

But Ivy didn’t give her the chance. Before Rosetta could drop to the floor, Ivy said coldly, “That’s not necessary. Come see me tomorrow at Golden Maple Estate.”

Katrina spun around in shock. “Ivy! Don’t go soft on them!”