Chapter 500

Jamison let out a cold, sardonic laugh. “I just said she called for help halfway through, so it probably wasn’t her idea to go along with it. Which means–those two men must have been handpicked by Sheridan.”

Ivy was speechless.

He went on, “Did you forget? I told you about this before. Sheridan’s a brute–no morals, no conscience, no boundaries.”

Ivy nodded, remembering all too well. That animal had already been divorced twice. He’d married a pretty influencer, started a digital marketing company, and his private life was a complete mess. To him, his wife was just a money-making tool. If needed, she was also paraded around to schmooze clients–like a glorified escort.

She just hadn’t expected Emma to be “put to work” so quickly.

“So, what happened in the end? After they did their thing in the car, what about Emma?” Ivy couldn’t help but feel, if Emma had been forced into this, she must have felt horrible afterward.

Jamison’s smile turned sly. “They didn’t finish.”

“Huh?” Ivy tilted her head, frowning in confusion.

“I heard someone calling for help, so of course I did the right thing and called 911. The police showed up and took all of them in.”

“What?” Ivy’s eyes widened at the unexpected twist.

“I looked into it. Three people together like that–it counts as public indecency. So the police kept all of them for questioning. Plus, those two businessmen thought Sheridan had set them up to steal their clients, so at the station, they beat him up pretty badly.”

Jamison’s handsome features broke into a self-satisfied grin. “Aren’t I clever? Three birds with one stone. I got Emma punished, put those lowlifes behind bars, and struck a blow against vice. Impressive, don’t you think?”

Ivy stared at him, her lips parting, unsure what to say.

It really was impressive, but dragging someone as distinguished as Mr. Jamison into something so sordid felt a little beneath him.

“Let’s just drive. I want to get home before noon.” Ivy turned her gaze to the windshield, signaling she didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

Jamison agreed and got back on the road.

“Emma’s probably regretting it now… Compared to a life as some escort, a stint in jail might be easier,” Ivy mused aloud.

Jamison snorted. “I wouldn’t count on it. If she’s willing to sever ties with the Windsor family, it means she thinks sticking with Sheridan is the better deal. Who knows, maybe she’s twisted enough to enjoy the pain.”

Ivy stayed silent.

But her intuition–and what she knew of Emma–told her things weren’t that simple. Emma was likely using Sheridan, too, with her own agenda in mind.

After a while, Ivy remembered something. “By the way, I heard from Boyd that you had him keep an eye on Emma? Was it because I wouldn’t stay at home? You were worried she’d try something against me, so you had her watched?”

Jamison muttered with mild annoyance, “That kid–he can’t keep his mouth shut.”

Ivy quickly explained, “Don’t blame him! I asked. Besides, why didn’t you tell me you did something so sweet? I don’t even know how to thank you!”

“Thank me?” Jamison chuckled, glancing back at her.

“Of course. You’re always looking out for me, and I never know how to repay you.” Ivy turned sideways in her seat, gazing at him with shining eyes.

He grew a little embarrassed at her words, though he was secretly delighted. “They say love is always feeling you owe the other person. If you feel indebted to me, does that mean you’ll love me even more?”

“Yes. I love you.” Ivy held his gaze, her voice soft but earnest. “Jamison, I love you.”

The confession came so suddenly, it caught Dr. Ludwig completely off guard.

And Ivy wasn’t just saying it to make him happy. She meant every word, straight from her heart.

She thought back to how he’d stood up for her in front of the Windsors, everything he’d done for her these past months–how could she not love a man like this?

Jamison’s whole face lit up as he looked at her again, his eyes shining. “Ivy, you had to pick now to confess?”

Ivy gave him a gentle, teasing smile. “Is there a right time for that?”

“Of course there is! It’s supposed to be somewhere quiet, somewhere special, so I can properly return your love.” Despite his smile, he was completely serious.

At first Ivy didn’t get it, but then she saw the mischievous curve of his lips and realized what he meant.

This guy–he was up to his old tricks again.

“Eyes on the road! Don’t you dare get any ideas!” She snapped to attention, turning away and sitting up straight.

But Dr. Ludwig couldn’t help himself.

As soon as they cleared the intersection, he spun the wheel and pulled over.

“Jamison, don’t you-” Ivy knew exactly what he was about to do. She tried to resist, but before she could, he caught her wrist and pulled her to him.

He sealed her protest with a kiss–deep, tender, and full of feeling. “Ivy, I love you, too.”

Ivy frowned, still resisting; it was broad daylight, for heaven’s sake, and they were parked on the side of the road. How embarrassing.

But for Dr. Ludwig, hearing his wife say those words for the first time–reason went out the window. He held her firmly, masterful yet gentle, and kissed her thoroughly.

Until the car window on the driver’s side was tapped from the outside…