So he really remembered the foods she liked and had them sent over from the family estate just for her?

The thought of such an exceptional man keeping her so close to his heart made Ivy’s lips curl into a blissful smile.

While eating breakfast, she texted Jamison to ask when he might be coming home. Over half an hour later, her phone rang. It was Jamison.

“Hello?”

“Ivy, something’s come up at the department. I don’t think I’ll have time to pick you up. I’ll ask Boyd to drive you instead.” His words tumbled out quickly–he was clearly still in the thick of work.

Ivy didn’t hesitate. “No need, I can drive myself. My car’s been sitting too long anyway–it needs a run.”

“Boyd’s got nothing on today. Don’t worry about troubling him.”

“Really, it’s fine. I’ll drive myself. Just don’t skip lunch, okay? Get back to work.” Ivy’s tone was firm.

Jamison could only agree. “Alright, see you at noon.”

He hung up and hurried off to join his colleagues as they headed back to the wards. Noticing Celeste was missing from the group, Jamison asked offhandedly, “Is Dr. Quinn off today?”

“No, she took a personal day.”

“A personal day?”

“Yeah. I heard Dr. Quinn wasn’t herself at work yesterday. She’s always such a workaholic–if she’s taking time off, something important must’ve come up.”

Jamison frowned, deep in thought.

After the warning he’d given her yesterday, he’d expected Celeste to immediately call in reinforcements. Yet, so far, he hadn’t heard a word from Professor Penn. And now, for the first time ever, Celeste had taken the day off.

He couldn’t help but worry. Celeste could be stubborn to a fault–what if his harsh words yesterday had pushed her too far?

He remembered he’d be having lunch with Professor Penn and his family today. Maybe he’d bring it up at the table and ask Mrs. Penn to help smooth things over.

At noon, Naylor arrived at the restaurant with his parents right on time.

Ivy drove herself and got there early, but since Jamison hadn’t arrived yet, she waited in her car, not wanting to go in alone.

Fifteen minutes past their agreed meeting time, Jamison finally showed up.

They got out of their cars. Jamison, spotting his wife from across the lot, reached out his hand.

Ivy jogged over and slipped her hand into his, letting him pull her gently into a warm embrace.

“Alright, we’re already late. Let’s get inside,” she said, smiling up at him with a playful nudge.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

Just as they were walking in, Jamison’s phone rang. It was Naylor.

“We’re here, heading upstairs now,” Jamison said after answering.

They made their way to the private dining room. A waiter greeted them politely and opened the door as Jamison led Ivy inside.

They were about to greet their hosts when both of them froze in surprise.

Inside were four people.

Alongside Professor Penn and his wife and son sat–Celeste.

Jamison’s expression darkened instantly.

He hadn’t expected that Celeste had skipped work today just to arrange this intervention with their mentors.

Ivy was equally surprised, glancing up at her husband with concern.

She knew his temper–if he lost it now, he might not even care about saving face in front of Professor Penn. Quietly, she squeezed his hand, signaling him to keep calm.

The atmosphere in the room turned icy, tension hanging thick in the air.

Celeste sat there, hands clenched tightly in her lap, her face a tangle of nerves and complicated emotions as she watched the couple at the door.

Breaking the silence, Naylor quickly got up and greeted them, trying to ease the awkwardness. “Jamison, we’ve been waiting for you. Come on, bring Miss Windsor and have a seat.”