Ivy couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “You make it sound like I’m a school kid whose parents have to sit in on classes.”

Jamison replied, “It’s perfectly normal to bring a date to an event like this.”

“But it’s different for you,” Ivy protested. “Your presence represents the entire Ludwig family, and people will start all sorts of rumors.”

“My brother’s the one who officially represents the family,” Jamison said, undeterred. “Just tell people I’m your husband, here to play chauffeur.”

He’d made his point crystal clear. If Ivy refused again, things would only get awkward between them.

“Fine,” she relented. “Just get home a little early tomorrow.”

With that, they ended the video call.

Ivy had always been fiercely independent, but now, for the sake of her partner, she found herself trying to adjust old habits. The thought left her uneasy, yet she didn’t want to upset Jamison–or worse, make him worry.

Somewhere along the way, Jamison had become her anchor, her support… but also the one tie she couldn’t break, her greatest vulnerability.

Friday evening.

Ivy arrived early at Golden Maple Estate. All her evening gowns were stored at her place, so she wanted to get ready in advance. Knowing Jamison’s schedule was packed, she decided to save him time by getting dressed and doing her hair and makeup before driving to the luxury condo near the hospital.

That way, once Jamison got off work and changed, they could head straight to the event.

But just as she hustled over to the condo, her phone rang–Jamison calling.

“Ivy, there are two emergency surgeries, and they’re short-staffed. I have to help out–I won’t be able to come back and go with you.”

His voice was tense, and she could hear him running in the background. There was also an announcement blaring over the PA, calling for doctors from multiple departments to join a critical case. That only happened when things were truly life-or-death.

Ivy had just stepped inside. Hearing this, she paused, then actually felt a wave of relief. “Go, don’t worry about me,” she said quickly. “I can handle everything on my own.”

“I’ll call Boyd-”

“No need. Go do what you need to. I’ll take care of myself, and I’ll text you as soon as it’s over.”

She knew every second counted right now, and she didn’t want to be a distraction–only reassurance.

Jamison murmured his thanks and hung up.

Ivy glanced at the time–just about right. She didn’t bother going inside, just switched shoes and headed out again.

She drove to Elysium Towers, arriving with only five minutes to spare before the gala started.

As soon as she stepped out of the car and slipped on her heels, her phone rang.

“Ivy, are you here yet?”

“Mr. Shaw, I just parked. I’ll be right up.”

“Great, looking forward to it.”

After the call, Ivy smoothed her dress and walked briskly toward the club entrance. She flashed her digital invitation and was let in without a hitch.

The gala was formal, the lobby lined with elegant displays bearing the signatures of industry heavyweights.

A hostess handed her a pen, and Ivy accepted it with a smile, turning to sign her own name. Nearby, the PR photographer noticed her striking, unfamiliar face, and immediately snapped a few extra photos, eager to capture her beauty.

“Ivy, you made it,” Edmond greeted her personally.

At thirty-six, Edmond had been divorced for four years and had a seven-year-old daughter living with his ex-wife. Tall, successful, still single, he exuded confidence–every hair perfectly in place. Plenty of women in their circle had tried to catch his eye, but he’d never remarried.

Ivy walked up and shook his outstretched hand with a warm smile. “Good evening Mr. Shaw.”

Chapter 599

“It’s been a while, and you’re even more stunning than before,” Edmond said, openly admiring her. “You’ll be the star of the evening, without a doubt.”

Tonight, Ivy wore a vibrant yellow evening gown–a bold, demanding color that would wash out most people. But with her fair skin, elegant height, and striking features, she pulled it off effortlessly, turning heads wherever she went.

As Edmond escorted her inside, a buzz rippled through the crowd. People whispered, speculating that Edmond, single for so long, must finally have a new flame he wanted to show off.

In the midst of the chatter, a middle-aged man eyed the dazzling new face from across the room and leaned toward his secretary. “Is that Ivy?”

“Yes, Mr. Carter. That’s Jamison’s wife. Supposedly, they had a whirlwind wedding–no ceremony, no fuss. No idea if Jamison just wanted a fling, or what,” the secretary replied.

Langston Carter nodded, a smirk of disdain on his lips. “Even the strongest men lose their heads over beautiful women. It’s nothing new.”

He kept his gaze fixed on the woman at Edmond’s side, eyes cold and calculating. His son Sheridan–and the entire Carter family–had become the laughingstock of the social circle. And the ones who started it all were Jamison and Ivy.

They’d set a trap, dragged his family into it for the sake of revenge against Emma. That was a debt Langston fully intended to settle.

As the gala began, Edmond led Ivy around the room, introducing her to his old classmates.

Neo Haven University’s School of Finance was renowned, and any graduate with ambition and talent could carve out a place in the world of finance within a few years. Among them, Edmond stood out as the most respected and influential.

With Edmond making introductions–and Ivy’s stunning looks–it wasn’t long before she’d collected a dozen new contacts on her phone, all from people eager to connect with her.

“Mr. Shaw, congratulations–another rising star on your team,” Langston said, raising his glass as he joined them.