With his brother’s advice and backing, Jamison quickly mapped out a plan to deal with the Carter family. Even though the tax authorities were supposed to be off on Saturdays, they sprang into action the moment they received his anonymous tip-off. Just as the Carter family had tested their limits with petty harassment, Jamison chose to strike back in kind–targeting one of their branch companies as a warning shot.

Thad had cautioned him not to push the Carter family too hard. “Cornered dogs bite,” he’d said, “and if we press too much, they might just go down swinging and take us with them.”

Jamison’s usual approach would have been to go straight for the jugular, but Thad’s words made sense. This wasn’t about crushing the Carters in a single blow–just a warning, a reminder that Jamison had evidence of their crimes in hand. If they kept playing dirty, he wouldn’t hesitate to fight back. The complaint was already filed; now all that was left was to sit back and watch the Carter family scramble.

Ivy slept in late, sunlight already streaming in when she finally woke. As soon as Jamison walked in, he leaned over to kiss her, but she dodged, still groggy and grumpy. “If you keep this up, I’m not coming home on weekends anymore,” she grumbled.

Jamison understood exactly what she meant and immediately felt wronged. “It’s only because I miss you so much during the week. If you came home every night, if we slept together every day, I wouldn’t get so carried away.”

“Yeah, right. Like I’d believe that.”

With his endless energy, even if they were together every night, he’d still want her just as much–she’d be exhausted all the same. No wonder the jokes online said that when you’re young, your period is a woman’s saving grace, but once you’re older, it’s a man’s favorite week.

Ivy couldn’t help but let her mind wander. Would Jamison still have this much energy when he hit his forties? Would she become the “forty and fierce” woman everyone joked about?

Jamison chuckled, seeing how limp and tired his wife was, finally relenting. “Alright, I promise I’ll let you get a good night’s sleep tonight.”

She shot him a sidelong glance, mumbling, “It’s for your own good. You can’t keep burning the candle at both ends. Look at Sheridan–so young, and already with kidney problems.”

The comparison might have been off, but Ivy’s concern was real. Jamison understood her worry and vowed again, “I promise, I’ll take better care of myself.”

Over breakfast, Jamison shared his latest strategy against the Carter family. Since it was Thad’s idea, Ivy had no objections. When it came to brains and scheming, the Ludwig brothers together were unmatched in all of Neo Haven. Her only worry was Jamison’s safety.

“This all started as a grudge between Emma and me. Now you’re caught up in it, and it’s grown into a feud between our families…” Ivy sighed, that nagging guilt from last night returning. She looked at him and said, “I once swore to your family that I wouldn’t be a burden to you. And now, your own safety is at risk because of me.”

“You’re overthinking it,” Jamison said gently. “We’re married; what’s yours is mine. I never saw it any other way. Besides, I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made.” Even if the Carters wanted revenge, he didn’t care. After all, the Carter family had brought this on themselves–whether it was Sheridan’s dirty deals in the past, his and Emma’s plot against Katrina Lester, or their latest schemes–there was no question where the blame lay. Their crimes were piling up.

In terms of influence and connections, the Ludwig family clearly had the upper hand. If things ever got out of hand, they could easily wipe the Carters out for good. And they’d be doing the world a favor–serving justice.

“This is a good deed, Ivy. Don’t blame yourself. If anything, it was my failure yesterday for not protecting you.” He tried to comfort her.

Ivy smiled, and, turning to him, took his hand. “Thank you, honey.”

Jamison loved hearing her call him that. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, putting on a mock-serious tone. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

She grinned back at him and suddenly asked, “So, what’s the plan for today?” He’d been so busy lately–and with today off from the hospital and the weather so perfect, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to relax and unwind somewhere.

Jamison saw right through her. “Did you have something in mind?”

“How about we go somewhere with a little nature–maybe a hike, a picnic by the lake?”