Chapter 69
Ivy couldn’t help the wave of disdain that washed over her as she remembered that guy everyone online called “Dr. Handsome.” He was a renowned doctor too, but unlike others, he was humble and low-key, quietly helping people without needing praise or attention.
But Jamison? He practically wanted to parade around with banners so the whole world would know he was an expert.
Jamison caught the contempt in her eyes and, with a tight-lipped smile, turned to leave. “No need to make a fuss.”
“Ugh, what a show-off,” Ivy muttered, then looked at her friend across the table. “Come on, sit down and eat! Why are you being so polite to him?”
Katrina took a seat, trying to play peacemaker. “You know, you don’t have to be so hostile. He might be a bit distant, but honestly, he’s a good person.”
“That’s got nothing to do with me.”
“He did save your life, though. Doesn’t that count for something? Can’t you cut him a little slack?”
Katrina knew her best friend too well. She sighed. “You’re just projecting because Dr. Ludwig is Micah’s uncle. So you can’t stand him by association.”
Ivy didn’t deny it. Maybe that was part of it. Still, Jamison had never left her with a good impression. Yes, he’d helped her once, but that hardly made up for everything else.
Katrina shot her a sly look. “By the way, Ivy, does Micah still have feelings for you? From what you said earlier, it sounds like he cares about you a lot.”
Ivy gave a sharp, dismissive laugh. “He’s just greedy. Wants his cake and to eat it too.”
“What a jerk!”
“Worse than that.” The thing Ivy hated most about Micah was the way he betrayed her, then tried to make excuses, acting like he was still so devoted, desperate for her forgiveness. Guys who wanted everything both ways—she found them absolutely revolting.
That night, Ivy didn’t go back to Windsor Mansion. Her new place was finally set up, and Katrina had already moved in. They celebrated with a cozy little housewarming, just the two of them—singing, dancing, enjoying the privacy and comfort of their own space.
Later, stretched out on her luxurious bed, Ivy let out a long, satisfied sigh. If it weren’t for the fact that she still had to play mind games with Emma, she truly wouldn’t want to go back to that “home” at all.
Her phone chimed. Ivy rolled over, grabbed it, and saw a flurry of group messages. The stock market had started picking up again these past couple of days. Everyone was eager for action, crowding into the chat to ask the “stock guru” for advice.
Ivy joined in the conversation for a bit, but still hadn’t seen Dr. Handsome show up. She’d been meaning to ask his opinion on which hospital had the best OB-GYNs in the city. They’d added each other on WhatsApp, but they weren’t exactly close. Besides, the two of them always seemed to butt heads. Reaching out now, just because she needed something, felt a little opportunistic.
Just as she was debating whether to message him or not, his name suddenly popped up in the group chat.
Dr. Handsome: I agree with Mrs. Smith’s analysis: Planning to increase my position tomorrow.
Jay: Well, look at that—Dr. Handsome actually agreeing with Mrs. Smith! Did hell freeze over?
Dr. Handsome: I’m agreeing with the market.
Dale: [laughing emoji] Right, right, it’s the market.
Ivy smiled at her phone, then typed: The market is unpredictable, but the fundamentals never change. That’s what I analyze.
As soon as she hit send, Dr. Handsome went quiet again. Ivy figured she’d probably offended him—again. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes. What a sensitive guy.
But in reality, Jamison hadn’t even seen her message. He was on the phone, not at his computer.
“That girl is just too much. I don’t like her, and I don’t want you setting me up with her anymore,” he snapped into the phone, trying to keep his annoyance in check as he spoke to his mother. “If you keep insisting, next time I’ll just walk out—so don’t blame me if things get awkward.”