Chapter 696
“Should be fine.”
Ivy had spent a full month in the hospital. Now that her body had recovered and her tests for HIV had come back clear, there was no reason she couldn’t return to her normal life.
“I’ve been following your recent financial columns,” Edmond said, his tone both warm and enthusiastic. “Even though you’re still an undergrad, your insight and analysis of the market are sharper than most of our product managers. I mean it–I really admire your talent. I hope you’ll join us soon. I promise, you’ll have a stage big enough to show the world what you can do.”
Edmond spoke with the flair of a true company boss, his words stirring excitement and anticipation.
Ivy felt like she couldn’t wait another day to start working there.
Halfway through their conversation, Ivy’s phone rang.
Jamison was calling her back.
“Hi… No, nothing urgent. It’s just that Mr. Shaw from Quantum Hedge Securities came by, and I thought if you were free-”
She didn’t even finish her sentence before the call was abruptly cut off.
She could just picture him now, probably racing over at full speed.
Setting her phone down, Ivy smiled. “That was my husband. He’ll be here in a bit.”
Edmond looked surprised, pausing for a moment before saying, “Oh, Dr. Ludwig, right? Does he work here at the hospital?”
“Yes.” Ivy didn’t elaborate–Jamison didn’t just work here; he was one of the hospital’s major shareholders and its honorary president.
Sure enough, Jamison arrived quickly.
The moment he stepped into the hospital room and saw the unfamiliar man, his expression shifted: the approachable warmth he showed Ivy vanished, replaced by his usual cold, commanding presence.
Edmond immediately stood up, wearing a polite smile and extending his hand. “Dr. Ludwig? I’m Edmond Shaw, head of asset management at Quantum Hedge Securities. I’ve heard so much about you–an honor to finally meet you.”
Jamison didn’t really mingle in the business world, so he didn’t recognize Edmond. But he had heard of Quantum Hedge Securities–a well-known firm with a solid reputation and significant market share.
He suspected his older brother might know this guy. Jamison made a mental note to ask about his character later.
“Mr. Shaw, you’re too kind. Ivy often mentions you. Thank you for recognizing her talent and giving her this opportunity,” Jamison replied, shaking his hand and saying all the right things.
From her hospital bed, Ivy watched her husband put on his high-and-mighty, dignified act and couldn’t help but feel a laugh bubbling up. She knew him too well; in private, he was anything but serious–seeing him play the stern authority figure now was almost comical.
“Dr. Ludwig, you flatter me. Miss Windsor is so gifted, even without my involvement, with your support she’d shine anywhere,” Edmond replied smoothly, managing to compliment both Ivy and Jamison in one breath.
He’d also made a quick switch in how he addressed Ivy, careful not to give Jamison any reason to be wary.
Jamison offered a thin, almost dismissive smile. “That’s true. But she insists on striking out on her own, so I’m letting her have her fun. If she hits a wall or gets hurt, she’ll always have a place to come home to.”
His words dripped with indulgence, as if to say: my wife is not to be mistreated.
Edmond hurried to reassure him. “You have nothing to worry about, Dr. Ludwig. Our firm has an impeccable reputation. We would never let Miss Windsor down.”
No company executive would ever say that to a regular employee–this was all for the sake of the Ludwig family.
Ivy understood perfectly: Jamison had shown up just to make his presence felt and intimidate Edmond. So childish.
Edmond understood too. Jamison clearly saw him as a potential threat, suspecting that a divorced man like himself might have ulterior motives toward Ivy.
Truth be told, Edmond had been attracted to Ivy from the start.
Before they met in person, he’d only known her as an incisive market commentator on the forums–a prodigy whose sharp mind he genuinely wanted to recruit.
But after meeting her, he was struck by her beauty and poise, and found himself more than a little captivated.
What he hadn’t expected was that this brilliant young woman–still an undergrad, practically an angel–was already married.
And not just to anyone, but to the illustrious, powerful Mr. Jamison.
Ivy kept surprising him, one revelation after another.
He no longer dared harbor any romantic thoughts, but a new idea began to take root.
If Ivy was the Ludwig family’s daughter-in-law, and he could win her over, wouldn’t that mean he might be able to bring the Ludwig family’s resources into the company?
With a family fortune in the billions, even a single project from them could feed the entire firm for years.
For a boss, there was nothing better than having well-connected employees who could open doors to endless new opportunities.
It would be like hiring a walking good-luck charm.
One way or another, he had to keep her.
On his way out, Edmond made sure to say, “Miss Windsor, I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Your position is ready whenever you are.”
Ivy smiled politely. “Thank you. I’ll definitely start in December.”
“Goodbye, Dr. Ludwig. Let’s have dinner together sometime,” Edmond added, turning to Jamison with a friendly nod.
But Jamison’s chilly smile made it clear he wasn’t interested. He nodded curtly. “Take care.”
Once Edmond and his assistant had left, the hospital room door closed behind them. Jamison turned to speak, but his eyes suddenly landed on something.
“Who sent the flowers? That smooth talker?” he asked, arching an eyebrow–clearly jealous.