But he didn’t let go.

In fact, not only did he refuse to let go, Jamison pulled her right back, wrapping an arm firmly around her and drawing her into his chest.

“Jamison!” Ivy’s voice was sharp with irritation.

“Baby…” He still called her that, arms tightening around her in a stubborn, almost pleading embrace.

He didn’t say much more, but the way he held her was an obvious olive branch – an unspoken apology, a silent plea for peace.

A wave of bitterness rose in Ivy’s chest.

She didn’t want to bring up work again; she knew there was no easy answer, and pressing the issue would just lead to another argument. So she deliberately changed the subject.

“Tell me, is it impossible for men to be faithful, no matter who they are? Rich or poor, handsome or not – it’s always the same story. Everyone wants a little thrill on the side, can’t settle for just one person at home.”

“That’s not true,” she continued before he could reply. “I know plenty of good men – my father, my brother, Dr. Wilson. They’re devoted to their wives and take care of their families.”

Jamison knew she was rattled by what happened earlier that day, and now she was projecting her fears onto him, worried he might end up the same. That’s why she was asking.

He sobered, his expression turning serious. “Ivy, listen to me. I would never betray you. Even if, someday, I stopped loving you – which I won’t – I’d be honest with you first. You have my word.”

Ivy turned to look at him, her eyes calm and searching, saying nothing.

Thinking she didn’t believe him, Jamison awkwardly raised his bandaged right hand, as if to swear an oath. “If you don’t trust me, I can–”

Before he could finish, Ivy pressed her hand over his mouth.

“Don’t you dare. How childish can you get?” She pulled his hand down, rolling her eyes. “If oaths actually worked, half the men in this world would have been struck by lightning by now.”

Chapter 702

Jamison mumbled in protest, “That’s a bit dramatic. I’m pretty sure I’d survive–"

“Ha! Aren’t you full of yourself.” Ivy tried to sit up again, but his arms stayed locked around her.

“Stop it, I need to rest.” She felt a twinge of resistance – partly because she knew he was milking his injury for sympathy, partly because she was still recovering herself. If they kept up this flirtation, she’d end up regretting it.

But Jamison was relentless, insisting on holding her close despite his injured hand. He turned her to face him, his eyes unusually serious, voice gentle. “Don’t be mad. Didn’t we agree? I support your internship. Maybe once you’re actually in the industry, you’ll see it’s not what you imagined and change your mind.”

Ivy looked at him. “And what if I end up loving it even more?”

Jamison frowned. “Can’t you just… pick a different firm?”

“You mean, just because of Edmond Shaw?”

He didn’t answer, but his silence spoke for itself.

“Quantum Hedge Securities is one of the top firms in the field. Landing an internship there is already a huge stroke of luck. If I can get a full-time offer, it’ll open up so many doors for me.”

Jamison’s face darkened slightly as he listened.

He knew he couldn’t change her mind.

It was, after all, her drive, her independence, her fierce determination that first drew him in – she was like a rare, gleaming gem, impossible to ignore.

But everything has two sides. The very traits he admired were also the ones that made her so stubborn – once Ivy set her mind on something, nothing could sway her. She’d keep pushing forward until she made it.

Ivy watched him silently, studying his deep-set eyes, the strong bridge of his nose, the sharp lines of his face – so devastatingly handsome, it was almost unfair.

No wonder legendary kings were said to lose their empires over women this beautiful.

But she wasn’t about to let a pretty face distract her from her dreams.

For a moment, the two of them just stared each other down. Then Ivy reached out, pinching his chin and tilting his face up to hers – she looked for all the world like a queen examining her favorite knight.

Chapter zuz

“Jamison, when will you finally trust me – and trust yourself? Trust yourself enough to laugh off every guy who tries to hit on me, to say with a smirk, ‘Please. She’d never go for someone like you’ – and not worry for a second?”