Chapter 141
Ivy lay flat on her back, eyes fixed on the ceiling. “I’ve thought this through,” she said quietly. “The trafficker she conspired with all those years ago is still at large–might never be caught. And even with her confession on tape, my word alone isn’t enough to convict her. Reporting her won’t do any good.”
“So what now? You’re just going to let it go?”
“Let it go?” Ivy let out a cold, bitter laugh. “Not a chance. I may not be able to put her behind bars, but I’ll make sure her reputation is ruined.”
Jamison didn’t answer. He finished removing the needles, carefully packing each one away. Then he pulled the blanket up over Ivy, tucking her in before speaking in a low voice. “Just remember, this is a country of laws. Think things through before you do anything, don’t get yourself caught up in something you’ll regret.”
Ivy was taken aback by his concern. Their eyes met, and Jamison saw something flicker in her gaze that made him a little uneasy.
He didn’t quite understand it himself, but lately he found himself thinking about Ivy more and more. Ever since he learned she was Mrs. Smith, he couldn’t help but study her, as if trying to figure her out.
A heavy silence settled between them. Ivy had the oddest sense that something was about to break through, but just as quickly, she dismissed it–probably just her imagination.
She was about to change the subject when, suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the sound of a ringing phone.
The strange tension between them snapped. Jamison snapped back to his senses and reached for his phone. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”
He stepped away, voice dropping as he answered the call.
Ivy still felt unwell, but compared to before the treatment, she was much better. She stretched her arms and legs slowly under the blanket, taking deep breaths, trying to calm the swirl of emotions in her chest.
But then, as if drawn by some invisible thread, her eyes found Jamison’s back. She stared at him, motionless.
Jamison…
The more she got to know him, the more she realized that, aside from his sharp tongue, he was actually a pretty decent person.
But for someone from such a distinguished background, why was he still single? Was it by choice, or did he already have someone in his heart?
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Chapter 141
Jamison finished his call and came back to the bed. “I’ve got to go handle something.
Keep using the heating pad, and drink plenty of warm water–it’ll help. When you’re feeling better, you should go back to the hospital for a follow–up.”
Ivy nodded, her movements gentle.
Just as Jamison turned to leave, she called out to stop him.
“Something else?” he asked, glancing back.
Ivy hesitated for a second, biting her lip before speaking with quiet sincerity. “Thanks again for today. When I’m feeling better, let me take you out to dinner to say thank you.”
She hated owing people, but since she’d returned, Jamison had helped her more than once. She’d racked up quite a debt of gratitude. Treating him to a meal was the least she could do.
Jamison looked briefly surprised, as if he hadn’t expected her offer. “Alright, we’ll talk about it when you’re better.” He gave her a faint smile, accepting easily.
Ivy smiled back, watching him as he left.
Not five minutes later, Katrina breezed in, grinning from ear to ear.
Ivy shot her a look. “Did it really take you that long to change clothes?”
Katrina laughed, coming over to the bed. “I changed, but then I went downstairs to fix you something to eat. You haven’t had dinner yet, have you?”
Ivy rolled over, still feeling weak and achy. “I don’t want to eat. I’m not hungry…”
Katrina shook her head emphatically. “No way, you have to eat. Dr. Ludwig told me so himself.”
Ivy glanced up at her friend. “He said that to you?”
“Yeah! I told you, Dr. Ludwig is really nice. I found him at the reception and explained what was going on, and he didn’t even hesitate–just came right over with me. Stopped by the pharmacy on the way and even bought two heating pads for you.”