The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 585

Jamison responded with a faint smile, squeezing Ivy’s hand as they made their way to the large round table. He looked warmly at the two elders already seated, “Mr. Wilson, Ms. Penn–this is my wife, Ivy. Ivy, you already know Ms. Penn, and this gentleman is her husband, Dr. Wilson–my mentor.”

Dr. Wilson was lean and distinguished, his gentle features lit with a kindly smile. He exuded an easy warmth that put everyone at ease.

Ivy nodded and gave a small bow. “Dr. Wilson, Professor Penn, it’s wonderful to meet you both. I’m Jamison’s wife, Ivy, and I’m very glad to be here.”

Professor Penn greeted her with a bright smile. “Lovely, please, have a seat.”

Dr. Wilson studied Ivy for a moment, then turned to his favorite protégé, realization dawning. “No wonder you, a lifelong bachelor, suddenly got married out of the blue. Now it all makes sense. Ivy’s beauty is truly as legendary as they say.”

His words carried nothing but admiration for Ivy’s appearance.

Jamison smiled politely, but then spoke with sincere pride. “You’ll see, once you get to know her, that Ivy’s looks are the least of her gifts. There’s so much more to her I deeply admire.”

As he said this, he turned to his wife, and the usual cool reserve in his eyes was replaced by a gentle, almost adoring tenderness.

The Wilsons watched this exchange with obvious satisfaction.

At the same time, Professor Penn glanced sympathetically at Celeste. Being forced to witness the man she’d long cared for openly flaunt his affections for another was a fresh wound, and her discomfort was plain to see.

Celeste lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together in a quiet, wounded silence.

Naylor quickly jumped in to break the tension. “Come on, let’s all sit down and order. You two are the stars tonight. Jamison, see what your wife would like to eat.”

He slid the hefty menus across the table, his tone extra lively as he tried to lift everyone’s spirits.

Celeste sat off to the side, her presence so faint she seemed nearly invisible.

The food was ordered, the server came and went, and a hush settled over the table

again. Professor Penn straightened, clearly wrestling with herself before finally

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Chapter 585

turning the conversation toward Celeste.

“Jamison, the original plan was for Mr. Wilson and me to invite you and your wife out–to finally meet and to congratulate you both. But yesterday, Celeste came to talk to me about something important, and asked if I could help mediate. I thought it would be best for her to join us tonight, so we could clear the air in person.”

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