The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 851

Halley was completely baffled, wondering when he had ever asked such a question.

But before he could voice his confusion, Ivy was already luring him away with a new toy. "Hal, I bet you can't figure this one out."

"No way! I can do anything!"

Ivy's deliberate goading worked like a charm. A kindergartener couldn't possibly grasp the complexities of the adult world and was easily coaxed away.

Left alone, the two Ludwig brothers exchanged a knowing glance, an entire conversation passing between them in silence.

The atmosphere at dinner was warm and congenial. Aside from Jamison occasionally making a snide remark that earned him an eye-roll from his mother, Adela, the mood was generally cheerful.

After the meal, the brothers took turns playing chess with their father.

Ivy and Davina joined Adela for some herbal tea, entertaining Halley at the same time.

Carla Ludwig, whose mind had become childlike and erratic, had surprisingly found a playmate in her young nephew.

Watching her sister-in-law in this state and thinking of Jamison's own serious illness, Ivy was overcome with emotion.

Life, she realized, was never a straight path.

Even a prestigious family like the Ludwigs, the epitome of wealth and success in the eyes of the world, was not immune to hardship. A life of perfect peace and happiness was an illusion.

What hope, then, did ordinary people have?

It was a reminder to be content with what you have, to cherish the present, and to live each day to the fullest. That in itself was a life well-lived.

The Ludwig brothers continued their chess game until their father, exhausted, finally conceded. Only then did they get up to leave.

As the two cars pulled away, Adela murmured with a puzzled frown, "What was with them today? The sons playing chess with you, the daughters-in-law chatting with me… something's not right…"

Jamison's father, Danny Ludwig, yawned and turned, leaning on his cane. "You just worry too much. If you ask me, the kids are just growing up. They know we're getting old, with one foot in the grave, and they want to spend more time with us."

Adela still looked skeptical.

Her husband paused at the door of the main house and turned back, beckoning to her. "Alright, stop overthinking it. I think getting married has changed Jamison for the better, and that's Ivy's doing. Are you finally starting to warm up to your younger daughter-in-law?"

Adela pursed her lips. "What does it matter to me? As long as he's happy."

Danny snorted. "So you still don't like her?"

"I don't," the old woman said stubbornly. "She's too calculating."

Danny fell silent, clearly having no response to that.

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Davina held out a bank card. "Ivy, there's three hundred thousand dollars on this card. The PIN is Jamison's birthday. I want you to—"

Before she could finish, Ivy was already shaking her head. "Davina, no, you don't have to. We have—"

"Ivy, please, let me finish," Davina insisted, cutting her off gently. "I know you don't need the money, but this is a small gesture from us. We feel so helpless with Jamison like this, so please, use this for medical bills or hiring help. You can't wear yourself out. If one nurse isn't enough, hire two. And if you need anything at all, you have to promise you'll ask."

Before Ivy could protest again, Davina pressed the card firmly into her hand.

Clutching the card, Ivy felt tears spring to her eyes.

"Davina…" she choked out, her voice raw.

Understanding her pain, Davina stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. "Ivy, this is so much for you to bear, so many hurdles to overcome. But I believe things will get better. Jamison will be okay. He'll continue to be right here with you…"

Davina's own eyes reddened, but she fought to keep her composure, gently patting Ivy's back.

Ivy had been holding everything in, but Davina's embrace and kind words broke through her defenses. The emotions she'd suppressed for days came rushing out, and she hugged her sister-in-law back tightly.

But with Jamison just a few feet away in the other room, she couldn't let herself break down completely. She stifled her sobs, finding a small measure of comfort in Davina's arms.

Davina held her patiently, offering quiet reassurance.

Knowing they couldn't stay in there forever, Ivy soon collected herself and managed a weak, apologetic smile. "Thank you, Davina. We won't be coming back to the family estate for a while, so we'll need you two to run interference for us."