The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 801

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Ivy Windsor didn't hesitate. "I'll go."

Once she'd made up her mind, no amount of uncertainty could change it.

After a moment's thought, she looked at Jamison Ludwig. "We can coordinate with the police. Have plainclothes officers lie in wait beforehand. My presence will be a much bigger draw for him. He's probably hoping to wipe us all out in one fell swoop, so he's bound to make a move. It'll be like shooting fish in a barrel. I'd rather take this gamble and get it over with than keep living on eggshells every day."

Jamison's gaze darkened, a helpless smile touching his lips. "You've been plotting how to use yourself as bait to lure him out for days, haven't you?"

Now that the opportunity had presented itself, she wasn't about to let it go.

Knowing he was worried about her safety, Ivy squeezed his hand, her voice pleading. "You'll be there, the police will be there, and I'll have so many people protecting me. I'll be fine."

Jamison took a shallow breath, looking at her with resignation. He was powerless against her resolve.

He had no firm ground to object, after all. Adkins Windsor was her biological father. Despite the past resentment, despite having severed ties, with him gone, it was only right for her to be there to say goodbye. It was a matter of basic human decency.

"I'll arrange for extra security, and you have to stick close to me. No acting brave and going off on your own," Jamison said, his voice firm. It was the only thing he could do.

"Okay."

Ivy gave him a grateful smile and melted into his arms.

Jamison held her quietly, a knot of worry still tight in his chest.

Ivy's period had ended, but the last couple of days had been too chaotic for her to schedule a follow-up with Dr. Beckett. Thinking about how she couldn't be intimate before or after a gynecological exam, she hesitated and decided not to bring it up.

Jamison, who had been counting the days, was also mindful of the situation. With Adkins's funeral tomorrow, he was sensitive to his wife's mood and thoughtfully kept the topic to himself.

It was as if they had both forgotten.

————

The next day, Ivy and Jamison, dressed in somber, understated black attire, arrived at the funeral home's memorial hall.

It was the second time she had been to this place in such a short period. First for Micah Shepherd, now for Adkins.

The moment she stepped inside, the mournful dirge and the sight of the memorial portrait above the altar struck her. Even though she had once gritted her teeth in hatred for her biological father, a wave of sadness washed over her, and the air felt heavy with grief.

Ivy followed the line of mourners to the family section. When Rosetta saw her, her red, swollen eyes first widened in surprise, then slid away with cold indifference. It was a reaction colder than one would give a mere acquaintance.