The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 294

Even though everyone now knew Ivy was the esteemed Mrs. Jamison, Adkins still found doors slammed in his face when he tried to court investors under the

pretense of family ties. The old money crowd wasn’t fooled; every one of them was as sly as a seasoned fox.

“They kicked Ivy out ages ago,” someone whispered over a glass of scotch. “Whether she’s Mrs. Ludwig now or not, what’s that got to do with the Windsors?”

“Exactly! If she were really still their daughter, don’t you think the Ludwigs would step in to help? Instead, the Windsors are out here begging for handouts. Embarrassing, really.”

“And let’s not forget, Emma and Micah’s engagement was called off in the most humiliating way. You think the Ludwigs are going to side with the Windsors after that? They must resent them to the bone. Anyone helping the Windsors is just picking a fight with the Ludwigs.”

“Couldn’t agree more…”

Clustered beneath the soft glow of the chandeliers, a group of executives gossiped behind raised glasses, the conversation lively and biting.

Adkins arrived at the gala with Rosetta, while Baillie escorted Emma. The whole family made a show of attending.

As they entered, Baillie caught wind of the whispers and his expression darkened. He started forward, ready to confront them, but Adkins grabbed his arm in a hurry.

“What are you going to do, pick a fight? We can’t afford to offend anyone right now. I don’t care how nasty the talk gets you swallow it, understand?”

Adkins, weathered by years of success and hardship, knew when to bow his head. He kept his voice low, but his rebuke was sharp.

Baillie clenched his fists, jaw working in silent fury.

Emma, meanwhile, was the picture of young glamour in a pale evening gown, her makeup flawless, her beauty undeniable. Her reputation might be tarnished, but her looks remained striking her body, sculpted at great cost, was the product of countless sacrifices and a small fortune in cosmetic work. Once, she’d gone to these lengths for Micah, sparing no expense in pursuit of his attention.

But now, with the Windsor family teetering on the edge of ruin, she doubted she’d have the money to maintain such perfection if bankruptcy became reality. Anxiety

1/2

Came reality. Anxiety

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Chapter 294

gnawed at her; the fear of losing everything overshadowed even her thoughts of Micah. Romance no longer mattered–what she needed was a ticket out, a wealthy husband, some kind of long–term security.

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