The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 297

Chapter 297

Still, judging from Mr. Carter’s reputation, he’s really not much of a catch. Ivy smirked as she teased, “Mr. Carter’s been divorced twice, and he has three kids, doesn’t he? My girlfriends aren’t exactly looking to sign up for stepmom duty.”

Sheridan chuckled awkwardly, not sure how to respond, when the Windsors reappeared.

“Ivy, what’s so funny?” Rosetta walked up, shamelessly inserting herself into the

conversation.

At her side, Emma piped up dutifully, “Hey, sis.”

Ivy spared them a glance. This time, instead of pretending not to see them, she replied coolly, “We’re just chatting with Mr. Carter. Did you need something?”

“Oh, nothing special, just thought I’d join the conversation.” Rosetta forced a smile, then turned to Sheridan. “Hope you don’t mind, Mr. Carter?”

Before Sheridan could answer, Emma jumped in with a bright smile, “Mr. Carter’s such a gentleman–of course he doesn’t mind!”

Sheridan followed the sound of her voice, his gaze lingering on Emma for a few moments before dropping–rather pointedly–to her neckline, his expression growing noticeably deeper.

Emma was dressed to impress tonight in a slinky evening gown that hugged every curve; her shoulders, neck, and much of her chest were left bare, boldly showcasing her confidence and allure.

Some thought flickered behind Sheridan’s eyes, and he smiled, eager to assure her, “Not at all. The more, the merrier.”

He continued to look at Emma and, taking the initiative, asked, “And you must be

Miss Emma?”

Emma immediately offered her hand. “Mr. Carter, it’s a pleasure.”

“The pleasure’s mine.”

Sheridan came from a wealthy family–his father had built a business empire from the ground up, and there was plenty of old money to go around.

But Sheridan himself was a textbook trust fund playboy: no real accomplishments; always chasing new thrills, romance after fleeting romance.

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SAR MINKET

He’d been married twice, his most recent divorce finalized only six months ago.

Officially, he was single, but that hadn’t stopped a steady stream of women from circulating through his life.

As the two shook hands–a perfectly ordinary gesture to outsiders–Emma caught the subtle pressure from his fingers, a secret signal not lost on her.

Her heart leapt; after a night of hunting, she’d finally found her target. It looked like she wouldn’t be heading home empty–handed.

Sheridan, for his part, was thinking the same. He hadn’t met Emma before, but the Windsor and Shepherd family scandal had been all over the society pages recently–he was well aware.

Emma had once been pregnant with Micah’s child, but suffered a miscarriage, and their marriage had ended not long after.

A woman like her was perfect for someone like him: both understood the rules, both wanted fun with no strings attached.

There was a spark between them, a silent understanding that needed no words.

Jamison and Ivy exchanged a knowing smile. They didn’t say a word–but they

didn’t have to.

“Why don’t we find a place to sit?” Sheridan suggested cheerfully. “Standing around is exhausting.” Emma, eager for the chance, immediately agreed.

Jamison and Ivy, sharing a look of amusement, followed along.

Once everyone was settled, whether by accident or intention, Emma ended up right beside Sheridan, their shoulders nearly touching.

“Excuse me!” Emma signaled a passing waiter with a tray of drinks.

“Mr. Carter, what’ll it be–whiskey, red wine, champagne?” she asked, turning to him. Sheridan, playing the gentleman, stood and replied, “Ladies first. Miss Windsor, what would you like?”

Emma batted her lashes, “Red wine, please. Thank you.”

Sheridan handed her a glass, which she accepted with a coy smile before taking a delicate sip. Her gaze drifted–just for a moment–across the table to Ivy, a clear gesture of pride.

Whatever she was showing off, the two of them knew exactly what it was.

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Jamison watched the whole exchange play out and couldn’t help leaning in to murmur in Ivy’s ear, “Isn’t this going even better than we expected?”

Ivy said nothing, but silently admitted that Jamison’s knack for predicting these things was impressive.

He’d said from the start that Sheridan wouldn’t disappoint.

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