The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

I’d just posted my quick thoughts on the current market when, almost immediately, a reply appeared in the comments.

I glanced at the username–Dr. Handsome.

Well, look who’s off work early. He must’ve lost a bundle today and come crawling to the forum for a little comfort.

Dr. Handsome was always the contrarian. His “comment” was just one word: “Fake.”

In other words, Ivy’s analysis was all wrong–in his mind, she was spreading rumors.

Ivy snorted, unimpressed.

The “Stonks Only Go Up” WhatsApp group had been buzzing ever since the closing bell at three o’clock, but Ivy had spent her afternoon assembling her new wardrobe and desk, so she hadn’t joined in.

Now, noticing Dr. Handsome was online, she opened WhatsApp, curious to see if his bravado held up after a day of losses.

Sure enough, the group chat was lively, and Dr. Handsome had been active–though his last message was ten minutes ago.

Mrs. Smith: @Dr. Handsome So you’re calling me a liar? Don’t tell me you actually bought the dip today.

Dale: Mrs. Smith finally graces us with her presence.

Jay: What’s this about rumors?

Coach Murphy: Mrs. Smith just dropped a market analysis post. Dr. Handsome was the first to comment–called it fake news. [facepalm emoji]

Ivy stared at her screen and laughed. Looks like Coach Murphy lurks on the forum too–he’d caught her post the moment it went up.

Bob: Got it. I’m off to read Mrs. Smith’s take.

Dale: Why’s Dr. Handsome gone quiet again?

Across town, Jamison emerged from the bathroom, a towel slung over one broad, bare shoulder as he dried his hair with one hand and scrolled through the forum with the other.

In the living room, a handsome little boy gnawed on a chicken drumstick. He grinned when he saw Jamison come out. “Uncle Jamie, with your looks, how come you still don’t have a girlfriend?”

Jamison tossed his towel aside and dropped onto the couch. “Do you have one?” he asked,

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deadpan.

“Of course! I have three. Two in kindergarten, one in first grade.” The boy declared this with smug pride.

Jamison chuckled. “Does your dad know you’re such a heartbreaker?”

Before the boy could answer, a notification flashed at the top of Jamison’s phone.

It was Dale Sullivan.

[Dr. Handsome, Mrs. Smith just tagged you in the group.]

Jamison’s brow furrowed. Ignoring his nephew for the moment, he tapped back into WhatsApp, scrolled up, and found Mrs. Smith’s message.

[So you’re calling me a liar? Don’t tell me you actually bought the dip today.]

A tiny, sardonic smile curled his lips. He typed: @Mrs. Smith Thanks for your concern, but I’m afraid you’ll have to be disappointed.

After sending her message, Ivy had assumed he’d gone offline again when no reply came. But when his response popped up on her screen, she smirked, fingers flying across the keyboard: Don’t mention it. You probably lost quite a bit today. Try not to take it too hard–money’s just

money.

Jay: [LOL] The classic “consolation by mockery.”

D

Mrs. Smith: I’m being sincere.

Dr. Handsome: Sorry to disappoint you–didn’t lose much.

Mrs. Smith: So you rebalanced your positions?

Jamison stared at his phone, brows knitted, hesitating for a long moment before replying: Sold everything first thing this morning.

That admission set off a firestorm in the group.

Everyone started teasing him.

After all, just yesterday he’d argued with Mrs. Smith, betting the market had more room to run. Now, it turned out he’d quietly cashed out too.

Jay: Turns out Dr. Handsome says one thing but does another.

Bob: In the end, Dr. Handsome lost to Mrs. Smith.

Ivy burst out laughing at his message.

Ha. Looks like his integrity is about as real as his username.

Dr. Handsome: My trades had nothing to do with Mrs. Smith, just following a friend’s advice.

Truth was, his friend Naylor had called him first thing that morning, told him to stop being

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stubborn, and basically forced him to sell everything.

Ivy rolled her eyes when she read that. Is it really that hard to admit she was right? Such a sore loser–hiding behind a friend!

Even Coach Murphy couldn’t take it. Dr. Handsome, come on. It won’t kill you to admit you lost the bet.

Dr. Handsome: I never made a bet with her.

Mrs. Smith: [eyeroll emoji]

Ivy’s disdain only deepened. She regretted ever worrying about this guy. Honestly, she almost hoped he’d lose more–maybe then he’d finally get off his high horse.

Sensing the mood in the chat growing tense, the group quickly shifted gears.

Coach Murphy: By the way, I’m taking my team to a tournament in Neo Haven next week. Aren’t there three of you from Neo Haven in this group? Anyone up for a meet–up?

Coach Murphy: @Mrs. Smith @Dr. Handsome @Dale

Dale: Absolutely! We’ve had this group for four years and never met in person. And with Mrs. Smith back, we should celebrate her safe return!

Jay: @Coach Murphy What kind of tournament?

Coach Murphy: Summer basketball league.

That answer got everyone hyped. Only now did people realize Coach Murphy was a professional basketball coach.

Dale Sullivan asked for his team’s name and was even more excited when he heard it.

Dale: No way! I’m a huge fan of your power forward, Whitehead! We have to meet up!

Ivy lost interest when the conversation turned to basketball, so she tuned out.

But Jamison kept lurking, reading every message. He was genuinely surprised–what a small world. Coach Murphy’s team was sponsored by The Ludwig Group, his own company.

Dale: @Dr. Handsome @Mrs. Smith–either of you up for a get–together? I’m dying to finally meet the real Mrs. Smith.

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