Nathan had already left.
Ivy took a sip of milk. If he wasn’t going, then she would handle everything herself.
She had survived years on the Quinn family battlefield. This time would be no different. She could manage it alone.
Ivy had complete confidence in herself.
She pulled out her phone and called Madge.
Madge picked up quickly. “Morning, Ivy.”
“Morning. Has the dress I asked you to order arrived yet?”
Tomorrow was Roger’s birthday banquet, and she had arranged for a custom gown weeks ago.
“I was just about to call you,” Madge said. “It arrived this morning. You can come try it on today.”
“Good. Come with me.”
“Of course. I’ll meet you at the boutique.”
After hanging up, Ivy called out, “Wanda, I’m heading to the studio.”
“Alright, but eat a little more first,” Wanda replied. “You’re eating for two now. You need proper nutrition.”
“I’m full. I have work to do.”
With that, Ivy left.
—
Ivy and Madge arrived at the boutique, where a sales associate quickly approached them.
“Good morning, Ms. Quinn.”
“Hello,” Ivy said. “My custom gown has arrived, right?”
“It has. Please follow me.”
The associate led them inside. Soon, Ivy saw the dress.
An ivory silk gown.
The design was simple, but the fabric carried a soft, luminous sheen that perfectly matched Ivy’s quiet elegance.
“You can try it on now,” the associate said. “If any adjustments are needed, we can tailor it immediately so it’s ready for tomorrow.”
Ivy nodded. “Let’s do it.”
Madge took her purse. “I’ll wait out here.”
—
Inside the fitting room, Ivy carefully changed into the gown.
The dress was form-fitting—unforgiving, even. It hugged every curve.
Her figure had always been naturally graceful, soft yet defined. But since becoming pregnant, she had been eating more.
She’d quietly worried she might be starting to show.
Ten minutes later, Ivy stepped out.
Madge’s eyes lit up instantly. “Wow. You look incredible.”
The associate smiled warmly. “Ms. Quinn, this gown fits you perfectly.”
Ivy turned toward the mirror.
The dress traced her silhouette flawlessly, accentuating her slim waist and gentle curves. The off-the-shoulder design highlighted the elegant line of her neck and shoulders, drawing attention to her delicate collarbones.
Her reflection was poised, refined—effortlessly beautiful.
It seemed her worries had been unnecessary. It was still too early for her pregnancy to show.
Madge nodded in approval. “The dress is perfect. But since you’re pregnant, you should wear flats tomorrow.”
“I know,” Ivy said calmly. “A lot of people will be watching. Flats are safer.”
Tomorrow’s event was critical for the Quinn family. Roger would never allow anything to go wrong.
And both Noelle and Kate would be watching closely.
Ivy had to protect her child.
Madge pulled out her phone. “You look too good not to capture this.”
She snapped a few photos, then grinned at the screen. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
Just then, Ivy’s phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID.
Roger.
Ivy answered. “Hello, Grandpa.”
