Ivy looked at her and smiled faintly.
"Grace, I'm okay now."
Ivy gently patted the back of her hand, reassuring her that she was truly all right.
Then she took out her phone and made a call.
"Mr. Ashcombe, it's Ivy."
"Miss Dawson..." Elliot's voice was cautious.
"When you get back, I want to see him."
Ivy's tone was light, but she didn't sound like she was in pain. "I want to see what he looks like in handcuffs."
Elliot was silent for a moment on the other end of the line before replying with a single word: "Okay."
After hanging up, Ivy leaned her head on Grace's shoulder.
"Grace, was I really stupid?"
Grace held her tightly. "The stupid ones are those who think they can trample on someone's heart without consequence."
Just like her, all those years ago.
"Ivy, go see him," Grace whispered in her ear. "Go and throw all that humiliation right back in his face."
Ivy closed her eyes, and the tears finally fell.
"Okay."
***
Once the Winter Solstice was over, the holiday spirit faded.
Lottie Grant and Mark were heading back to Sorentia.

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