As the market rallied strongly into the close, everyone in the company was stunned. Ivy had once again predicted the market's trajectory with pinpoint accuracy.
“Ivy, you’re incredible! How on earth did you do it?” This time, her colleagues didn’t hold back their praise.
Edmond was overjoyed. He announced publicly, “Ivy, after you graduate, I want you to officially join Quantum Hedge Securities. You can have any position you want.”
The senior managers were floored. A recent undergraduate being offered such a deal was unheard of. They had all graduated from top universities with master’s degrees and had to grind for years to even lead a team. And here was Ivy, being offered a top position right out of her bachelor’s program.
But as much as it stung their pride, they couldn't argue with her results. She had the skills and had made the company a significant profit.
Faced with such an honor, Ivy didn’t let it go to her head. In fact, on her way to work that morning, she had already decided to make a graceful exit. Today would be her last day as an intern at Quantum Hedge Securities.
“Mr. Shaw, there’s something I need to report. I have to go back to school to prepare for my thesis defense. I’m afraid my internship will have to come to an end.”
The joy on Edmond’s face vanished. “Are you saying… you’re not coming back to Quantum Hedge Securities?”
“Well… I’ll have to see how things are after graduation.” Ivy genuinely hadn't decided. She wanted to gain experience at a few different firms to better understand the industry. Her dream wasn’t to be an employee, but to one day found her own investment firm.
Edmond looked disappointed, but he was a realist. He knew that with Ivy’s talent and her husband’s influential family, she could aim for much bigger and better platforms. It was only natural that she might not be interested in Quantum Hedge Securities.
“Alright, then. We’ll wait until after you graduate. In any case, the doors of Quantum Hedge Securities will always be open to you,” Edmond said graciously, offering his best wishes.
He had wanted to throw her a farewell dinner, but Ivy declined. She disliked social obligations. Since she wouldn't be coming back tomorrow, she didn't want to waste her evening on small talk and drinks with her colleagues. After such a busy period, she would much rather go home early, read a book, and play with her cats.
Leaving work on time, Ivy knew Jamison had to work late again, so she decided to wait for him at the hospital.
It had been a while since she had visited his department, and the nurses and doctors were surprised to see her. Ivy, as generous as ever, ordered a large spread of food and drinks for the night shift staff.
When Jamison finished his work and returned to the department, he was greeted by the aroma of food. He was wondering why everyone wasn't at the cafeteria when he saw his lovely wife getting up from his desk.
“Is Dr. Ludwig done for the day?” Ivy asked, her smile radiant.
Jamison glanced around, noticing everyone watching them with amusement. He felt the need to maintain a professional image. “What are you doing here?” he asked, trying to sound serious.
Jamison was confused. “Don’t you have work tomorrow?”
“Nope. I fired my boss.”
“What do you mean?”
“After a great victory, one must make a graceful exit. My internship is over. I need to go back to school to prepare for graduation,” she explained, then turned to him with a look that was both determined and playful. “So, I’m free tomorrow. You are getting that physical!”
“You’re not in a hurry to have a baby anymore, so why are you forcing me to get a check-up? Is there any part of your husband’s physical condition that you’re not satisfied with?” Jamison asked, exasperated. In reality, the hospital organized annual physicals for its employees, and his reports had always been normal.
“The hospital’s annual check-ups are in a month,” he insisted. “There’s really no need to rush.”
“Well, if you have to do it sooner or later, you might as well get it done tomorrow and skip the one later. That works out perfectly, doesn’t it?” For some reason, Ivy was strangely insistent on this.
As it turned out, her inexplicable persistence was for the best.

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