A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 10

Ivy whimpered as the hefty security guard dragged her into the street. She pursed her lips, refusing to let her emotions spill.

She couldn't believe it-Cheryl, of all people, had caused this humiliation. When had she changed? How had Ivy not noticed?

Cheryl's betrayal hurt, still Ivy couldn't process it.

Ivy sighed, making her way down the street. If Lily & Styles wouldn't have her, she'd spend the money elsewhere. After a short walk, she found Reginald's.

She had heard nice things about Reginald's but had never checked it out. Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open. She scanned the space, and found the blonde receptionist. But before Ivy could reach her, another woman intercepted her.

"Hello, I'm Lucy. How can I help you?" The woman smiled, but her eyes were anything but kind.

A blush crept up Ivy's face as she remembered Winnie's incident. "I have a black card," she said quickly, desperate to avoid further embarrassment.

Lucy folded her arms, a mocking smile played on her lips. "Oh, the fake card? You don't even have the owner's number."

Ivy's eyes widened. "How did you"

"Oh, darling." Lucy interrupted, her tone dripping with derision. "We share stories. I bet Winnie's already warned half the stores about you. Just go home. No one's falling for your act."

"What?" Ivy whispered, her face flushing with humiliation. At least Lucy kept her voice low enough to avoid drawing attention.

Lucy leaned in, wrapping an arm around Ivy's shoulder. "Find something else to do with your life. I'm sure you can." She patted Ivy on the cheek before gesturing to the exit. "Now, off you go before you offend our esteemed clients."

Once outside, Ivy dabbed her welling tears. She sniffled, still refusing to break down in public.

There was nothing to do now, she didn't have Silas's number, and she didn't even know the way to his house. She was contemplating her next move when a car pulled up beside her, and Bud, the hefty bodyguard, stepped out.

"Nothing good here either?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern.

Relief swept over Ivy as she saw him, and with it came the tears she had been holding back all day. She buried her face in her palms, sobbing gently. Grateful to see him.

Bud handed her a tissue.

"They wouldn't sell me anything, Ivy murmured, realizing how pathetic she sounded.

hardened. "Are we going back to

said, shaking her head in shame. She couldn't possibly go back to Lily & Styles

tone firm. "Wipe your tears,

want to

orders are to make sure you shop.

they walked back into the Reginald's.

you can't shop

have no right to say that," Bud countered, walking

"You didn't have to add a bodyguard to your charade. Leave before I call

building to the ground for refusing

Chapter 10

across Lucy's face and then resolution. "Fine," she sighed.

tone," Bud

Stone." Lucy said, her voice quaking with fear. "Please, allow me to show you our unique

glance before following Lucy.

and bags than she had ever

her green eyes

her a small nod, his eyes softening in the

Ivy arrived at Silas's house, Monica was waiting with two

kind smile. "He asked me to tell you to get ready-he'll be picking you up at 8 for

her smile, following Monica to her room. Inside, a tray of food awaited, and her stomach gave a betraying growl as

bags at the foot of Ivy's bed. "I'll have a hot bath prepared for you. Just let me know when you're

to speak,

left a special surprise in your closet, Monica smiled. "I'll

she said, departing the

behind Monica, Ivy released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Her emotions were i turmoil, and she didn't know how

in

food and began eating, devouring as much as her stomach could take. Afterward, she rested on the bed until Monica returned to help her prepare for

had left in the closet was

when she saw them. The gown was a long, sheer

was designed

subtly sparkled

to her figure perfectly, enhancing her curves. Monica helped style her brown hair and even applied light