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 the first

can't," she said, shaking her head in shame. She couldn't possibly go back to Lily

sighed, his tone firm. "Wipe your tears, ma'am. We're going into

just want to go

orders are to make sure you shop. I can't

back into the Reginald's. Lucy's eyes narrowed the moment she saw

shop here,"

that," Bud countered, walking protectively behind Ivy. "She gets what she

didn't have to add a bodyguard to

want Silas Stone to burn this building to the ground for refusing to let

Chapter 10

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

your tone," Bud

to Reginald's, Mrs. Stone." Lucy said, her voice quaking with fear. "Please, allow me to show you our

Bud a grateful glance before following Lucy. An

more boxes and bags than

she sat in the car, her green eyes glistened with gratitude. "Thank

her a small nod, his eyes softening in the

Silas's house, Monica was waiting with two other women, who quickly helped her with the

Monica informed her with a kind smile. "He asked me to tell you to get ready-he'll

Inside, a tray of food awaited, and her

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

to speak, Ivy

a special surprise

it," she

the door closed behind Monica, Ivy released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Her emotions

in

much as her stomach could take. Afterward, she rested on the

Silas had left in the closet was

and a diamond-cut necklace. Ivy's breath caught when she saw them. The gown was a long,

The neckline was designed with

subtly sparkled

the ensemble clung to her figure perfectly, enhancing her curves. Monica

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