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.

going back to the first

She couldn't possibly go back to Lily & Styles or Reginald's, she couldn't

firm. "Wipe your tears, ma'am. We're going

I just want to

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

back into the Reginald's. Lucy's eyes narrowed the

you, you can't shop here," she

right to say that," Bud countered, walking protectively

pouting her mouth. "You didn't have to add a bodyguard to your charade. Leave before

to burn this building to the ground for refusing to let

Chapter 10

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

Bud

voice quaking with fear. "Please, allow me

Bud a grateful glance before following Lucy. An hour later, Ivy

and

in the car, her green eyes

his eyes

two other women, who quickly helped her with

asked me to tell you to get ready-he'll be picking you up at 8 for dinner. Don't worry. I'll help you

Inside, a tray of food awaited, and her stomach gave a betraying growl as her eyes

the bags at the foot of Ivy's bed. "I'll have a hot

speak, Ivy

also left a special surprise in

she said, departing

door closed 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 to process everything

in

the tray of food and began eating, devouring as much as her stomach could take. Afterward, she rested on the bed

had left

and a diamond-cut necklace. Ivy's breath caught when

The neckline was designed

subtly sparkled under the

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