A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 18

"What? What are you talking about?" Ivy's chest heaved as she stood up swiftly from the bed.

"Dad didn't want to tell you, but I have to," Cole replied, his voice heavy with fatigue. “Ver Vee, you can't deal with the Stone brothers. They're horrible,"

Ivy's heart pounded, her stomach knotting as Cole called her Vee Vee. He only used that name when he was either deadly serious or in rare playful mood-and he hadn't called her that in years.

She walked over to the window, her fingernails in her teeth. "What are you talking about? What do you mean T

mean Thomas killed Mum?"

Her heart raced faster. She couldn't believe she was indirectly helping her mother's murderer. Lauren Scott had been a beautiful. hardworking woman. She was the true force behind the restaurants in Patrick's name, and it was because of her, Ivy was able to earn her Inheritance.

Her mother died five years ago from a cardiac arrest, she couldn't see how that had anything to do with Thomas.

"Are you ready for this conversation?" Cole asked, concern evident in his voice.

Just say it, Cole! What do you know that I don't?" she snapped, tears welling in the corner of her eyes.

"Before Mum died, she had a situation with Thomas Stone. He stole two lands that were meant for the construction of new restaurants. He then bought the land

in San Jose, forcing Mum to sell the restaurant there," Cole explained.

The tears fell out silently accompanied with pain in her chest. She vividly remembered the San Jose branch closing. "Nobody told me someone was responsible. I was told the branch wasn't doing well."

"Thomas was responsible," Cole said gravely. "We didn't want to burden you with the family business. You were too young to understand."

Ivy trudged back to the bed, collapsing in it. "I had no idea," she murmured.

"When all three lands were snatched, Murn couldn't go back to work. She became depressed and then... she died."

The pain flooded Ivy's heart like it was yesterday-fresh and sharp as she remembered her mother laying in her coffin, cold and motionless. She missed her mother and the thought almost crippled her.

"Thomas caused Mum's depression. That's why we lost her," Cole continued, his voice hard with anger. "When Dad went to beg him, to reason with him, Thomas pushed him away. The Stone brothers are ruthless, Vee Vee. You don't want to be in their midst."

"This is... I had no idea," Ivy repeated, wiping her eyes with her golden gown.

"Now you do," Cole said firmly. "I'm just looking out for you. I don't want my little sister getting hurt. You are unprotected there, Ivy."

chest ached, her eyes stung. What the hell has she done?

to the brother of

you thinking settling for a Stone brother?" Cole queried, his tone a little

contract marriage, Cole!" Ivy retorted, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I just wanted a fresh

couldn't believe this was

out of it,"

a way to clean

up on her bed, stunned

away like trash." Patrick said coldly. "That's what the Stone brothers do-they're users. If you care about yourself,

shocked at her father's tone but beneath the shock was curiosity. When did he join the

turned into doubt. Were they being

Chapter 18

want what's best for

suddenly Ivy no longer trusted him—or

there was a knock at the door. Terrified it might be Silas,

"Leave while you

can and call me back, Cole said before dropping

the phone on the bed and walked to the mirror. She glanced at herself, her eyes were smoky from the tears that had smeared her mascara. She

called out before opening

me, Monica. Mr. Stone asked me to collect the file,"

had forgotten to go through the file and sign it. She hesitated, tempted to rush back to the bed and finish it quickly. But then she

She opened the door.

Monica remarked. "Do you need

smiled, stepping into the hallway. She noticed the surprise on Monica's face.

Thank you," Ivy you take me to his

her surprise and nodded. She turned, leading

the hallway. Silas's

of the I and the walk there was

large, brown

them.

to knock and wait for him to ask you

you," Ivy said, smiling faintly as

deep breath and pushed the doors

it?" Silas's voice was sharp with

the room, momentarily distracted by