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."

stung. What the hell

to the brother of

the hell were you thinking settling for a Stone brother?" Cole

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

believe this was

out of it," Cole

way to clean up your mess!" Patrick's voice

on her

what

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

doubt. Were they being

Chapter 18

best for you, Vee Vee,

longer

was a knock at the door. Terrified it

"Leave while you

back, Cole said before dropping

to the mirror. She glanced at herself, her eyes were smoky from the tears that had smeared her mascara. She wiped the streaks and adjusted her hair as she made her way to the

out before opening

collect the file," Monica said

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 remembered her conversation with Cole and her father-and realized she would

She opened the door.

gown, ma-Ivy," Monica remarked.

the hallway. She noticed the surprise on Monica's face. "I'd

fine. Thank you," Ivy

swallowed her surprise and nodded.

hallway.

opposite side of the I and

of large, brown double doors.

them.

knock and wait for him to

said, smiling faintly

took a deep breath and pushed the doors

is it?" Silas's voice was sharp

room, momentarily distracted