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."

eyes stung. What the hell has she

to the brother of her mother's

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

Cole!" Ivy retorted, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I just

couldn't believe

out of

helping you! Find a way to clean up your mess!" Patrick's

up on her bed, stunned

done using you, he'll throw you away like trash." Patrick said coldly. "That's what the Stone

shock was curiosity. When did he

doubt. Were they

Chapter 18

only want what's best for you, Vee Vee,

Ivy no longer trusted him—or his

she could question it, there was a knock at the door. Terrified it might be Silas, she quickly spoke into her phone.

"Leave while you

back, Cole said before dropping the

smoky from the tears that had smeared her mascara. She wiped the streaks and adjusted her

she called out before

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

finish it quickly. But then she remembered her conversation with Cole and her father-and realized she would rather

She opened the door.

ma-Ivy," Monica remarked.

into the hallway. She noticed the surprise on Monica's face. "I'd like to see

Thank you," Ivy you take me to

and nodded. She turned,

hallway. Silas's

of the I and the walk there

large, brown double

them.

need to knock and wait for him to ask you

said, smiling faintly as Monica nodded and

a deep breath and pushed the doors without knocking,

it?" Silas's voice was sharp

into the room, momentarily distracted by the large golden statue