A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 23

Ivy felt Silas's grip tighten around her waist. Throughout the journey, he'd kept his distance, but here with the blue-eyed stranger, his possessiveness was unmistakable.

"I figured it was you, the stranger said casually, though his piercing stare remained on Ivy.

"Yes," Silas replied, his voice sharp.

"It's been a while, the stranger continued. His gaze roamed over Ivy, making her cheeks flush "And who might this beautiful woman be?

"None of your business, Dylan, Silas snapped

Why hadn't he introduced her to Dylan? Ivy wondered. Was he ashamed of her?

"Ah, I see," Dylan said, a glint of mischief flashing in his blue eyes. "Well, it was lovely to see you-and you too, ma'am. He bowed to Ivy and winked

Silas took her hand. "Wish I could say the same," he said, leading Ivy into the restaurant.

"One of these days, we'll settle our differences," Dylan called after them, his voice tinged with mockery,

"Who was that?" Ivy asked as they entered the restaurant.

"Nobody important," Silas said.

Ivy frowned at his vague response but she didn't press. They entered a private section of the restaurant. It was empty and lavishly decorated, with fruit spread across the table.

"There are reporters taking pictures." Silas said, pulling out a seat for her.

"That's the only reason I agreed to this," Ivy replied as she sat.

His face darkened as if he wanted to argue, but he shook his head and sat opposite her.

The waiter arrived, pouring their drinks with practiced comfort. It was obvious he was putting on a show.

Silas raised his glass. "To us

"Yeah," Ivy replied.

"Smile," he whispered

Ivy forced a smile. "Am I supposed to turn?"

"No. Don't worry; they're at every angle," Silas said.

Ivy nodded, sipping her drink before setting it back on the table.

Silas picked up a raspberry, holding it to her lips. "Eat," he said. "For the cameras," he added.

Ivy obeyed, taking the berry into her mouth-then his finger brushed her tongue, and she licked it.

"So sweet," he teased.

Her cheeks reddened as steamy memories rushed back. She turned away, her body shuddering in reminder. Her blush deepened with shame.

her like that. God, she'd ridden his fingers, releasing all over his hand. She glanced at him and saw the smirk on

not happening again," she said firmly, refusing

Ivy. His

she shot back, though her blush betrayed

1/3

Chapter 23

lie." he said, leaning closer. "And

angered and

was she reacting

not happening again," she repeated, this time less

"I pleasured you. It's only

jaw tightened. "Not in a million

up.

looked away, desperate to change the subject. "How long are we

he asked,

just asking, she

then, and

o know each o

for her response, he signaled the waiter, who arrived shortly

we have Beluga Caviar on Blinis, served with crème fraiche, and paired with a vintage

you," Ivy smiled as the food

"So tell me, what are your

you

she said

raised an

"Things," she shrugged.

like doing?"

I'm sorry I shouted at

choose her side," she interrupted, her tone

his voice low.

"Will you

she replied, digging into

be stubborn,

angry. I'm just disappointed. And I know

he was about to break it. "Who

wanting to implicate Sally. "It was

the red gown-I

you did that on purpose,

you

remembering Rosie's act. "I shoved Rosie because she was disrespectful. I'm not asking you to pick a side, but next time I deserve to be heard too." She

sorry," he

and she

you left the sapphire necklace?"

"Yes," she admitted.

you like this

diamond necklace, she

black gown She had to