A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 25

"What's wrong! Are you okay?" Ivy asked, noticing the change in Silas's demeanor.

It was the umpteenth time she had asked that question, surprising herself by her sudden concern for him,

She told herself it was because she knew her own mood shifted the instant she saw Mason and Cheryl, but deep down, she knew it was because she was worried about his feelings.

First, he had seen Dylan-which must have reminded him of the betrayal he clearly hadn't moved on from. Then, he had met Mason- the man responsible for his brother's problems.

"Yes, yes." Silas replied quickly, his mood shifting again.

It was the second time a message had popped up on his phone, and each time his expression had darkened. He dropped her hand, and Ivy knew something was wrong.

Afraid of upsetting him further, she murmured her assent and turned towards the garden. It was a beautiful, immaculate piece of land under the night sky-though a little intimidating.

She glanced back at Silas, catching the frown on his face and the anger in his eyes. She grew worried. "Is it about dinner?" she asked cautiously. "Did something happen!"

He turned to her, surprise replacing the anger in his eyes. “No, no,” he said, shaking his head with an unconvincing smile.

Ivy studied his face briefly for answers but gave up when it revealed nothing. "Alright," she muttered, "Let's go back in. We can resume the tour in broad daylight."

He didn't argue, he simply turned toward the door and opened it for her. Feeling deflated, she entered and headed for the stairs.

"Don't go yet," he said.

Her heart leapt with joy as she turned. Maybe he was ready to talk now!

instead, he gestured toward the living room. "I want you to meet the stall before you head to bed."

Her heart plummeted, but she forced a smile. “Sure." She followed him into the sitting room, where his staff were waiting, their faces warm and accommodating. Sulas sank into the couch. "Introduce yourselves to Ms. Stone," he said, sounding already exhausted.

Monica stepped forward. "Hello, ma'am," she smiled. "Here is Bethany, who's in charge of the kitchen; Mary-Ann and Clara, who handle housekeeping. Lucas takes care of the garden. James is our maintenance specialist. Diana manages the laundry, and Edward is Mr. Stone's butler. I am the house manager and your personal maid."

Ivy wondered why Silas had appointed Monica as her personal maid when he could appoint someone else with less work, but she swallowed her thoughts and nodded at them. "It's nice to meet you all."

"Nice to meet you too, ma'am," they chorused.

"Welcome, ma'am," Diana added.

feeling heat

everybody. Goodnight, Silas dismissed them

him to say something-anything. When he didn't, she started toward the stairs, her

head, shoulders hunched as she trudged to her

next morning. Ivy woke up to her phone buzzing incessantly. She

over twenty missed calls. Her father had left two, Cole lett one with a message after saying:

10 17 AM

Chapter 25

Mason left the rest with three different messages. One said: pick up, the second said: please, let's just talk, the third

what the calls were about-the pictures had been released. If her family was reacting this way, she

shoved that thought in the abyss of her mind-it was too late now. The pictures

door startled her. She stood and opened it to find Monica, glowing in a bright red

morning. Ivy," she

Ivy replied, sitting on

you feeling this morning?" Monica

Monica that she'd spent the night dreaming about

you ready.

didn't expect to be delighted by the news, but she was. The thought of sharing breakfast

of the mornings she used to beg Mason to have breakfast with her during their marriage.

she headed for the bathroom. A few minutes later, she returned. "Do you have a color in mind for your dress? I can

shaking her head. "Maybe something flowery, casual...

course," Monica nodded and

stood up and went to the bathroom, where Monica had drawn a warm lavender bubble bath. As she dipped herself in, she immediately felt more refreshed. When she

breakfast with Silas. Maybe she could even

last night.

no intimate breakfast at all. Thomas, Rosie, and an unfamiliar man were already

Silas smiled, holding a cup

was stupid of her to expect anything intimate and thoughtful outside their

morning," she said, forcing a smile as she

morning, Ivy," Thomas said, his tone

gestured to

trying to conceal her

said, introducing the man. "He