A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 26

Ivy watched as color spread across Rosie's face. For a fleeting moment, her brown eyes widened.

"Oh, that was... just an honest mistake," Rosie said dismissively, attempting to mask her shock.

Ivy wanted to press the conversation further, but she knew it would only hurt Silas. "Yeah," she murmured, dropping it.

Thankfully, the door opened, and a young man entered with a trolley loaded with food, interrupting the tense silence.

He placed plates in front of everyone and left without a word. When Ivy reached for her tea with a shaky hand, she glanced at Silas. His expression hardened, and his lips were pressed into a thin line.

"What's the next public appearance you have planned, Silas?" Thomas asked, breaking the silence.

Silas turned to his brother, his brow slightly furrowed. "More private dinners and lunches. I'm thinking of holding the wedding in two weeks."

Ivy coughed at his statement, quickly grabbing a napkin to dab her mouth. She wasn't surprised the wedding was happening so soon, only surprised Silas hadn't informed her before announcing it.

"That's good. I'm sure the media will go crazy with that," Wade chimed in.

"In that case," Thomas said, "I'll cover the wedding expenses."

"You don't have to," Silas interrupted, raising a hand.

"It's the least I could do."

"Ivy has sacrificed six months of her life to make this happen," Rosie interjected with a sneer. "She played it well with the fake kiss, giving her body up for this act. It's the least we could do."

Rosie's words finally hit Ivy as her expression made it worse. Her cheeks burned with humiliation and discomfort seized her.

"Yes," Ivy said, attempting to regain control of the situation but failing. She stood abruptly, unable to bear the awkwardness and the look on their faces as they spoke about her like she wasn't a human being with feelings. "Excuse me," she said, leaving the dining room.

She was almost at the stairs when Silas called after her.

"Ivy? What's wrong?"

What's wrong? He was seriously asking her that?

"Nothing," she replied with a forced smile. "I'm just tired, that's all."

"You're overwhelmed with everything. I'm sorry," he said, his tone genuine, his eyes

kind.

wanted to believe him-wanted to believe he cared. But she

she said

sorry about Rosie's attitude,” Silas said. “She's not usually like that. She's probably still upset

right," Ivy scoffed, retreating

he added, smiling as if he'd done

clothes and expensive jewelry could

"I don't want your damn clothes," she snapped. "Just keep your

but before he could respond, Ivy marched to her room and slammed

the bed, guilt washed over her. Why had she done that? She'd only hurt herself

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11:52 AM

Chapter 26

a fool for expecting so much from the marriage. She had hurt

spiraling thoughts. It was Mason on the line,

anger.

"What?" she snapped.

can't believe you," Mason said, his tone laced with pain. "I

relationship with Silas

coldly. "What do you

Why? Did you do this to get back

laughed at his question, surprised he was even asking it. "Oh God,

it is!" he snapped. "You married someone else.

with your new bride." Her voice was sharper than she'd intended, betraying her anger and

do you need to call

Ivy froze, stunned by his

made your point. I'll give you back your inheritance-all of

turned

funny," Mason

voice quaking with fury. "You will

details to Joe. I'll have him transfer the money immediately," Mason barked. "Call

cold and mocking. "You're delusional, Mason Hunter. Our marriage is over. We

shit, or you'll hate yourself. I won't have you ruining my reputation

ignited. "Get off my phone!" she yelled. "Don't ever call me again!" She ended the call and threw the phone on the bed. Breathing heavily, Ivy turned abruptly and froze. "What are you doing here?" Rosie leaned against the doorframe, her eyes

racing heart. "Leave, Rosie.

are playing, Ivy. Since you agreed to this marriage, you've been playing a

is your problem?" Ivy demanded, her anger reigniting. "My marriage to Silas is to help your husband,