A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 29

"Three days?" Ivy gasped. "But... that's too soon," she said, hearing the shock in her tone.

"The earlier, the better," Wade replied. "We need to counter Mason's accusations as soon as possible."

Ivy bit her lip, glancing at Silas, who remained silent. She had expected him to share his plans, especially after he'd been rubbing his face all over her cleavage some moments ago.

Disappointment raced inside her, combined with pain. She was really foolish to think one steamy moment with Silas would make him suddenly treat her like a real wife or even confide in her.

She looked away as her cheeks burned, aware of the awkward looks they were giving her again.

"If it's about the preparations," Thomas added with a smile, "don't worry. We'll handle everything. All you need to do is call your family; the rest will be taken care of."

Ivy's face flushed deeper at the mention of her family. Thomas didn't understand- her concern wasn't about the preparations but about her feelings. Just because this was a contract marriage didn't mean she had to feel like a helpless human on her own wedding day.

I'm sure your family would be delighted to waltz into a grand wedding without having to lift a finger," Rosie added with a mocking smile on her lips.

Rosie's statement only tightened the knot in Ivy's stomach. She hadn't even processed how she'd feel about Cole and their father's absence. As much as Patrick had hated Mason, at least he'd been there on their wedding day.

Silas came over, sitting by her side, his hazel eyes were soft as he smiled at her. "Don't worry, we'll get through this," he murmured, giving her a reassuring squeeze on her hand.

"I can imagine how difficult this must feel, ma'am," Wade said gently. "But don't worry-we'll take care of Mason Hunter. Once you release a statement, everything will fall back in place."

Shock rippled within Ivy. "I... I have to release a statement?"

"Well, yes," Wade said hesitantly, his discomfort evident. "It's just.. to aid-"

"Don't worry about that," Silas interrupted. "Everything will be prepared for you. We've got this."

Ivy nodded slowly, biting her bottom lip. She hadn't even considered the public effects of becoming a billionaire's wife. With Mason's lies, she realized how unprepared she was for the events.

"We should get started," Thomas said, rising from his seat.

Wade stood as well, his face slightly pink with embarrassment. "Yes."

"What's first?" Silas asked, still seated with his hand resting on Ivy's. "Her statement or mine?"

"Let's start with yours," Thomas suggested. "I'll coordinate with my team to craft the perfect rebuttal. After that, we'll work on Ivy's."

good," Silas agreed, his hand rubbing against Ivy's

caught at the unexpected contact, but she

work then,"

wedding preparations start immediately." Thomas said. "Three

with pleasure. "I'll handle the outfits. Leave it

she wanted was Rosie in

"Uh, thank you, Rosie," he said smoothly. "But I think Ivy would prefer to

and pain flashed across Rosie's face, and her cheeks reddened. She swallowed but

of other things for you to do, love," Thomas said, pulling Rosie to his

1/3

Chapter 29

nod, saying nothing. He caught

us, Si," Thomas said, his hand resting on his wife's waist. "It was lovely to meet you again,

smiled hesitantly.

feet as well. "Let's see you

outside to the driveway. Ivy gasped when she

Thomas said as he opened the

Rosie waved before stepping

to Rosie. Turning

car and honked as he

gone, Silas placed a hand on Ivy's waist, guiding her inside. "How

turned to him.

you might be feeling overwhelmed by

him how small and insignificant she felt while he made

your wedding shopping today,"

a wedding gown in three days. I'll have to settle for something off the

closer. "You worry too

insisted, though deep down, she was aware of the emotions swirling within her

earlier promise to herself, she stepped out of his embrace. His forehead creased at her movement, and her cheeks

he said, not hiding his disappointment. "I'll refer you to some designers. Bud and Monica can go with you." He turned and sat on the

tingling in her chest at his changed mood. But she knew better than to open her heart to a man again-especially one who would only be

stood there until Silas yelled, "Someone

unsure of what to do. Moments later, Monica

room.

called for me, sir?"

Laurent for her