A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

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Ivy shifted in her seat, turning toward them, doing her best to hide her discomfort.

“Hi, Vivian. Hello, Martha," Ivy said cautiously. "How are you doing?"

Vivian stepped forward, smiling politely. "Good. It's been awhile, Ivy. How've you-"

Martha cut Vivian off, shoving her aside gently. "You still didn't answer me, what are you doing here?"

Martha hadn't given Ivy any problem throughout her marriage to Mason. Her only problem was that she didn't care about anybody else but her son. Ivy had always kept her distance, and there had never been any direct issue between them. This was why Martha's accusatory tone surprised Ivy.

"I'm here to see Mr. Laurent," Ivy replied gingerly.

Martha stepped closer, her gaze narrowing as she looked Ivy over from head to toe. "And why would Mr. Laurent want to-"

"I'm sure Ivy has her reasons," Vivian smoothly interrupted Martha. "Let's leave her to it."

Ivy gave Vivian a grateful nod as she led Martha away.

Monica, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "Who were those two?"

Ivy sighed, she could feel a dull headache forming. "The older woman in blue is Martha, my ex-mother-in-law. The younger one is Vivian. Her mom and Martha are friends."

"Oh," Monica said, sounding unimpressed. "What's with the attitude?"

"I wish I knew." Ivy said, leaning into her seat.

She and Vivian had never really been close, but they weren't hostile either. Ivy had spent time with her at events hosted by Martha or ones Mason forced her to attend. Vivian was always polite and respectful, unlike her mother, who gossips all day with Martha.

"Well, I don't like her," Monica said firmly.

Ivy chuckled, but her amusement faded quickly at the thought of having to deal with Mason again if his mother told him she spotted her.

She had barely relaxed when Francis Laurent's office door opened, and Cheryl stepped out.

Dressed in a bright yellow gown that highlighted her already protruding belly, Cheryl's eyes darkened when she saw Ivy. "What the hell are you doing here?" she snapped, marching toward her.

Ivy stood, her eyes challenging. “I should ask you the same. Last I checked, this office wasn't reserved for only you."

Cheryl's eyes widened but she quickly composed herself. “It doesn't surprise me that you're here. You probably came to spread your legs for Mr. Laurent, just like you trapped Silas Stone," she sneered.

Ivy laughed at the accusation. "I must have learned from the best, Cheryl. After all, isn't that how you trapped Mason?"

Ivy's tone was harsh but she didn't care. Cheryl had it coming.

looked Cheryl all over in disgust. She couldn't believe she'd almost sacrificed

taming him. That's

harder than she'd expected, and Cheryl noticed. She stepped closer, her eyes widened with malice. "Oh, don't act like you

how Mason had begged Martha to accompany Ivy for her wedding fitting. Of course, Martha had refused. Now here she was, happily aiding Cheryl for her son's second marriage.

Francis Laurent peeked,

held her bag. She walked up to Cheryl, leaning in. "Let's just

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11:53 AM

Chapter 32

she walked away, heading towards Francis'

room, Ivy exhaled deeply before sitting

concern evident in her voice.

lovely to meet you. Congratulations

Ivy said, crossing her legs

Francis continued. "I have ten designs for you

sounds wonderful," Ivy

pulled a large catalog from beneath the table and slid it toward her. "Take

eyes lit, overwhelmed by the designs before her. She beckoned Monica

is stunning," Monica said,

with a line of sequins and crystals arranged on

and Ivy could tell it would be

like it too," Ivy murmured, admiring the picture

was grey, shorter but

until she settled on the eighth one. She briefly checked the other two, just to

think this is it," Ivy told Monica, who giggled. "This is the

wedding dress she was going to wear to marry Silas, was

it?" Francis

"Yes,

Francis cheered, rising from his chair. "I'll take you to the fitting room for your measurements. Your dress will be

from ear to ear. "Thank you so much, Mr. Laurent. I really

smiled, leading

Monica

giggling with excitement. They

downstairs and

turn the corner when Cheryl

called,

his eyes and turned to her. "I've already told you, miss, there's

until after six

I can't wait. My wedding is in a month!" Cheryl

else," he said,