A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 34

"What do you think about your new marriage?"

-Were you seeing Silas Stone before your divorce?"

"Why did you hit your ex-mother-in-law?"

"Any comment on Thomas Stone?"

Ivy pushed through the horde of reporters outside Laurent Bridal Store, with the help of Bud and a few security guards. The loud wail of an ambulance siren cut through the chaos as Monica held her arm, guiding her through the crowd.

Someone snatched her Dior bag, tugging it off her shoulder.

"Back off!" Bud barked, throwing punches to clear a path through the crowd.

Finally, Ivy made her way to the car, with Monica sliding in beside her. She let out a sigh of relief.

-What was that about?" Monica asked as Bud started the car, speeding away.

Ivy wiped the beads of sweat on her forehead. "I have no idea, but I'm just glad it's over," she said, glancing behind them, to see if they were being followed. When she was certain no one was following, she sank into the plush seat.

"That was hilarious!" Monica burst into laughter, her voice laced with disbelief.

Ivy threw her head back in laughter, and Bud joined in, easing the tension slightly. She had no idea how the situation with Martha and Cheryl had escalated, but she loved it. She loved that the duo were served what they deserved-well, at least one of them.

She checked her body over, ensuring nothing had gone missing. One of her earrings was gone, and a large portion of the pink frills of her gown was noticeably torn.

"That was crazy," she murmured, leaning back. "But how did the reporters even know we were there?"

"Someone tipped them off," Bud replied, his focus on the road ahead.

"That was fast," Monica commented. "I didn't know they could arrive so quickly." "Anything for a juicy story," Bud murmured.

Ivy caught the tone in Bud's words. She was the story-and the reporters would do anything to find her now. The realization unsettled

her.

Monica sensed her discomfort and gave her a squeeze. "Everything will work out." She nodded, managing a small smile. "Thank you."

taken an unexpected turn, much like every other day since she'd signed Silas Stone's contract. She was supposed to be grateful-happy, even-that

Among other things.

father, and her discomfort intensified. She had too much on her plate to worry

passing by jolted Ivy out of her thoughts. Bud slowed the

her voice tinged with guilt as

gave her a reassuring squeeze.

attempt to save herself, Martha had lunged at Monica's feet, but Monica had kicked her away. Ivy watched all this unfold, just as Cheryl had been attacking her. It was Vivian

wanted to help Martha, but it was too late-Monica's kick had sent Martha finally to the ground, with blood spilling

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Chapter 34

an ambulance. Bud had arrived at the scene, and Francis Laurent had been found crying in

gravely injured,

used to this type of situation. She wasn't used to fighting Chelry-even when they were best friends, they rarely fought. And she

pulled into the driveway, fear joined her growing worry. She hadn't even thought about Silas during the

the car with Monica

so much, Bud," Ivy

nodded before driving

was crazy," Monica said as they

for being engaged and then planning on marrying him, and then for finding a way to get

it should have been Ivy accompanying her, helping her prepare for her big day-not

wanted to be angry

that and more, but instead, she found herself

way

the whole situation

she needed to bury herself in

bath to wash off the memory

to face Monica when they reached the living room. "If it's not too much trouble, could you

a day

"I totally

about some wine?" Silas's voice

seated on the couch. His hazel eyes

a banquet? Balloons? Music?" he continued, his tone

words. Monica gasped, then scurried out of the room,