A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 112 A Dysfunctional Family

Chapter 112: A Dysfunctional Family.

"Oh," Ivy said softly, not knowing how to react.

"I didn't know he was married," Rita added, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. "Frankly, I don't think I know anything about him anymore."

Curiosity coursed through Ivy, and she arched her brow. "What do you mean?"

Rita sighed, and then her eyes fell to the bags Ivy was holding. "Wanna come inside? Ryan is taking a nap."

"Sure," Ivy smiled as she followed Rita. When they got inside, she gave Rita the bags. "For Ryan."

Rita's mouth curved into a smile despite the tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Ivy."

"You're welcome," Ivy smiled as Rita took the bags and kept them with Ryan's other toy collections.

"Can I get you anything?" Rita asked.

"No, I'm good. Thanks," Ivy replied, sitting down as Rita did too. She went quiet, waiting for Rita to continue the conversation without forcing her to.

"I met Ryan's dad five years ago," Rita said, calmly. "It wasn't love at first sight because I didn't like him at all." She giggled." But after Vera's... death, I needed an outlet for my grief and he was there. He helped me when I needed it, and you know, it just happened."

Ivy nodded, her eyes softening at Rita's sad tone. "I understand."

"So we started dating and Ryan came along," Rita continued. "I was scared, because we didn't plan Ryan, but Derek was ready and helpful, so I gave in."

"That must have been beautiful and challenging," Ivy chimed in.

"Oh, it was," Rita chuckled. "But Derek was really helpful and here we are."

Ivy leaned into the couch. "So you never left California?"

"I did. I just came back six months ago," Rita said. "Ryan's condition became worse, and Derek wanted him monitored, plus his work was making it harder to travel about. So we just decided to move here to Mill valley."

"He's a doctor, yeah?" Ivy added. "Ryan told me."

Rita laughed, the warmth reaching her eyes. "He's not a doctor. He is a medical assistant. Ryan thinks his dad is a doctor because he is always in the hospital.”

"Oh, silly Ryan," Ivy laughed, but beneath her amusement, a serious question lingered.

If Derek was just a medical assistant, how could he afford this house?

Yet Ivy held back. She didn't want to ask Rita, for the fear of being sent away. Besides, she hadn't heard the full story.

said cautiously, leaning forward. "How

faded as the warmth disappeared from her eyes. Ivy watched as she adjusted herself on

before Rita could speak,

she murmured, reaching for it quickly. She glanced at the screen, an unknown number was calling. Out of curiosity, and the fact that Rita already stood up, Ivy gingerly answered

Mrs Stone. I am detective David Spence. Your husband said you

call but I got busy. I need you to help my brother find his parents, and

heard a thud like he opened a drawer. "Okay,

name, what he knew about them. Information like that,"

have all that information," Ivy said apologetically, "but I can send his number and you

That's a good

said, ending the call just as

check up

"He's still sleeping?"

"Yes, soundly," Rita smiled.

Successfully unlocked!

wanted to put Rita at ease and make her talk about her issues freely, she said, "I just spoke to a detective who wants to help Geo find his

112: A

eyes lit up. "Oh, Geoffrey. That little

"He's not so little anymore. He's going to the

smile dropped. "But Uncle

said that made Ivy's chest squeezed, but

am happy for

her couch and sat beside Ivy. "Is it just Mason's issue or something else is

with a shrug. "And

weird," Rita

you," Ivy said, finally acknowledging the longing in her heart. "Aside from the fact that your mom would

mom doesn't know you've seen

to know what was going on with you before involving her.

looking out," Rita said, her voice small. "For me, for

gentle squeeze. "You're welcome. I'm always here for

eyes twinkled with a smile.

to scare her away. "Should I be worried?" "No," Rita replied. "I found out he was talking to a woman some

Ivy's eyes widened. "Oh."

confronted him about it, but he came up with a dumb excuse, saying he just liked the look of it. When I kept pushing, he fought with me all day," Rita said, like she was forcing the words out. "He

I found a hotel receipt

dropped. "That's impossible! Theresa is a

well.

blinked, stunned. "They do... but...

with bitterness. "Happily married but

"How...