A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Ivy groaned, clenching her fists. "What does she want? Why won't she just leave?"

"I don't know, ma'am," Jade replied meekly. "But she's started to make everyone uncomfortable."

Ivy lifted a brow. "What do you mean by that?"

Jade hesitated. "She brought in a live snake. Says it's her pet."

"What?" Ivy hissed through gritted teeth. "I'm on my way."

"Yes, ma'am," Jade said, relief coloring her tone.

Ivy ended the call and sighed, frustration bubbling inside her. She detested that Elaine Chase was so stubborn.

"Everything good?" Cole asked from behind her.

She turned, quickly fixing her expression. "Yes, just a minor hindrance."

Cole moved closer and gave her a hug. "Aunt May said she's sorry."

Ivy nearly collapsed into his arms-until she registered his words. She stepped away, annoyance boiling in her. "Don't do that."

Cole tilted his head. "Do what?"

"Speak for her," she snapped. "You weren't there. You have no idea what she said."

Cole took a step forward, but she stepped back again. He sighed. "I'm not speaking for her. I'm just apologizing on her behalf."

"Don't do that either," she said, shaking her head. "She can apologize herself if she really means it.”

"See, Ivy, I'm not picking a side. I... understand both of you and 1-”

"You picked a side," she cut in sharply. "You already did, Cole."

He moved closer again. "No, I didn't. I'm just saying I understand how you feel. And I understand Aunt May's decision. You both-"

Ivy was surprised she could feel anger over something that had saddened her only yesterday.

She raised her hand, interrupting Cole again. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't need her apology."

"Alright," Cole said softly. "I apologize for bringing it up."

"Yeah," she muttered, turning toward the door.

"Have a good day," Cole said from behind her, but she ignored him.

"You're not thinking about anything today," she told herself as she stepped outside. "Positive vibes only."

She found Jonathan waiting. "Hey, Jonathan. Thanks for yesterday."

"You're welcome, ma'am," Jonathan replied. "Time for work?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Let me go get the car and the others."

1/4

11:16 Mon, 23 Jun

Chapter 201

When he left, Ivy sighed. She couldn't believe Aunt May had sent Cole to

wasn't a big deal, like she

with

from Silas

See you

phone off without replying and tucked it back. Few

until she was exhausted. She called Theresa, and when there was no

that didn't stop her from building up

you, Jonathan," she said, stepping out of the

office and spotted Elaine

Ivy said,

Stone," Elaine said, rising

No wonder security hadn't been

around Elaine's wrist. If it hadn't moved, Ivy

you want?" Ivy

just want to talk," Elaine smiled. "Harmless conversation,

I already gave you my

snake hissing softly.

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

woman's manic expression, but she refused

think you should

fifty percent of the royalty. From the movie to the book-everything. Think about it, Ivy Stone. It's a

and her mouth twisted. "My answer

eyes flashed with shock then she shrugged. "Well,

the door, keeping her distance from

a long time before

out, making sure they were

murmuring

was weird,"

"She

Wouldn't take

on

with a frown. "They don't care what happens to anyone else.

2/4

11.10

Chapter 201

"Crazy," Jade said.

gate," Ivy instructed. "Every car should be screened now. I'm tired of having random

face turned

anger still

a movie. But it wasn't a story

else.

slumped into her chair and exhaled slowly. "Time to bury all that,"

next several hours finalizing Aaliyah's photos. By evening,

team, pointing to the small print draft

one of her photographers

warmed her chest. "Thank you all for your

"Yes, ma'am," they chorused.

Aaliyah, then packed

her office, Silas called.

"Hey," she answered.

he said softly.

up work," she said.

Yes," he replied quickly. "Should I...

her eyes, pain trickling in her chest. She hated that they were speaking like strangers-holding conversation like the

"Yes," she said.

you soon," Silas replied, his voice tinged with

tell him she

But she didn't.

to tell him

said

her staff goodnight and made