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

it wasn't a big deal, like she

with

from Silas

See you

phone off without replying and tucked it back. Few moments later, Jonathan

determined to bury herself in work until she was exhausted. She called Theresa, and when

but that didn't stop her

said, stepping out

Elaine Chase

Ivy said,

Stone," Elaine said,

were five hefty bodyguards. No wonder

green snake coiled around Elaine's wrist. If it hadn't moved, Ivy might've mistaken it for an

you want?" Ivy

talk," Elaine smiled. "Harmless

“And I already gave you my

step closer, the snake hissing softly. "Just try to understand. This

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

woman's manic expression, but she refused to show it- not with her

should leave, Ms.

Elaine pressed. "You'll have fifty percent of the royalty. From the movie to the book-everything.

and her mouth twisted. "My answer is no!"

eyes flashed with shock then she shrugged. "Well, I hope you know what you're

keeping her distance from the snake. "Thank you

regarded her for a long time before

followed them out, making sure they were gone before

were murmuring

weird,"

"She was like

take no

she's so hell-bent on

frown. "They don't care what

2/4

11.10

Chapter 201

"Crazy," Jade said.

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

face turned red. "Yes,

her office, her anger still simmering.

movie. But it wasn't a story for Elaine

else.

exhaled slowly. "Time to bury all that," she muttered,

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

to the small print

one of her

for your time. Let's

"Yes, ma'am," they chorused.

then packed up. Just as she was

her office, Silas called.

"Hey," she answered.

he said softly. "How

work," she said. "We're still

"Should I...

hated that they were speaking like strangers-holding conversation like the first

"Yes," she said.

Silas replied,

wanted to tell him she

But she didn't.

tell

said instead, ending

staff goodnight and made her way