A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

"One scoop of milk, pour in water, shake, test temperature," Ivy murmured as she

prepared Cole's formula. Monica had taught her how to do it, and she was

surprised she'd gotten it right on the first try.

She placed the bottle against her cheek. When it felt just right, she dropped it on

the table and went to carry Cole.

He cried the moment she lifted him.

"Easy now, food is here," she whispered, picking up the bottle.

Slowly but steadily, she fed him, her heart pounding as she watched him suck on

the teat.

His slow breathing, the way his tiny hand held her finger, the fluttering of his eyes,

all softened her. And in that vulnerable moment, she wanted to keep him forever.

The realization hit her hard: she actually liked little Cole despite everything.

He wasn't just Mason's child; he was Cheryl's child-the baby she had once

wanted to put everything on hold for, even before he was born.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey, Ivy," it was Theresa.

"Come in," she said.

Theresa stepped in and noticed her expression. "Oh, Ivy. Are you okay?"

Ivy looked away. Theresa sat beside her and Cole, rubbing her back gently.

"It's... a lot," Ivy whispered.

"I completely understand," Theresa replied softly. "But you know, you're under no

obligation to care for him."

"I know," Ivy said. "I just... can't hate him..."

"Which is normal. He was supposed to be your godson, and then everything got

messy. Don't feel guilty for loving him. You're only human, Ivy."

Ivy swallowed, Theresa's word sinking in. She was only human and little Cole was

an innocent baby. Setting the almost empty bottle on the table, she lifted him to

her shoulder to burp him.

"You're a natural," Theresa teased.

Ivy laughed.

Cole let out a loud belch, making them both laugh again. She laid him gently on

the bed, where he cooed softly before drifting off to sleep.

"Where's Silas?" Theresa asked.

"He's working downstairs."

Theresa's cheeks turned red. "Did he tell you about the... lawsuit?"

Ivy turned to her. "What lawsuit?"

Theresa told her about the reporter's case.

Ivy's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, T."

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Chapter 211

Theresa said,

dropped. "There's

"I agreed to settle

to more

fright. "What is

her blush deepened as she began to pace.

medical license, and the board of doctors is leaning into

she gasped, standing

lost control once, Ivy and

wrapped a hand around her and

sorry."

she sighed, and she finally

you," Theresa said

are we supposed to do? There has to be a way to change

don't know," Theresa replied with a shrug. "I can't think right

squeezed her

holding hands. Ivy

to her, and it filled

returned to the bed, and Ivy

board won't immediately say anything.

But cancel culture is real, and

said, racking

That way, you get to tell your side of the story. Or even

interview?"

a good idea," Theresa replied, "but it's too

Ivy nodded. "Yeah."

they had to do something, but she didn't

say more, the door flew open, and

her

and she's causing a scene," Aria

beading with sweat.

Ivy asked, standing as well. "What

the hell did

flinched, her cheeks flushing, but she

"Speak!"

again, stepping back.

Ivy blinked. "Aria!"

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Chapter 211

Theresa snapped, her eyes

to yourself again after

stunned into silence. From the bed, little Cole stirred.

her voice.

lip. "In the

room, and Aria followed

see a

you help me watch the

the maid

Ivy reached the hallway, she saw Beatrice screaming

trying to speak,

forward. "Hey, Beatrice!

and glaring at Aria, who

said, then nodded to

to Beatrice.

sister is crazy!"

sex tape

After you had me arrested, I

the officers everything I

wasn't sure. I

Ivy

sighed. "I'm sorry, Beatrice." Then she turned to Aria. "Apologize

Aria blinked. "What? She-"

"Now!"

Aria muttered her apology.

a way to get them off

stood still, her stomach tightening. Aria knew it was Rosie who

to the police that

hacked.