A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Shock rippled through Ivy, and it showed in her voice. "That was... quick."

guess," Cole replied. "Pick his call and talk to him. Please."

She nodded.

"Okay," Cole said, then walked away.

Guilt mingled with the shock as she walked toward her phone. She dialed Silas's number, her heart pounding with each ring,

"Hey," he answered softly.

A shiver ran from her back to the middle of her legs, and the guilt deepened. "Hey," she replied softly, grateful he couldn't see the heat that crept on her cheeks. "Cole called me."

"Yes. The man was captured not long ago. The detectives want you here when they question him."

Her stomach knotted. "Alright, I'm coming."

He paused for a bit. "Should I send Bud over?"

"No, it's fine. Jon and someone else would come with me."

"Alright," he said with some hesitation. "See you soon."

"Yeah," she said and ended the call.

Running a hand through her hair, she began gathering her things. Even though it

still felt like Rosie was always a thousand steps ahead, this felt like a

win.

And she hoped it would lead to something great.

When she left the room, she met Geoffrey in the hallway.

"Hey Ivy," he said cheerfully.

"Hey, love," she replied with a smile. "How are you?"

"Good," he grinned. "Happy birthday in advance."

Ivy blinked. Then it clicked. "Shoot! I totally forgot."

Geoffrey laughed and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Don't be too hard on yourself. It happens."

She sighed, completely detached already.

Birthdays had never meant much to her after her mother died, and with everything

going on, it was the last thing on her mind.

"Did you hear about... your dad?"

She frowned. "Your dad or our dad?"

Geoffrey's smile faltered, and he stepped back slightly. "I... I don't know. It's complicated."

Ivy moved closer, her heart aching for him. "I understand, Geo. You don't have to explain. Let's just focus on us. How is school by the way? And your games?" she asked, changing the subject.

Geoffrey's face lit up as expected, "School is still in process, and the games are mad as usual. Just waiting for a new verson e

"Oh, nice," she said with a warm smile. "That sounds nice."

Before Geoffrey could respond, Mabel rushed into the hallway, her face tense, making Ivy's heart jump.

"What happened?" she asked, panic rising in her voice.

"It's Cheryl. She's crying," Mabel said, breathless.

"Wow!" Geoffrey exclaimed. "Where is she?"

"In her room."

Quickly, Ivy and Geoffrey followed Mabel to Cheryl's room. Inside, Cheryl's baby slept on the bed while Cheryl paced restlessly, her eyes swollen from crying.

"Hey, hey," Ivy rushed to her side. "What's wrong?"

Cheryl froze, her eyes widened like she hadn't expected to see anyone. "Nothing."

"It's not nothing," Geoffery said softly. "You're crying."

Cheryl sank on the bed, burying her face in her palms. Ivy sat beside her, worried that she might have pushed too far earlier.

"You're going to be okay."

Cheryl lifted her head, tears streaming down her eyes. "I don't know," she

sobbed. "I... can't reach any of my relatives."

Guilt tightened Ivy's chest.

Mabel moved to the door. "I'll be outside if you need me."

Geoffrey stepped closer. "What do you mean?"

Cheryl wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I have an aunt in Australia and

an uncle in Wales. I can't reach them."

Ivy's stomach turned and in that moment she hated herself a little. She had pushed Cheryl. Even though Cheryl deserved it, it was up to Ivy to treat her differently.

Even if it was only for the baby's sake.

"Well, that shouldn't be a problem," Geoffrey said. "My brother has a tech friend.

He can help you find them."

Ivy raised a brow. "What tech friend? Green?"

"Yup," Geoffrey nodded.

"I thought he left the country."

"He did one time, but came back. Let me go tell Cole. Stop crying, please."

Cheryl gave a tearful nod, and Geoffrey smiled before leaving the room.

Once it was just Ivy and Cheryl, an awkward silence settled between them.

Ivy cleared her throat, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you away, knowing you have no one else."

"Don't say that," Cheryl replied softly. "I deserved it, Ivy. You're just a good person."

14.55 Fri, 20 Jun

Ivy closed her eyes, letting the pain course through her. Maybe she wasn't like Theresa, who could just flare up. Cheryl used to be her best friend.

Maybe it was time to admit her case was différent.

Before she could speak, the door opened and Geoffery entered.

"So, great news, Green said he can come tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Geo," Cheryl said gratefully. "And you too, Ivy."

Ivy nodded, speechless.

The baby stirred, his small cry of discomfort easing the tension. Ivy stood up, while Cheryl leaned over and patted him gently back to sleep.

"I'll see you later," she said, scratching her temple.

"Alright," Cheryl replied with a faint smile. "Thanks."

Ivy nodded again and left the room with Geoffrey.

"You're doing well," Geoffrey said with a proud smile. "I'm proud you are my sister."

His words warmed her heart, but she bumped his arm playfully to downplay the sentiment. "Go play some games."

Geoffrey raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing. “Yes, ma'am.”

She chuckled, the tension in her chest loosening as she watched him walk away.

But the moment she remembered her call with Silas, the laughter faded.

It was time to head to the station.

Outside, she found Jonathan. "I'll need you and two other guards to come with me to the station. The man from the footage has been found."

Jonathan's eyes widened. “That's fast. I wondered how much manpower that took. Kudos to the officers."

No. Kudos to Silas. Her husband had done everything to make that possible.

Her heart sank at her own thoughts. She couldn't believe she had pushed him away.

Why, Ivy? Why?

She groaned and rubbed her forehead as Jonathan stepped away to prepare the

car. She had been on edge alt morning, and she had taken it out on the one person who didn't deserve it.

"I have to make it up to him," she muttered.

Some moments later, Jonathan pulled up in the car, with another vehicle behind.

"Ready, ma'am?" he asked.

"Yes," Ivy said, stepping into the car.

Just as she settled in the seat, her phone rang. It was an unknown number.

Her instincts flared-it could be Mason, or worse, Rosie. She ignored it.

It rang a few more times before a message entered:

"Hey, Ivy Stone. Elaine Chase here, actor and director. I would like to talk to you.

When is a good time?"

Ivy frowned, yet curiosity pricked her insides. She racked her brain, trying to

guess what Elaine might want.

When nothing came to mind, she gave up and dialed the number.

Elaine answered immediately, her voice as smooth as velvet. "Hello, Ivy Stone.

Thank you for calling back."

"Yeah," ivy replied cautiously.

"I came by your office, but you weren't available."

"Yes, I got your message. But... how did you get my number?"

"That doesn't matter," Elaine said breezily. "What matters is what I can do for you."

"For me?"

"Well, for us. You see, Ivy, your story is very fascinating. A hidden wife of a real estate tycoon, well, former tycoon. Divorced him, then marrie

The "

She didn't like where this was heading and she cut in, her tone polite but firm. "I'm sorry, Ms Chase, but I'm not interested."

"I haven't even finished," Elaine said, clearly annoyed.

"Ms. Chase, I really don't want anything from you." Ivy tried to sound as civil asnoveldrama

possible, just as Jonathan reached the station.

Eliane tried to protest. "Listen-"

"The answer is no, Ms Chase," Ivy said firmly.

"Know what? I'll call tomorrow so we can discuss this properly. Bye."

The call dropped before Ivy could respond. She sighed, tucking the phone away.

Looking up, she spotted Thomas heading into the station. She felt an urge to talk

to him, at least for Silas's sake.

Quickly, she stepped out of the car. "Thomas."

Thomas stopped and turned. When he saw her, his expression twisted with fury. "Stay the fuck away from me," he snapped, then stormed into the station.