Chapter 18
“What? What are you talking about?” Ivy’s chest heaved as she stood up swiftly from the bed.
“Dad didn’t want to tell you, but I have to,” Cole replied, his voice heavy with fatigue. “Ver Vee, you can’t deal with the Stone brothers. They’re horrible,”
Ivy’s heart pounded, her stomach knotting as Cole called her Vee Vee. He only used that name when he was either deadly serious or in rare playful mood–and he hadn’t called her that in years.
She walked over to the window, her fingernails in her teeth. “What are you talking about? What do you mean T
mean Thomas killed Mum?”
Her heart raced faster. She couldn’t believe she was indirectly helping her mother’s murderer. Lauren Scott had been a beautiful. hardworking woman. She was the true force behind the restaurants in Patrick’s name, and it was because of her, Ivy was able to earn her Inheritance.
Her mother died five years ago from a cardiac arrest, she couldn’t see how that had anything to do with Thomas.
“Are you ready for this conversation?” Cole asked, concern evident in his voice.
Just say it, Cole! What do you know that I don’t?” she snapped, tears welling in the corner of her eyes.
“Before Mum died, she had a situation with Thomas Stone. He stole two lands that were meant for the construction of new restaurants. He then bought the land in San Jose, forcing Mum to sell the restaurant there,” Cole explained.
The tears fell out silently accompanied with pain in her chest. She vividly remembered the San Jose branch closing. “Nobody told me someone was responsible. I was told the branch wasn’t doing well.”
“Thomas was responsible,” Cole said gravely. “We didn’t want to burden you with the family business. You were too young to understand.”
Ivy trudged back to the bed, collapsing in it. “I had no idea,” she murmured.
“When all three lands were snatched, Murn couldn’t go back to work. She became depressed and then… she died.”
The pain flooded Ivy’s heart like it was yesterday–fresh and sharp as she remembered her mother laying in her coffin, cold and motionless. She missed her mother and the thought almost crippled her.
“Thomas caused Mum’s depression. That’s why we lost her,” Cole continued, his voice hard with anger. “When Dad went to beg him, to reason with him, Thomas pushed him away. The Stone brothers are ruthless, Vee Vee. You don’t want to be in their midst.”
“This is… I had no idea,” Ivy repeated, wiping her eyes with her golden gown.
“Now you do,” Cole said firmly. “I’m just looking out for you. I don’t want my little sister getting hurt. You are unprotected there, Ivy.”
Her chest ached, her eyes stung. What the hell has she done? A marriage deal with Silas Stone.
She was married to the brother of her mother’s murderer!
“What the hell were you thinking settling for a Stone brother?” Cole queried, his tone a little judgmental:
“It was a contract marriage, Cole!” Ivy retorted, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I just wanted a fresh start.”
She couldn’t believe this was happening,
“You need to get out of it,” Cole pressed.
“And we’re not helping you! Find a way to clean up your mess!” Patrick’s voice suddenly cut through.
Ivy sat up on her bed, stunned “Dad?”
“When he’s done using you, he’ll throw you away like trash.” Patrick said coldly. “That’s what the Stone brothers do–they’re users. If you care about yourself, leave while you still can.”
Ivy was shocked at her father’s tone but beneath the shock was curiosity. When did he join the conversation! And why?
And slowly her curiosity turned into doubt. Were they being truthful? Did all that even happen?
Chapter 18
“We only want what’s best for you, Vee Vee, Cole said softly.
But suddenly Ivy no longer trusted him–or his tone.
Before she could question it, there was a knock at the door. Terrified it might be Silas, she quickly spoke into her phone. “I’ll call you later, Cole
“Leave while you
you still can and call me back, Cole said before dropping the call.
Ivy placed the phone on the bed and walked to the mirror. She glanced at herself, her eyes were smoky from the tears that had smeared her mascara. She wiped the streaks and adjusted her hair as she made her way to the door.
“Yes?” she called out before opening it.
“It’s me, Monica. Mr. Stone asked me to collect the file,” Monica said from the other side.
Shoot! Ivy had forgotten to go through the file and sign it. She hesitated, tempted to rush back to the bed and finish it quickly. But then she remembered her conversation with Cole and her father–and realized she would rather talk about that than the contract.
She opened the door.
You’re still in your gown, ma–Ivy,” Monica remarked. “Do you need help with it?”
vy smiled, stepping into the hallway. She noticed the surprise on Monica’s face. “I’d like to see Silas. Could
No, I’m fine. Thank you,” Ivy you take me to his room?”
Monica swallowed her surprise and nodded. She turned, leading Ivy down the hallway. Silas’s room was on the opposite side of the house, and the walk there was silent.
They stopped in front of large, brown double doors. Monica gestured toward them.
“Here. You’ll need to knock and wait for him to ask you to come in,” Monica instructed.
“Thank you,” Ivy said, smiling faintly as Monica nodded and left.
Ivy took a deep breath and pushed the doors without knocking, the hinges creaking slightly.
“Who is it?” Silas’s voice was sharp with annoyance.
Ivy stepped into the room, momentarily distracted by the large golden statue by his bed. He was seated in front of the window, his back to her.
When he heard her footsteps, he turned. His expression shifted from annoyance to surprise.
“Ivy! What are you doing here? Are you okay?” Concern softened his voice.
“I’m good. I need to talk to you,” Ivy said firmly.
Silas’s mouth curved into a smirk. “Is it so serious that you haven’t changed from your gown?” he teased, his eyes dropping to her breasts
Ivy blushed as she pulled the gown to cover up. “I’m serious. It’s about Thomas.”
The smirk vanished from his face instantly and he stood up. “What about Thomas?”
Ivy bit her lip, not knowing how to start. “Is it true.. that Thomas steals lands… causing people to… to lose everything even their lives?” Her voice wavered.
“What are you talking about?” Silas strode towards her, fury flashing in his eyes. “What lies has Mason fed you with this time?”
“I need to know, Silas. Is he capable of something like that?” Ivy pressed
“What stupid question is that?” He roared and she flinched
“Just a
Silas grabbed her arm, his eyes blazing. “If this is a joke, stop it now. My brother is an honest man!”
16:16 AM
Chapter 18
Ivy tried to pull free. “It’s a—
“Whatever Mason told you about Thomas is a lie!” He said, pulling her towards the door. “My brother is an honest man. Get that
through your head!”
He shoved her into the hallway and slammed the door.
Ivy stood in front of the brown double doors, too stunned to react.
AD
