After that awkward breakfast with Silas, Ivy made her way upstairs to prepare for the photoshoot. She was barely up when Monica called
her.
“Yes?” Ivy turned toward Monica’s voice.
“Please, I need a favor from you,” Monica said, sounding out of breath.
Ivy’s stomach churned. “What is it?”
“I need your account details. Someone wants to send me something, and I don’t have—”
Ivy didn’t let her finish. “It’s okay, you can have it.” She rattled off the account number.
“You’re such a darling, Ivy,” Monica beamed with a warm smile. “I’m coming up now to get you ready for your outing.”
“Okay.” Ivy smiled and resumed climbing the stairs.
Once in her room, Ivy sat on the bed, her mind racing. Why had Silas asked her those personal questions about her and Mason? It wasn’t that she had a problem talking about it; she’d actually thought it was a perfect opportunity to learn more about him. But when he brought up her father, it had unsettled her.
She couldn’t make sense of her father’s reactions. First, he’d been upset about her giving Mason her inheritance, then suddenly his anger shifted to her marriage to Silas. She could bet he had said something awful to Silas, but as sweet as Silas was, he wouldn’t say it.
Her phone buzzed, snapping her from her thoughts. It was a credit alert. She opened the message and her eyes widened. 200 million dollars. How the hell had Monica arranged for someone to send her that?
Then she panicked hoping Monica hadn’t used her account for something illegal.
Just then, Monica knocked and entered. “Are you ready to get dressed? Mr. Stone is waiting.”
“Your money came through,” Ivy said, her eyes studying Monica’s reaction.
Monica giggled as she stepped closer. “Actually, it’s yours. Mr. Stone asked me to get your details. I didn’t know how to tell you. I’m sorry.”
Ivy’s eyes widened again. “What? Mine?”
“Yes,” Monica said. “What happened?”
“It’s…. it’s too much,” Ivy stammered. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
Monica laughed softly. “You’re a billionaire’s wife. That’s how you get spoiled. I bet it’s up to a hundred million.”
“Way more than that!” Ivy exclaimed.
“Lucky you then,” Monica chuckled. “Let’s go get ready. We don’t want to keep your husband waiting.”
Ivy blushed as she stood up from the bed. She walked to the closet, allowing Monica to pick out her clothes.
“This should do,” Monica said, laying out a beige Prada jumpsuit. She then picked small diamond earrings, its necklace, black heels, and a Valentino bag.
Soon, Monica had Ivy’s hair fixed in a sleek updo, and in no time, she was ready.
Ivy clutched her bag tightly as she made her way outside. A black car was waiting with its door already opened. She climbed in, Silas was already there waiting patiently by the looks of it.
He lifted his head from his phone when she entered. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Start the car, Victor,” he said to his driver.
Ivy kept her distance, trying not to be too close to him.
1/3
0
Chapter 40
“Did you get the transaction?” he asked, his hazel eyes lighting up with a smile.
Ivy swallowed and averted her gaze. “Yes, but it was unnecessary.”
“Unnecessary?” She heard the surprise in his tone. “I just wanted to give you some-
“Yes,” she cut him off. “Just after I told you about my inheritance?”
He sighed. “It was a gift. You’re always so difficult with gifts.”
“I’m not,” she said firmly. “I like gifts. I just don’t like… when it’s out of pity.”
Silas placed his hand on her thigh, causing her to tremble slightly as she looked at him. “Nothing I ever do for you is out of pity. I enjoy giving you things.”
“Why?” she asked in a small voice, daring not to move from his touch.
“Because,” he said, stroking her thigh, “I like… gifting you.”
His hand on her thigh blocked all other thoughts in her head. She held her breath, aware of the heat on her cheeks and between her legs.
Thankfully, he removed his hand, and she let out a strained breath, pressing her legs together to suppress the heat.
“Here,” Silas said, dropping a small box on her lap. “Open it,” he encouraged.
Ivy bit her lip as she opened the box. Inside was a diamond–studded wristwatch.
“It’s a Cartier,” he said proudly.
She shook her head. “I can’t take this.”
“Oh, come on,” he laughed, taking the watch and wearing it for her. “Beautiful.”
Ivy smiled as she admired the watch. “It is. Thank you.”
It was when she looked into his eyes that she realized he wasn’t talking about the watch. Her blush deepened, and she quickly looked
away.
“You’re welcome,” he murmured. “I want you to wear it for the shoot. And this too.” He pulled out another box.
Ivy’s breath caught at the gesture. This was too much for her. “Oh, Silas…”
“Shh, just take it. It suits you,” he said gently, pushing the box toward her.
“Thank you, Silas” she said softly, gratitude swelling in her heart.
He chuckled, looking pleased with her reaction. “You’re welcome.”
Ivy looked away, her heart pounding from the gift. She was grateful, even though she knew it was too much.
“Rosie’s not in charge of your styling this time,” he said, breaking her thoughts. “I figured you two need your space.”
She nodded, gratefully by his thoughtfulness. “So, who is it?”
“Aaliyah Salvatore. Another wonderful stylist in the country,” he said, winking at her. “You’ll like her.”
Ivy adjusted her hair behind her ear and avoided his eyes, “Okay.”
For an instant, she thought he had looked away, but when she raised her head, she found him staring at her.
“My dear Ivy…” he began softly, but was interrupted by Victor.
“We’re here, boss,” Victor said.
Silas’s eyes lingered on her before he cleared his throat. “Ready?”
Ivy bit her lip, her cheeks burning. “Yes,” she nodded.
2/3
Chapter 40
He helped her out of the car, holding her hands. They walked into the building. A receptionist led them to the white room where some members were stationed,
A young lady walked up to them. “Good morning, Mr and Mrs Stone,” she greeted.
“Good morning,” Ivy replied.
“Ms. Salvatore is on her way,” she said to Ivy. “We’d like for you to begin your hair and makeup before she gets here.
“Alright.”
“If you’ll follow me, please,” the lady said, and Ivy waved at Silas as she followed her.
She led Ivy to the previous room where she had had her makeup and hair done. When the lady pushed the door open, Ivy was surprised to see Sally and Xia.
“Mrs. Stone!” Sally exclaimed, running to hug her, “I thought we’d never see you again.”
“Hey, Sally,” Ivy returned the hug,
“You have fifty minutes,” the lady said before leaving.
“Please tell me it’s not the other Mrs. Stone styling you today?” Sally said, leading Ivy to the seat.
“Oh, it’s not,” Ivy said with relief. “It’s Aaliyah Salvatore.”
“Damn!” Xia exclaimed.
Ivy turned to them. “What?”
“Seems you’re unlucky with your stylists,” Sally said, shaking her head. “Aaliyah Salvatore dated your husband before, and apparently, she still has a thing for him. I can’t imagine being styled by my husband’s ex.”
