Chapter 62: Meeting Sonia Raj.
Ivy gasped, shocked by Silas’s statement. This was it? Finally she could take her revenge on Mason!
“Are you serious?” she asked him.
“Yes,” Silas replied, laughing. “She will be at the art gallery tomorrow. Anthony Wallace will invite you tomorrow.”
“That’s great!” Ivy shrieked, causing Sillas to laugh some more.
“Now how you convince Sonia is up to you,” Silas said, his tone turning serious
Ivy nodded.
“Thomas already thinks this can’t work,” Silas continued. “But I believe in you.”
“I won’t disappoint you,” Ivy promised.
“Alright. Have a lovely night,” Silas said and left the room.
Once she was alone, Ivy jumped in excitement. She couldn’t wait to see Mason’s face when Sonia was gone.
But how was she going to do that? The thought made her nervous. She brainstormed ways to approach Sonia. Nothing came to mind, so she decided to try the next day.
The next morning, Ivy woke up with fresh determination. After a warm bath and quick breakfast, she dressed in an emerald–green blouse, black pantsuit, a black Hermes bag. matching diamonds, and Jimmy Choo heels.
Monica was helping with her hair and makeup when her phone chimed with a message from Silas :
‘Hi, Ivy. I spoke to Thomas this morning. Gabriel will bring the documents for you to sign, then officially hand it over to you.‘
When Monica finished, Ivy went downstairs, where Bud was waiting for her by the car.
“Good morning, Mrs Stone,” Bud said, opening the door.
“Morning, Bud. Thank you,” she replied, sliding in.
The journey to the gallery was quick, leaving Ivy. little time to steady her nerves. When they arrived, she exhaled deeply as she got down from the car.
The gallery was displayed with beautiful pieces of art, and Ivy was instantly fascinated, She clutched her bag, walking over a metal soulpture to admire it.
Successfully unlocked!
Guld
“This was crafted from iron,” a voice cold from beside her.
Ivy turned, discovering an older man with a goatee. “It’s a beautiful piece,” she remarked.
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Chapter 62: Meeting Sonia Raj.
“Thank you, Mrs Stone,” the man smiled. “Anthony Wallace.” He extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr Wallace.” Ivy shook his hand.
“Call me Tony,” he said warmly. “Your husband mentioned you wanted to see Sonia Raj,” Anthony said. “There she is.” He pointed to the woman dressed in yellow.
Ivy followed his gaze. “Thank you, Tony.”
“You’re welcome. Enjoy the show,” Anthony said with a quick bow. and left.
Ivy straightened her blouse and left the metal piece. She observed Sonia, who was admiring a landscape painting, looking very elegant. A young man trailed behind her, holding her bag, and sometimes whispering in her ear.
Determined to convince her, Ivy walked over. She stopped beside the painting Sonia was admiring.
“This is so colorful,” Ivy said.
Sonia regarded her over her glasses. “Yes it is.”
“The painting is nice, but if you’re going to put this up somewhere, it better be with a plain background,” Ivy said.
Sonia turned to her, intrigued. “I was just thinking the same thing. I love Anthony–but this piece is demanding.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “It would look hideous against a blue or green background.”
“Except, of course, you’re trying to give your visitors an eyesore,” Ivy joked. “What perfect way to say ‘please don’t come to my house again‘?”
Sonia laughed, her laughter hoarse. “That’s so funny. Considering I get a lot of unwanted guests, I might just purchase it.”
“Excellent choice, ma’am,” Ivy laughed, pleased with herself.
“What piece would you be buying?” Sonia asked as they moved to another painting.
“I don’t know yet. I just got in,” Ivy replied, though she knew she should get something for her new place.
“Let’s help you get something,” Sonia said eagerly.
“I want something that’ll make my customers stay,” Ivy teased.
Sonia laughed again. “For your business?”
“Yes. It’s still in its early stage, but yes.” Her heart swelled with joy as she realized she was indeed a business owner.
“Congratulations! You seem happy,” Sonia said, observing Ivy. “What business is it?”
“Photography,” Ivy smiled, unable to hide her joy.
Sonia seemed impressed. “I used to do some modeling jobs back when my husband was a photographer.”
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Chapter 62 Meeting Sonia Rai
Ivy appraised Sonia from head to toe. “You still look like a model.”
Sonia’s cheek turned scarlet. “Thank you.”
“Maybe, when the business is ready, I could invite you for a shoot.”
Sonia’s eyes lit up. “That… would be lovely,” she smiled.
“Great then,” Ivy replied, genuinely happy. She couldn’t believe how well the
conversation was going.
Sonia pointed to a painting of flowers. “What do you think of this one? It’s adorable- welcoming.”
Ivy examined the painting and nodded. “I love it.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Sonia cheered.
Ivy turned to Sonia, her heart pounding slightly. It was time to reveal her true intent.” Can I talk to you?”
Sonia tilted her head, suddenly wary. She took a step back. “You’re one of those reporters, aren’t you?” she asked, as the young man stepped between them, creating space.
Ivy raised her hand. “No, no,” she said quickly. “I’m not. I’m Ivy Stone.”
Sonia’s eyes softened for a moment, but suspicion rose in them again. “What are you doing here? Did Thomas send you?”
“Not technically,” Ivy admitted. “I wanted to speak to you about your decision with Mason.”
Sonia shook her head, backing away further. “My decision is final. I’m no longer doing business with Thomas. Go away.”
Ivy bit her lip, realizing the conversation had taken a different turn. “You can’t trust Mason. He’s not the best in the business.”
Sonia huffed. “Same way I couldn’t trust Thomas. My business is not safe with him.” Ivy stepped closer, aware of the onlookers in the gallery. “You know Thomas. You’ve trusted him for years. Don’t give up just yet–he’s trying his best to fix the problem. Thomas is hands–on. He’ll deliver, unlike Mason.”
“And how would you know that?” Sonia snapped.
Ivy sighed. “He was my ex–husband.”
Sonia’s eyes widened, but she didn’t speak, giving Ivy the courage to continue. “Mason doesn’t know the depth of his business. He makes other people do his job. Thomas is different, and you know it. Let me prove it to you–one last chance, Sonia.”
“And how will you prove it?” Sonia asked.
Ivy bit her lip. She had no idea. “Invite me to the party tomorrow, I… can prove it.”
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Sonia appraised her for the longest time and shook her head. “No. I’ve made my decision, and it’s final Please leave me alone,” she said, turning and walking away.
Ivy stood there, defeated. She had failed and it made her sad. She watched as Sonia walked to another painting, the young man protectively behind her.
She sighed and went to the reception area.
“How did it go?” Anthony asked. He had a glass of wine in his hand.
“Not as I’d hoped,” she admitted. “But thank you for having me. I’d like to purchase a piece,” she said, describing it. As an afterthought, she added, “I’d also like to purchase the colorful landscape for Sonia.”
“That’s very generous of you, Mrs Stone,” Anthony said with a bow
She nodded and handed the receptionist her card. “Thank you, Tony. Bye.”
“Bye–bye,” Anthony said, waving with his free hand.
As Ivy stepped outside waiting for Bud, the young man who had been following Sonia approached her.
“Mrs Stone, Mrs Raj is inviting you to her party tomorrow,” he said, handing her an envelope.
Before she could respond, the man dashed away. Ivy kept the envelope in her bag just as Bud arrived.
As Ivy slid into the car, her heart leaped with joy. It was happening it was showtime,
