Chapter 85: Mason, The Instrument.
“Oh, Dad Ivy gasped, moving closer to his bed. She reached for his hand, but he flinched away weakly.
“I called her here” Geoffrey said, perching on the edge of the bed. “She came to see you?
“…don’t want her here” Patrick mumsured, his voice frail
Heat creeped up her cheeks, but she forced a smile on her face. She couldn’t deny the pain that carne with realizing that even on his sick bed, her father still didn’t want to see her.
Still she tried again, reaching to sit on the bed “You….”
But his vital sign monitor started to beep, and Ivy trailed off, terrified.
“Leave. “Patrick coughed weakly, the monitor continuing to beep.
“She just wants to see you,” Geoffrey insisted, standing up
Ivy bit her lip and held a hand to stop Geoffrey. “It’s okay. I’ll leave. Get well soon.” She plastered a smile on her face and walked out the room without another glance.
As soon as she reached the hallway, she sank into a chair, trying to steady her breath. She had dropped everything and rushed here, only to be reminded–again–that she would never be enough for her father.
“Easy now” she whispered, exhaling deeply
Heartbreak settled in, but then anger followed. Patrick couldn’t even pretend. He truly hated her, and that made her furious
She needed an outlet for her anger, and for that, she brought out her phone and dialed Mason’s number. He picked up almost immediately.
“Hello” he answered smugly
“You bastard,” Ivy hissed, keeping her voice low. 1 can’t believe you, Mason. You’re despicable.”
“Oh, dear, you started it first,” he chuckled. “You knew what to expect when you stole Eric and Sonia from me. You thought
I would let that go?” His laughter was cold. “Ch no, Ivy.”
“You know damn well you don’t deserve either of them,” she said with as much venom as she could muster.
“Just like you don’t deserve that building” he countered
Ivy stood abruptly, anger burning in her chest as she paced down the hospital hall. “How did you even do that?”
“it’s none of your business,” he replied quickly
Then, a thought crossed her mind. “Oh lord… that day you came to the building–you weren’t there to see me. You came to check it out,” she realized, her cheeks turning pink.
Mason huffed. “What are–No I came to-”
Ivy froze med step. His stuttering was all the confirmation she needed.
“Mason,” she drawled, interrupting him “How did you find out about my building before it was even official?”
“I didn’t….. what?” Mason mumbled. “Get off my phone.”
She heard the discomfort in his tone and she pressed on. “You even had to drag Olivia into your scheme. How-”
“It’s none of your fucking business, Ivy!‘ he snapped, cutting her off. “I owe you no explanation. If I were you, I’d sleep with one eye open”
Then, he hung up
Ivy inhaled sharply, slipping the phone into her bag. Mason had just threatened her, and it felt personal.
She rubbed in the temple in disbelief, trying to piece her thoughts together
Mason knew about her building, and he had gone to check it out–except he probably hadn’t expected her to be there.
Her chest tightened as the pain settled in. This wasn’t even about Mason anymore. Someone close to her was hurting her, and Mason was just the instrument used.
“Hey, ma’am.” Bud’s thick voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
Ivy turned to him, wondering how long he had t
“How’s your father?”
he said, managing a small smile
Successfully unlocked!
The question stung, bringing her back into a fresh wave of pain. Patrick had sent her away.
“He’s fine. He’s stable now” she said. “I think we should go.”
Without hesitation, Bud nodded and turned toward the exit. As she followed, Ivy pulled out her phone and sent Geoffrey a
Chapter 65 Mason The
message You’re strong Well talk soon
Her chest ached at the thought of Geoffrey’s pam. But, at least she was happy he was now officially a Scott She knew her mother would be excited, Lauren had loved Geoffrey like a son.
As they passed the nurses‘ station, a thought crossed her mind.
“‘ll meet you in the car she told Bud
Without protest, Bud nodded and left
Ivy walked over to the blonde nurse and smiled. “Hey. Is there a way I can make an appointment with Dr. Collins?”
“Sure,” the nurse replied, clicking the computer. “I’ll just need your personal information, reason for appointment, your preferred date and time, and all that
Ivy nodded, providing the details.
“Alright,” the nurse said, tapping her keyboard “All set, malam. We’ll send reminders via email and text. Have a nice day”
“Thank you” Ivy smiled, feeling delighted.
At least something good had come out of such an awful hospital visit. When Ivy turned away from the station, she bumped
into someone.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Ivy said, bending to pick up the woman’s bag
“It’s fine. Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was–Ivy?”
Ivy lifted her head. “Theresa” she exclaimed, giving her a hug. “What are you doing here?” she asked, and then realized it was a stupid question. “I mean, you work here?” she corrected:
Theresa laughed, her blonde hair bouncing. “No, I don’t. I came to see a colleague. What about you?”
Ivy gestured to the nurses‘ station. She was about to spill that she just set an appointment, until she remembered that even though Theresa was married, she was always going to be a Stone. And for that, she said the real reason that brought her there.
“My dad was rushed in, I came to see him”
“Oh my, Therasa said, her voice filled with concem. “Is he okay? What happened?”
“Yes, he’s fine. He’s stable. It was pneumonia–not life–threatening though.” She used Dr Collins words.
“That’s good,” Theresa said, smiling. “I do hope he gets better.”
Ivy’s chest tightened, but she forced a smile “Thank you.”
“Til be around for a while, is it okay if we hang out?” Theresa asked, adjusting her bag properly on her shoulder. “That would be nice,” she replied, smiling genuinely. “1 would love to hang out with you.”
Theresa grinned, nodding her head. “Good. I’ll call you tomorrow. Is that fine?”
“Yes, it is,” Ivy replied, nodding as well.
“Alright then, see you tomorrow” Theresa said, leaning over to hug her. “Take care–and give my regards to your dad.” “Thank you. Theresa Bye,” she waved as Theresa walked down the hall.
Ivy held her smile as she headed for the exit. She didn’t know why the idea of hanging out with Theresa made her happy. but she was really looking forward to it
When Ivy got outside the hospital, she signaled for the car, hoping Victor or Bud would see her.
Just then, a woman dressed in all black passed her, walking into the hospital.
Ivy paused as the car parked in front of her. Her heart pounded.
“One second, please,” she told Victor, stepping away from the car, before hurrying back
k inside
She followed the lady, her pulse racing. Could it be ?
“Rita?” Ivy called out
The woman turned, her jet–black eyes widened before it was quickly replaced with confusion.
Tm
“I’m sorry, do I know you?”
Ivy gasped. It was her! Aunt May’s estranged daughter.
“It’s me, Ivy,” she said.
It had barely been five years, Rita couldn’t have forgotten her
But Rita shook her head. “Im sorry. You have the wrong person.”
Ivy blinked “Wrong person? I’m your cousin, we-”
Chapter 5 Mason. The instrument
“I don’t know your Rita snapped at the top of her voice and walked away.
Ivy stood frozen, her face burning with shock and embarrassment
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