A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas) novel Chapter 160

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Chapter 160

“What do you want?” Ivy asked, trying her best to keep the shock from her voice.

Monica moved to her side, her face twisted into a frown. “I didn’t know what to do, that’s why I called you over.”

Ivy nodded, still waiting for Cheryl to speak. But instead of talking, Cheryl just shuffled on her feet, her arms wrapped protectively around her baby.

Ivy’s stomach knotted at the gesture, but she pushed the feeling away before it could soften her.

“If you don’t speak up, I’ll have you thrown out of my house.”

“I… need your help,” Cheryl finally said, her voice so small.

Ivy blinked. “You need my help? Why?”

Cheryl moved closer and Ivy saw that she was crying. The tears stirred something in her, but she shoved it aside quickly again.

Oh, she knew better now.

“I… can’t go back to Mason and I have nobody else,” Cheryl said, sobs choking her.

Monica let out a long laugh. “You’ve got some nerve showing up here.”

“I need help for my son,” Cheryl said, addressing Monica.

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Anger surged inside Ivy as she observed Cheryl’s disheveled appearance; red eyes like she hadn’t slept for hours, unkempt hair, a rumpled gown. She looked every bit the worn–out new mother.

Ivy wanted to pity her but instead the only thing she felt was anger, and she let it over take her.

“I’m shocked that you need my help, Cheryl. After everything. What changed?” Ivy asked, but Cheryl didn’t answer. “I thought Mason was your dream man. I thought he was going to treat you differently. You didn’t even get to marry him before this happened!”

The rage built inside her and she wanted to do more than yelling. She wanted Cheryl to feel the same pain she and Mason had inflicted on her.

“Fucking say something!” she yelled, making Cheryl flinch. “What changed?”

Still, Cheryl didn’t answer. She just clutched her baby tighter, her mouth twisted in a ugly way as tears dripped on the blue shawl wrapped around her child.

Ivy’s anger peaked.

“Don’t just stand there! Don’t make me the villain! Speak up!”

“I’m sorry,” Cheryl sobbed. “I shouldn’t have done what I did. I’m sorry.”

Ivy paused, waiting to see how she felt after that. A few seconds passed, and she realized she was still mad.

“Sorry doesn’t fix what you did!”

“And you’ve got the audacity to bring his baby here,” Monica added coldly.

Ivy clenched her fists, anger still burning in her chest. That baby… Mason’s child. In another universe, things could have

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Chapter 160

been different.

But this was here.

And here, she was the angry ex–best friend.

She stepped forward, her eyes blazing. “You’re not welcome here. Go away!”

Then she slammed the door in Cheryl’s face.

She waited for the guilt or pity to hit her. But she felt neither. Instead, she felt a dark satisfaction settle over her as she walked away.

“You handled that better than I would have,” Monica said, following her.

“I was being lenient because of the child,” Ivy replied.

The child. The thought softened her heart, just a little.

“Who was that?” Theresa asked, joining them in the hallway. “I heard shouting.”

“It was Cheryl,” Ivy muttered, annoyance sharp in her voice. “And she had the nerve to bring her newborn here.”

Theresa’s eyes widened. “She already gave birth? Why bring a newborn out in this weather?”

The child. Ivy’s heart squeezed, and this time guilt seeped in.

What was she doing? She wasn’t a monster. Cheryl and Mason had hurt her, not the baby.

“Ah, fuck,” she muttered, heading back to the front door.

If Cheryl had risked bringing her baby here, it meant she was desperate.

Ivy’s stomach turned as she opened the door again and found the porch empty.

Panic surged into her and the guilt intensified. What if something had happened to her or the child?

“Cheryl!” she called, running toward the gate.

Just as she reached it, she heard her name.

Ivy turned and saw Cheryl still sitting by the front door, a small luggage beside her.

Her heart clenched at the sight.

“Come in,” she said, rushing over and grabbing the bag.

Cheryl clutched her baby tightly as she stood up. “Thank you, Ivy.”

Cheryl’s tone pierced Ivy’s heart but she didn’t speak. She led them back inside, and Monica took the bag from Ivy.

“Put her in one of the guest rooms until I know what to do next.”

“Alright,” Monica nodded, wheeling the suitcase away.

“Come, let’s check on that child,” Theresa said softly, reaching out for the baby.

Cheryl handed him over without hesitation and they all went to the living room.

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Chapter 160

Theresa sat and gently laid the boy on her legs, “Why did you bring him out like this?”

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“I couldn’t stay,” Cheryl answered gently. “Mason is out on bail and his mother wants full control of my son. I had to leave?

Ivy clenched her jaw but said nothing. The thought of Mason walking free made her stomach churn. She needed that man gone for a long time, to suffer for everything he put everyone through.

“That’s just cruel,” Theresa said, watching the baby breathe. She smiled as he cooed and wrizzled. “He’s doing well,” she told Cheryl. “You need rest and food to care for him. Do you have your medication?”

Cheryl nodded. “Yes.”

“Good then.”

“Monica,” Ivy called, and shortly after, Monica entered the living room. “Please take her and her baby to the quest room.”

Cheryl stood up, her baby now placed gently on her shoulder. Ivy’s chest tightened as she watched how peaceful Chery! looked in that moment. Like the mother she hadn’t expected her to become.

“Do you… talk or…”

“Rest first,” Ivy said quietly. “Then we’ll talk.”

Cheryl’s lips quivered as she nodded, her eyes already glistening with tears as she followed Monica out.

Once they were gone, Monica returned.

“Should I assign a maid to her room?”

Ivy hesitated. That sounded like Cheryl was going to stay for long, and it made her slightly uncomfortable.

“For now, yes. But she’s not staying here for long,” she told Monica who nodded and left.

When they were alone, Theresa laughed. “What the fuck just happened?”

Ivy sank into the couch, disbelief racing through her.