A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

shock. “Marriage again? Were you married before?” Ivy asked, her voice laced with sh

It wasn’t that she cared much about Silas’s previous relationships–she was a divorcée herself–but the fact that he hadn’t mentioned it

stung.

What else had he forgotten to mention?

an engagement, and it

“Oh, don’t mind Rosie,” Silas said, waving his hand as the o other hand tightened around her waist. “It was only an ended six months ago

two were married. I miss her.

was as if you two

Rosie’s eyes glinted mischievously. “Everyone knew how much you adored Kim. It was as if

“Well, she’s not here anymore,” Silas said as he e led Ivy into his living room, dismissing Rosie’s comment.

The living room was enormous and impeccably decorated, but Ivy was too focused on the conversation to admire the room.

Rosie followed them, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She carried herself with a grace Ivy was slightly jealous of bronzed shoulders, lean frame, and a poise that seemed effortless.

“Do you

you think she’ll be back soon?” Rosie pressed, “You two always come back together after breakups.”

Ivy’s stomach twisted. Rosie’s audacity to talk openly about another woman in front of her was baffling.

And why wasn’t Silas defending her?

“This time is different.” Silas said firmly, a trace of annoyance in his voice. “It’s been a long time, and I’m married now.”

Rosie seemed to catch the tone too. She turned to Ivy, her mouth curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She extended a hand with long, red–painted nails. “Nice to meet you”

Heat rose to Ivy’s cheeks as she shook Rosie’s hand. “Nice to meet you too.”

“What brings you here, Rosie?” Silas asked as he took a seat on the couch, pulling Ivy down beside him.

“I came to talk to you about Thomas,” Rosie said, perching elegantly across from them. She crossed her legs, revealing her red bottom heels. “You heard about the whole news right? Mason Hunter is framing him.”

At Mason’s name, Ivy stiffened. Silas seemed to notice; he placed a soothing hand on her thigh.

“Yes, I’ve heard,” Silas replied. “We spoke earlier to

today.”

“What are you doing about it?” Rosie asked, her concern evident. “We can’t let them tarnish our name.”

Silas leaned back slightly. The marriage is part of the plan. I’m hoping the announcement will divert some attention.”

“Ah, Rosie’s eyes flickered with disdain at lvy before she masked it. “A marriage of convenience.”

“A marriage nonetheless,” Silas replied evenly.

Ivy felt small sitting there. Maybe it was Rosie’s cutting gaze or the mere fact that Rosie reminded her of the things she used to have when she was married to Mason–the clothes, the shoes, the jewelry–or maybe it was simply the oddness of the contract marriage itself -but Ivy felt uncomfortable.

–

“How do you intend to retine her?” Rosie asked, her tone condescending as her eyes swept over Ivy’s attire. “The media will tear her apart.”

Ivy gasped

“Watch your tone, Rosie,” Silas warned, lus tone a low grunt. “Ivy is a reputable woman. She is the daughter of Patrick Scou.”

Rosie’s eyes flashed with surprise before it was replaced with a smile. “My apologies, Ivy”

Ivy hit her lip, annoyance brewing in her chest. Who the hell did Roste think she was! But, she smiled. “Thank you,” then she turned to Silas “You didn’t introduce us properly.”

Chapter 7

“Rosic is

“I’m Rosie Glenn Stone. Rosie cut Silas off. Thomas’s wife. My husband is Silas’s elder brother, her smile widened “Welcome to the Stone family.”

Ivy swallowed her annoyance and nodded. “Thank you.”

followed Silas into a corridor leading to stairs. They climbed to the

Ivy nodded at Rosie, catching the sharp glare sent her way. She fo second floor, turned right, and stopped at a brown oak door.

Ivy walked in. A gasp escaped her lip. “It’s…. it’s beautiful.”

Distracted by his touch, Ivy stammered. “Ye–yes.”

“No intimacy, I know,” he said, stepping back with a wry smile. “It’s just.. you’re so irresistible.”

His hazel eyes lingered on her, their intensity sending warmth in between her legs. “You have to go, Silas,” Ivy swallowed, aware of her hoarse voice.

“The maid would soon introduce herself. I’ll see you later. Make yourself at home,” he nodded and with one final, lustful look, he left the

Ivy collapsed into the plush bed, burying herself in its softness. She kicked her shoes off and covered her legs with the duvet. It was happening–she was finally clawing her way back into high society.