Chapter 18 " What ? What are you talking about ? " Ivy's chest heaved as she stood up swiftly from the bed . "Dad didn't want to tell you , but I have to ," Cole replied , his voice heavy with fatigue . " Ver Vee , you can't deal with the Stone brothers . They're horrible , " Ivy's heart pounded , her stomach knotting as Cole called her Vee Vee . He only used that name when he was either deadly serious or in rare playful mood - and he hadn't called her that in years .

She walked over to the window , her fingernails in her teeth . " What are you talking about ? What do you mean T mean Thomas killed Mum ? " Her heart raced faster . She couldn't believe she was indirectly helping her mother's murderer . Lauren Scott had been a beautiful . hardworking woman . She was the true force behind the restaurants in Patrick's name , and it was because of her , Ivy was able to earn her Inheritance .

Her mother died five years ago from a cardiac arrest , she couldn't see how that had anything to do with Thomas . " Are you ready for this conversation ? " Cole asked , concern evident in his voice . Just say it , Cole ! What do you know that I don't ? " she snapped , tears welling in the corner of her eyes . " Before Mum died , she had a situation with Thomas Stone . He stole two lands that were meant for the construction of new restaurants .

He then bought the land in San Jose , forcing Mum to sell the restaurant there ," Cole explained . The tears fell out silently accompanied with pain in her chest . She vividly remembered the San Jose branch closing . " Nobody told me someone was responsible . I was told the branch wasn't doing well ." " Thomas was responsible , " Cole said gravely . " We didn't want to burden you with the family business . You were too young to understand . " Ivy trudged back to the bed , collapsing in it .

" I had no idea , " she murmured . " When all three lands were snatched , Murn couldn't go back to work . She became depressed and then … she died . " The pain flooded Ivy's heart like it was yesterday - fresh and sharp as she remembered her mother laying in her coffin , cold and motionless . She missed her mother and the thought almost crippled her . " Thomas caused Mum's depression . That's why we lost her , " Cole continued , his voice hard with anger .

" When Dad went to beg him , to reason with him , Thomas pushed him away . The Stone brothers are ruthless , Vee Vee . You don't want to be in their midst . " " This is … I had no idea , " Ivy repeated , wiping her eyes with her golden gown . " Now you do ," Cole said firmly . " I'm just looking out for you . I don't want my little sister getting hurt . You are unprotected there , Ivy . " Her chest ached , her eyes stung . What the hell has she done ? A marriage deal with Silas Stone .

She was married to the brother of her mother's murderer ! " What the hell were you thinking settling for a Stone brother? " Cole queried , his tone a little judgmental : " It was a contract marriage , Cole ! " Ivy retorted , pinching the bridge of her nose . " I just wanted a fresh start . " She couldn't believe this was happening , " You need to get out of it ," Cole pressed . " And we're not helping you ! Find a way to clean up your mess ! " Patrick's voice suddenly cut through .

Ivy sat up on her bed , stunned " Dad ? " " When he's done using you , he'll throw you away like trash . " Patrick said coldly . " That's what the Stone brothers do - they're users . If you care about yourself , leave while you still can ." Ivy was shocked at her father's tone but beneath the shock was curiosity . When did he join the conversation ! And why ? And slowly her curiosity turned into doubt . Were they being truthful ? Did all that even happen ?

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Chapter 18 " We only want what's best for you , Vee Vee , Cole said softly . But suddenly Ivy no longer trusted him - or his tone . Before she could question it , there was a knock at the door . Terrified it might be Silas , she quickly spoke into her phone . " I'll call you later , Cole " Leave while you you still can and call me back , Cole said before dropping the call . Ivy placed the phone on the bed and walked to the mirror .

She glanced at herself , her eyes were smoky from the tears that had smeared her mascara . She wiped the streaks and adjusted her hair as she made her way to the door . " Yes ? " she called out before opening it . " It's me , Monica . Mr. Stone asked me to collect the file ," Monica said from the other side . Shoot ! Ivy had forgotten to go through the file and sign it . She hesitated , tempted to rush back to the bed and finish it quickly .

But then she remembered her conversation with Cole and her father - and realized she would rather talk about that than the contract . She opened the door . You're still in your gown , ma - Ivy ," Monica remarked . " Do you need help with it ? " vy smiled , stepping into the hallway . She noticed the surprise on Monica's face . " I'd like to see Silas . Could No , I'm fine . Thank you ," Ivy you take me to his room ? " Monica swallowed her surprise and nodded .

She turned , leading Ivy down the hallway . Silas's room was on the opposite side of the house , and the walk there was silent . They stopped in front of large , brown double doors . Monica gestured toward them . " Here . You'll need to knock and wait for him to ask you to come in , " Monica instructed . "Thank you , " Ivy said , smiling faintly as Monica nodded and left . Ivy took a deep breath and pushed the doors without knocking , the hinges creaking slightly . " Who is it ?

" Silas's voice was sharp with annoyance . Ivy stepped into the room , momentarily distracted by the large golden statue by his bed . He was seated in front of the window , his back to her . When he heard her footsteps , he turned . His expression shifted from annoyance to surprise . " Ivy ! What are you doing here ? Are you okay ? " Concern softened his voice . " I'm good . I need to talk to you , " Ivy said firmly . Silas's mouth curved into a smirk .

" Is it so serious that you haven't changed from your gown ? " he teased , his eyes dropping to her breasts Ivy blushed as she pulled the gown to cover up . " I'm serious . It's about Thomas . " The smirk vanished from his face instantly and he stood up . " What about Thomas ? " Ivy bit her lip , not knowing how to start . " Is it true .. that Thomas steals lands … causing people to… to lose everything even their lives ? " Her voice wavered . " What are you talking about ?

" Silas strode towards her , fury flashing in his eyes . " What lies has Mason fed you with this time ? " " I need to know , Silas . Is he capable of something like that ? " Ivy pressed " What stupid question is that ? " He roared and she flinched " Just a Silas grabbed her arm , his eyes blazing . " If this is a joke , stop it now . My brother is an honest man ! " 16:16 AM Chapter 18 Ivy tried to pull free . " It's a- " Whatever Mason told you about Thomas is a lie !

" He said , pulling her towards the door . " My brother is an honest man . Get that through your head ! " He shoved her into the hallway and slammed the door . Ivy stood in front of the brown double doors , too stunned to react . AD