Chapter 24 Silas felt Ivy stiffen in his arms as she faced the newcomers . Throughout dinner and their walk out of Whitney's , she had been smiling . happy . Now , in the presence of these strangers , her smile had vanished . " I can't believe it , the woman said , moving closer . Her eyes scanned Ivy with open disdain . " When Paige told us about your new job , I doubted her . But seeing you here , dressed like this … " She shook her head . " You look like a slut . " Silas's brow arched .

What was she talking about ? Ivy moved out of his embrace , her shoulders squared as she faced the woman . " Be careful with your next words , " she said with a low voice . " Oh , Ivy . " The man stepped forward , pushing the woman behind him . " Since when did you grow wings ? What gives you the audacity to speak to my wife like that ? " Silas had no idea who they were , but he wasn't going to stand there and do nothing . He moved forward , his hand locked onto Ivy's .

" If I were you ," Silas said coldly , " I'd leave while you can ." The man's eyes fluttered with recognition , quickly followed by fear . He took a step back . The woman , however , surged forward , her mouth twisting into an ugly sneer . " Mr. Stone , don't believe a word she tells you . She's nothing but a lying , good - for - nothing- " " That's enough . " Silas's tone was sharp .

" I wouldn't have you speak to my- " But before he could say more , Ivy turned to him , her green eyes shimmering with emotion . " Let's get out of here , " she murmured , interrupting him . He hesitated , anger simmering inside him , but Ivy tugged on his hand insistently , " Let's go . " Ivy said , pulling him towards the car . The man shouted after them . " You're a disgrace , Ivy ! You've gone from being a reputable woman to a cheap slut . I've rescinded my offer .

If you're going to tarnish my name and hoe around , I'll have nothing to do with you . " Silas's brow furrowed in thought as he pieced the situation together . His lips tightened , his expression hardening . " Is that … Mason Hunter ? " Ivy ignored his question , tugging him towards the car . " Forget it . They're not worth it ." Anger surged in Silas's chest , and he made a move to leave the car , but Ivy stopped him with her small hand . " Let's just go home .

You don't want to make a scene - you have reporters around , " she cautioned , looking suddenly exhausted . Silas clenched his fists , leaning into the Bentley seat . He badly wanted to confront Mason Hunter , to make him pay for humiliating Ivy- and for Thomas . But he remembered Ivy's statement about the press and eased up . " I guess that's Cheryl with him ? " he asked , his voice quieter now . Ivy nodded , looking outside the window . He was pissed .

He had worked to create a perfect evening for her , and now it was all in shambles . Pulling out his phone , he dialed Rachel . " I want whoever was in charge of our privacy tonight fired ," he said sharply . " Sir … I don't understand , Rachel stammered , clearly startled . " You heard me ! I want that person gone . And if you can't do your job , kiss yours bye too , " he snapped before ending the call . Ivy turned to him , her eyes wide with surprise . " Why ? What was that for ?

" " They didn't do their job , " he replied softly , slipping the phone back into his pocket . 10 16 AM Chapter 24 " I think you're overreacting , " she murmured , her tone soft but firm . " I am not , " he countered , though he didn't shout . " I asked for utter privacy , complete emptiness of Whitney's - why wasn't it provided ? First , it was Dylan , then Mason and Cheryl . If we'd stayed longer , who else would have shown up ? " He caught the acceptance in her eyes and looked away .

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He exhaled , the tension in his chest refusing to ease . He knew his anger had more to do with Dylan's presence than the others . What was Dylan doing back in town after months of absence ? Another form of his anger came from the way Dylan had looked at Ivy - that look made him want to punch the man straight in the face Beneath the anger was an emotion Silas wasn't ready to admit . insecurity . He was insecure about Ivy .

Seeing Dylan look at her brought back memories of Kim , and for a fleeting moment , he imagined Ivy in Kim's place . " Are you okay ? You're clenching your list ," Ivy's concerned voice broke through his thoughts . Silas turned to her , managing a small smile . " I'm good ." Sorry about dinner ," she said , looking away . A faint blush appeared on her cheeks . He could tell Mason and Cheryl's appearance still unsettled her . " It's okay , " he smiled . " Are you okay ?

" " Yes , " she said , nodding too quickly before forcing a smile . His phone chimed . He pulled it out and read the message : Oliver has been fired , sir . He was responsible for ensuring Whitney's Restaurant was secured . I apologize for the inconvenience . It was from Rachel . " Is everything okay ? " Ivy asked . " Yes , " he said , squeezing her hand , surprised she was suddenly concerned about him . " It is now . " She nodded , her gaze shifting as Victor pulled into the driveway .

Silas helped her out of the car and led her inside . " Thank you for dinner and the .. necklaces , " she said , her cheeks pink . " You're welcome . " He gave a curt nod . " Alright … " she said , heading toward the stairs , her movements graceful yet hesitant . n would never er touch her- As she walked away , a wave of possessiveness gripped him . She was his - at least for the next six months . Dylan not now , not ever .

When she batted her lashes , glancing at him before climbing the stairs , he knew he couldn't let her go just yet - not with the memory of his fingers inside her . " Would you like a tour of the house ? " he blurted out . When he saw her hesitate , he added , " I can also introduce you to the staff . " She paused , glancing back at him with a hint of surprise . She bit her lip . " Sure . " Before she could change her mind , he walked to an intercom and dialed Monica's number .

" Gather everyone . I'm introducing Ms. Stone to the stall . " " Yes , sir , " Monica replied , and he hung up . He turned to Ivy , extending his hand . " Shall we ? " She hesitated briefly before taking his hand . " Maybe I should begin with my bedroom , " he teased , grinning at her startled reaction " Not funny , Silas ," she said , though her tone was more amused than annoyed . 2/3 Chapter 24 He chuckled as they walked into the hallway .

" There are 60 rooms in this house , with 40 staff members , " he said , pride in his tone . He'd come a long way to make this his reality . " That's a lot , " Ivy remarked . " Why do you need so many rooms ? " He chuckled . " Why not ? " When she fell silent , he squeezed her hand . " This is my private office , " he said , gesturing toward the large door . " That's where I think . And my bedroom - well , you know where that is . " Her narrowed green eyes made him chuckle again .

" Take me to the fields , she said , changing the subject . " The gardens , " he corrected , guiding her outside . " This is- " His phone chimed , interrupting him . " Excuse me ," he said , reaching for it . The message was from an unknown number : Who was that young woman ? How much does she charge ? I'd love a night with her . It was from Dylan . Silas's chest tightened , anger boiling inside him . AD