Chapter 26 Ivy watched as color spread across Rosie's face . For a fleeting moment , her brown eyes widened . " Oh , that was … just an honest mistake , " Rosie said dismissively , attempting to mask her shock . Ivy wanted to press the conversation further , but she knew it would only hurt Silas . " Yeah , " she murmured , dropping it . Thankfully , the door opened , and a young man entered with a trolley loaded with food , interrupting the tense silence .

He placed plates in front of everyone and left without a word . When Ivy reached for her tea with a shaky hand , she glanced at Silas . His expression hardened , and his lips were pressed into a thin line . " What's the next public appearance you have planned , Silas ? " Thomas asked , breaking the silence . Silas turned to his brother , his brow slightly furrowed . " More private dinners and lunches . I'm thinking of holding the wedding in two weeks .

" Ivy coughed at his statement , quickly grabbing a napkin to dab her mouth . She wasn't surprised the wedding was happening so soon , only surprised Silas hadn't informed her before announcing it . " That's good . I'm sure the media will go crazy with that , " Wade chimed in . " In that case ," Thomas said , " I'll cover the wedding expenses . " " You don't have to ," Silas interrupted , raising a hand . " It's the least I could do .

" " Ivy has sacrificed six months of her life to make this happen , " Rosie interjected with a sneer . " She played it well with the fake kiss , giving her body up for this act . It's the least we could do . " Rosie's words finally hit Ivy as her expression made it worse . Her cheeks burned with humiliation and discomfort seized her . " Yes ," Ivy said , attempting to regain control of the situation but failing .

She stood abruptly , unable to bear the awkwardness and the look on their faces as they spoke about her like she wasn't a human being with feelings . " Excuse me , " she said , leaving the dining room . She was almost at the stairs when Silas called after her . " Ivy ? What's wrong ? " What's wrong ? He was seriously asking her that ? " Nothing , " she replied with a forced smile . " I'm just tired , that's all ." " You're overwhelmed with everything .

I'm sorry , " he said , his tone genuine , his eyes kind . She wanted to believe him - wanted to believe he cared . But she couldn't . This was a contract marriage , nothing more , nothing less . " Yes ," she said softly , stepping away . " I'm sorry about Rosie's attitude , " Silas said . " She's not usually like that . She's probably still upset about yesterday . " " Yeah , right ," Ivy scoffed , retreating further .

" I ordered new clothes for you ," he added , smiling as if he'd done something extraordinary . " Monica will deliver them soon . " Did he really think clothes and expensive jewelry could fix everything ? Anger surged through her - toward - Silas , Thomas , Rosie , all for different reasons . " I don't want your damn clothes , " she snapped . " Just keep your side of the deal and help with my business . That's the only reason I agreed to marry you .

" Silas's eyes widened with shock , but before he could respond , Ivy marched to her room and slammed the door shut . Collapsing on the bed , guilt washed over her . Why had she done that ? She'd only hurt herself by expecting the breakfast and family conversations to be special - intimate . 1/3 11:52 AM Chapter 26 She was a fool for expecting so much from the marriage . She had hurt herself , why was she taking the anger out on Silas ? Her phone rang , interrupting her spiraling thoughts .

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It was Mason on the line , and she picked it because she needed an outlet for her anger . " What ? " she snapped . " I can't believe you , " Mason said , his tone laced with pain . " I can't believe you're in a relationship with Silas Stone ." " Married , actually , " she corrected coldly . " What do you want , Mason ? " " An explanation . Why ? Did you do this to get back at me ? " he demanded . Ivy laughed at his question , surprised he was even asking it . " Oh God , Mason .

Not everything is about you ." " But it is ! " he snapped . " You married someone else . You could- " " You don't dictate my life anymore . Our marriage is over . Move on with your new bride . " Her voice was sharper than she'd intended , betraying her anger and pain . " How much do you need to call off the marriage ? " " What ? " Ivy froze , stunned by his question . " How much ? " Mason repeated harshly . " You've made your point .

I'll give you back your inheritance - all of it ." Ivy's initial shock turned into a bitter laugh . " It's not funny , " Mason snapped , his tone stern . " You bloody narcissist , " Ivy spat , her voice quaking with fury . " You will never change ! " * Send your details to Joe . I'll have him transfer the money immediately , " Mason barked . " Call off the marriage , " he ordered . Her laughter grew louder , cold and mocking . " You're delusional , Mason Hunter . Our marriage is over .

We are done ! " Mason's voice dropped , his words laced with malice . " End that shit , or you'll hate yourself . I won't have you ruining my reputation with your sluttiness ! " His insult struck a nerve and Ivy's fury ignited . " Get off my phone ! " she yelled . " Don't ever call me again ! " She ended the call and threw the phone on the bed . Breathing heavily , Ivy turned abruptly and froze . " What are you doing here ? " Rosie leaned against the doorframe , her eyes glinting with malice .

" Oh , nothing , " she drawled . " Just checking up on my new sister - in- law ." Ivy pressed a hand to her chest , trying to calm her racing heart . " Leave , Rosie . I'm not in the mood for your games . " Rosie stepped closer , her voice laced with sarcasm . " But you are playing , Ivy . Since you agreed to this marriage , you've been playing a very dangerous game . " " What is your problem ? " Ivy demanded , her anger reigniting .

" My marriage to Silas is to help your husband , It's almost like you don't want me to help Thomas . " A gasp escaped Rosie's lips . " How dare you suggest I wouldn't help my husband , " she said trying to sound offended , but her rosy cheeks betrayed her . Ivy sensed her fear , and played on it . " Oh , Rosie , " she said mockingly , her lips curling into a smirk . " Is there a reason you don't want to help your husband ? " " Don't twist this around ! " Rosie shot back , her voice shaky .

" This is about you . I'd rather Silas marry anyone else than be stuck with Mason's leftovers " The words stung , but Ivy refused to flinch . " You can't change it now , Rosie . Unfortunately . It's too late . " " Is it Rosie's eyes gleamed with mischief , and Ivy stiffened at the expression . " If I wanted Silas to end this marriage right now , he would 23 11:52 AM · Chapter 26 Ivy's stomach clenched at the threat , but she kept her voice steady . " You can't .

He's not stupid enough to fall for your dumb trick . " " Alright then ," Rosie said softly - in a suspicious way . " We'll see . I just hope you're ready , " she said , turning to the door , her black gown draped on the floor behind her . " You can't do anything ! " Ivy called after her . When she was alone again , she sighed . Pissed that Rosie had had the last word . Yet underneath her anger , Rosie's threat echoed in her mind , tightening her chest . What was she planning ?

Her phone chimed , breaking her thoughts . She reached for it . A news notification popped up on her screen . As Ivy read , she covered her mouth in shock . Just in : Ivy Scott ; Mason Hunter's ex - wife involved with Silas Stone before official divorce . What now ? 3/3