Chapter 31 Chapter 31 When Silas left the room , Ivy quickly bolted the door behind him . She had scolded herself for leaving the door open , only to repeat the mistake . She sat on the bed , touching her face in disbelief . God , the look on Silas's face had scared and thrilled her . For a moment , she thought he wouldn't listen , thought he might walk over and pull the blue towel off her body . And for a dangerous , fleeting moment , she had welcomed the thought - anticipated the move .

" Crazy ," she murmured as she picked the phone and accessed it . How is he able to get things done so quickly ? She walked to the closet , her cheeks still flushed . He'd said he wanted to talk . Maybe he was going to apologize ? Who knows . Deep down , she wanted to hear what he had to say . She could only hope it wasn't another major decision that could make her angrier . Inside the closet , Monica had arranged all the clothes she'd purchased at Reginald's by color .

She settled for a short black gown with pink frills around the neckline , and paired it with black heels . She wasn't going to be humiliated again for her looks . She was Ivy Stone , and she would dress the part . She found the customized pink diamond Silas had given her . Her name boldly spelled on it , and for a moment , it made her feel different - good . She fastened the diamond around her neck , and noted how the pink paired well with her dress .

She added a Dior bag and made her way downstairs . She was eager to see Silas - eager to impress him . But her eagerness died when she found the living room empty . " Are you set , Ivy ? " Monica asked . Ivy turned to her , forcing a smile to hide her disappointment . " Yes , I am . " " You look very beautiful , " Monica said warmly . " Thank you . " Ivy smiled , but the compliment didn't grant her the satisfaction she craved . " Is … Silas in his room ?

" she asked , hoping to catch him - to show off . " No , ma'am , " Monica shook her head . " He's out . " Ivy bit her lip . " Did … he say where he was going ? " " No , " Monica said , shaking her head again . " Is there a problem ? " " No , not at all , " Ivy replied , her smile dimming . Who was she kidding ? She had rejected him , sent him away even after he'd made his intentions clear . Yet here she was , craving his attention .

" I'm ready to leave now , " she told Monica , suppressing her frustration . " Alright . " Monica smiled and led the way outside . As they stepped out , Bud appeared before them . " Good day , ma'am , " he greeted . " Hello , Bud ." Ivy smiled at him . " The car is ready , " Bud announced , gesturing toward a white luxury car . " I'll be driving today . Victor has gone with the boss . " Bud opened the car door , and Ivy froze for a moment , stunned by its beauty .

" Your new car from your husband , " Bud said . " Oh . " Ivy muttered , heat rising in her cheeks . She climbed into the car and was stunned by the sleek red leather interior . It was comfortable - she liked it instantly . 1/3 11:52 AM Chapter 31 But as she sat , with Monica by her side , she couldn't help but doubt Silas's generosity . Silas had done something . Her chest tightened at the thought .

He must have done something terrible again - why else would he have left and tried to bribe her with yet another gift ? Anger burned in her chest as she clenched her fists . She wished she could see him right now and yell at him . She was holding up her side of the deal , yet he hadn't kept his . Her mind drifted to yesterday's dinner before Mason and backstabbing Cheryl arrived . She pulled out her new phone from her bag , set it up , and searched for the pictures . They appeared instantly .

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As she scrolled through them , she couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful she looked and how perfect they looked together . Every angle was flawless , and the kiss - it looked so real . She shut her phone before she stumbled upon a bad article about herself . Mason had carried his threat - that crazy man had done it . She could bet he was counting on her silence to keep his lie believable . " They were beautiful photographs , " Monica's voice interrupted her thoughts . " What ?

" Ivy blinked . " I meant your pictures from yesterday . They were lovely , " Monica said , smiling warmly . A blush crept over Ivy's face . " Thank you , Monica . " Monica nodded , but as she glanced away , Ivy noticed a faint blush on her cheeks as well . " How long have you been working for Silas ? " Ivy asked , hoping to keep the conversation going . " Oh , for seven years now , " Monica replied , her eyes lighting up . " That's impressive . " Ivy smiled . " I used to work for Mr. and Mrs.

Stone before they passed away . Silas called me back a few years later , " Monica continued , delight springing in her voice . Ivy's breath caught at Monica's statement . She hadn't realized Silas was an orphan . Her heart softened at the discovery , her cheeks turned pink , though Monica didn't seem to notice and kept talking . " I came back when I got lonely , and started living in the estate . My kids are all grown up now , both live far away , " Monica said with a wistful smile .

" And I lost my husband many years ago . " " Oh , I'm sorry , " Ivy murmured . Monica reached over and patted Ivy's hand gently . " It's fine . I miss my husband , but I love my job . Silas helped me a lot - he's a good man . " Ivy felt her cheeks warm again , but her mind lingered on Silas's past . " Both boys have been through so much , " Monica added softly . " But it's been a delight to watch them grow . " " What … What happened to their parents ? " Ivy asked . She needed to know .

" They died in a horrific car accident , " Monica replied , her voice dropping into a whisper , " The authorities suspected foul play , but- " Ivy's phone buzzed , interrupting Monica . It was a message from her father, and it completely changed her mood . " Excuse me , " she murmured , reading the message . Tell your dickhead husband to stay out of my business ! ' What happened again ? Ivy wondered . What had Silas done to her father ?

Before she could dwell on it , Bud's voice interrupted her . " We're here . " 2/3 Chapter 31 " Oh , let's go see the beautiful gowns waiting for you , " Monica giggled , helping Ivy out of the car . With her mind roaming with questions , Ivy followed Monica into the Laurent Bridal Store . She felt more confident than the last time she'd been in a boutique , but insecurity still nipped at her . Bud held the door open , and Ivy braced herself as she stepped inside . " Welcome to Laurent , Ms.

Stone , " a young receptionist greeted her with a polite smile from behind a white desk . Ivy was surprised the lady knew who she was , but she hid her surprise . " Thank you . " " Mr. Francis Laurent is expecting you upstairs , " the receptionist continued , standing to lead them . " If you'll follow me , please . " " I'll wait downstairs , ma'am , " Bud said . Ivy nodded and together with Monica , they followed the receptionist into another room .

The young woman gestured to a pair of chairs . " Please have a seat . Mr. Laurent will be with you shortly ," she said before leaving . As Ivy sat down , a familiar voice startled her . " Ivy ? " She turned to see Vivian , beside her was Martha , Mason's mother . " What the hell are you doing here ? " Martha asked , her face twisted into a frown . 3/3