Chapter 16 " What ? " Ivy exclaimed , her mouth dropping open Her face turned pale , but Silas wasn't buying it . " You heard me right ," he said , trying to conceal the mixture of disappointment and hurt beneath his anger . " Don't act clueless . " " I have no idea what you're talking about . I didn't invite Mason to Aunt May's , I went there- " Stop lying ! " Silas snapped , and he saw her flinch . " Just tell the truth .

" She bit her lip and looked away , as if she was gathering her thoughts . " I didn't invite Mason . He came on his own , " she finally said . Silas could feel the anger bubbling , still he kept it away from his voice . " So how did he know to find you there ? " " I don't know ," she shrugged . " He knows I've been staying at Aunt May's house , " Silas leaned back in the chair , appraising Ivy as she brushed a strand of hair from her face .

He wasn't buying it , he wasn't buying that Mason just showed up unexpectedly - uninvited - at her aunt's door . He was starting to think maybe Thomas was right . Maybe Ivy isn't who she said she was . And he had to admit , he was bothered by that . After he had called Thomas to secure a land for Ivy , Thomas had called again , mentioning being dropped from another project .

Thomas hadn't said much , but when Bud called to tell him Mason was at May's house , Silas couldn't help but conclude " I don't believe you ," Silas hissed . " You expect me to believe you went to your aunt's house and Mason just happened to find you there ? " " That's exactly what happened ," Ivy replied coolly .. Her nonchalant tone snapped something in him , and he found his anger spilling out . " Before you signed this contract , you said you weren't seeing Mason .

You said you were done with him ! " " I was , and I still am ! " she snapped , her mouth controting . " I literally married you because of that , didn't I ? Isn't that enough proof ? " " Yet you entertained his presence ! Bud said Mason was there for over thirty minutes , while he was thrown out in less than thirty seconds . Explain that ! " Silas exclaimed , firing more than he intended to . Ivy's eyes flashed with anger . " Since Bud knows everything , let him finish the story !

It was a coincidence , and I expected you to trust me when I said so . " " Trust you ? You lied to me ! " " About what ? " Ivy shot back . " About your bloody Mason . What's your plan ? Did you marry me just to keep seeing him ? " Silas asked . He knew she would take offense to the question but he had to ask . He was hurting and he didn't know why . Ivy's face turned pale . " I accepted your stupid contract to prove I wasn't with Mason . And now you throw this at me ?

What more do you " I don't know , " Silas admitted , his voice softening . " Explain why Thomas keeps paying the price for this . " " I had no idea ! I didn't plan anything , " Ivy yelled . Her anger made him less angry , but he was still hurt and he rode on that emotion . " So what made you change your mind ? " She blinked . " What ? " " Why did you change your mind about the public announcement ?

When I asked you this morning , you were certain you didn't know when , and all of a sudden you went to your aunt's house and changed your mind . I bet you planned all of it with Mason, right ? " Her chest rose and fell as she glared at him , offended and hurt . Silas's gaze lingered on her heaving chest , and desire sparked within him . His arousal grew as his eyes lingered Ivy caught his stare and flushed .

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" If after I've signed your contract , you still think I am with Mason , then I don't need to be here ," the said , standing abruptly . 1/3 10:16 AM c Chapter 16 Silas froze , his anger switching to panic . " Where are you going ? " he demanded . " Away from you and your judgement ! " she snapped , heading to the door . " Dinner hasn't been served ," he called after her , softening his tone . " And we still have things to discuss . Ivy paused , then turned back reluctantly .

Relief washed over him as she returned to her seat , her expression set in defiance . Silas sighed , looking at her stubborn face . A part of him wanted to reach out and kiss her - kiss the anger out of her lips ; another part wanted to stay far away from her until he could figure out what her deal was . He looked away , just as the waiter approached them . " Good evening ma'am . Good evening sir , " the waiter greeted . " I'm Henry , your waiter for the evening .

Let's start with some white wine while I take your order , " he smiled as he poured wine into their glasses . " Thank you . We'll call you when we're ready . " Silas said , dismissing him . Ivy pushed her glass away , folding her arms . " What else do you want to talk about ? " Silas sighed , slightly worried he might have pushed a button . " The public announcement , " he said , reaching out for his glass of wine .

* I've spoken to my team , and we've come to a series of conclusions ," he paused , and when he saw he had her full attention , he continued . " We'll need a public wedding , with reporters present , followed by a honeymoon , private dinner dates , and- " I'm not going on a honeymoon with you , " Ivy cut in sharply . Silas sighed again . He knew she was going to object to that . " It's for publicity . Nothing more . " " I already told you I don't want intimacy . How hard is that to understand ?

" Ivy's tone tinged with annoyance . " It doesn't have to be intimate , " Silas replied firmly , already tired of their argument . " It's just for appearance . You signed that arrangement , remember ? " " And the new conditions I requested still haven't been added , " she said , her green eyes glinting with defiance . Silas sipped his wine . " It's at home .

I already had the new contract delivered ." He had pushed Wade to send the new contract , just as he'd already taken care of her photography business with Thomas . " So , have you decided where you'd like to establish your photography company ? " Ivy's face shone with surprise . " I mean , if you're keeping your side of the deal , it's only fair I do the same , " Silas added . Ivy reached for her drink and took a sip . " I haven't decided yet .

I just want somewhere lively , with lots of activities . " " Oakland , maybe ? or San Jose ? " Silas suggested . She shrugged . " I don't know . " There was a long silence before Silas spoke again . This was supposed to be our first night together . Something enjoyable . " " Is that why you brought me back here ? " Ivy's expression darkened . " To relive our first night ? " Silas was surprised she remembered Chester Hotel , but he was more surprised she didn't like the gesture .

" No , I brought you here so we can enjoy ourselves . Besides , I use this hotel all the time . " She let out a bitter laugh . " I don't understand the games you play , Silas . " " What game ? " he asked , genuinely puzzled . " You brought me here to seduce me , didn't you ? " you ? " Her voice was laced with disdain . " You think this would somehow convince me ? " " What ? Ivy . I never even thought about that . I just- " You know what ? " Ivy stood up , shaking her head .

" Let's not pretend we're some happy couples enjoying a nice romantic dinner . We're strangers . Silas . So let's act like it ! " Chapter 16 With that , she stormed out AD