Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 85

Author’s POV

A week later…

The dining room was quiet except for the soft clinking of silverware. Asher sat at the head of the table, his dark brown eyes flickering toward ivy, who was seated opposite him. She refused to meet his gaze, her posture stiff, her focus entirely on the untouched plate before her. Marsha and Miles, their assistants, sat between them, and the silence was deafening.

Marsha dramatically cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “I’m glad you guys finally agreed to sit down and talk. We need to get ahead of this mess.

Ivy scoffed softly, her arms crossing as she leaned back in her chair. Asher’s gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, taking in the defiance etched into her features, those beautiful blue eyes that wouldn’t meet his, the slight tremble of her lower lip.

Was she holding back tears? His chest tightened at the thought. He had hurt her so much, and there was nothing he could do to take away the pain. Miles leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the table. His eyes darted briefly to Marsha, admiration clear in his gaze, though he quickly schooled his expression when Ivy caught him. She didn’t say anything, but the corner of her mouth twitched as though she noticed.

Marsha glanced around; the tension was thick in the air between them. “Look, I understand why there’s anger, resentment–hell, Ivy, you have every reason to feel the way you do.” Her eyes softened as they landed on Ivy. “But the reality is, this relationship, as much as it’s been a contract, is now under scrutiny. The world doesn’t know the terms, and with the news of Taylor’s betrayal out there, you two need to step up. The media needs to believe you’re a happy couple, madly in love with each other.”

Ivy let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Happy couple? Madly in love? That’s rich.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and she finally glanced at Asher, her eyes sharp and accusing before she quickly looked away again.

Asher swallowed hard, her words cutting deeper than he cared to admit. He deserved her coldness–deserved every ounce of her disdain. But that didn’t stop the pang of jealousy that rose in him when he thought about Dexter. Had she slept with him? The thought burned like acid, and he clenched his fists under the table, forcing himself to remain calm.

Marsha leaned forward, her tone firm now. “Ivy, I know this isn’t easy. But it’s necessary. You both need to be seen together at events, looking happy. The press is already circling like vultures. If you don’t show a united front, it’s going to get worse.”

“Is it necessary?” Ivy’s voice was low, almost a whisper, but the defiance was still there. Her eyes met Marsha’s this time, challenging.

All the pairs of eyes at the table turned to look at her.

She stared unflinchingly. “No, really, is it? Do we have to continue to put up this act of a perfect couple? Why are we still pretending this works for any of us? Because it doesn’t!”

Marsha exhaled, glancing at Miles and then back at Ivy. She hated to put her through this situation. Her and Ivy’s relationship had lasted years; they were like sisters. It hurt to see her hurting. However, she and Miles, after thorough consultation, had come to the agreement that it was better for both of them in the long run. She reached out a hand over lvy’s. “Ivy,” she called softly, “I understand if you need time, but it’s good for you two to be together. At least it looks good for PR. To the media, you two are an ideal couple. You being together will do you two more good than being apart will.”

She looked at the both of them. “I’m afraid, Asher and Ivy, you two have to keep the pretense going for as long as the contract permits or till we can find a way to pull you two out of this mess, and you can go your separate ways.”

Miles nodded. “Marsha’s right. You have to continue to put up appearances even more now than ever.”

Ivy rose to her feet. “I can’t wait,” she muttered under her breath.

Those words broke his heart to hear out loud. He bowed his head and massaged his temples.

Marsha followed Ivy to the side, her brows/furrowed in worry as she looked her over. “Are you okay?” she asked.

Ivy bit the inside of her mouth to stop herself from crying. “I am fine, thank you, Marsha. Asher and I’s marriage was a disaster waiting to happen. It was

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Chapter 85

foolish of me to think otherwise.

Marsha gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here if you need anything, Ivy. I’m here. Please don’t run off on the again”

She nodded. “I won’t. Now enough about me. What’s happening with you and Miles? I saw the looks you two kept sharing,”

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