Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Ivy’s POV

I stole a glance at Dexter. We were having dinner together at a private lounge, an exclusive place I could escape to. It was secluded.

He was staring at me, and then he reached out, taking my hand in his. “What’s it like?”

“I can’t bear it anymore,” I replied, my voice low and tinged with frustration. “Asher makes everything so difficult. He’s… exhausting to be around.”

Dexter tilted his head, his brows furrowed in sympathy. “You don’t have to put up with him, Ivy. You’re too good for that.”

I let out a bitter laugh, swirling the wine in my glass. “Too good? Maybe. But deep down…” I trailed off, my words catching in my throat. Deep down, I knew the truth, and it was as inconvenient as it was painful: I still loved Asher.

No matter how much I wanted to hate him, no matter how much I told myself I deserved better, I couldn’t erase the memories of the man I had fallen head over heels for. The way he made me feel then, and even now, was maddening.

“You should take another trip,” Dexter said, his voice soft and persuasive. “Get away from him, from all of this. Clear your head. You deserve to feel free.”

He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. His hand was warm, steady, and for a brief moment, I let myself enjoy the comfort it offered. But just as quickly, my mind betrayed me, dragging me back to Asher.

I pulled my hand away, gripping the stem of my glass. Dexter’s expression faltered, confusion flickering across his face, but he didn’t say anything.

Then I saw her.

From the corner of my eye, a familiar figure entered the room. Mrs. Sterling. My mother–in–law.

She wasn’t alone. Her arm was entwined with a man I didn’t recognize, he had a confident swagger. They stopped near the bar, and she tilted her head back, laughing at something he whispered in her ear.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, she turned and locked eyes with me.

My heart thudded in my chest, and I froze, caught like a deer in headlights.

The man leaned in and kissed her cheek, just as Dexter reached out to cup mine.

Panic flared in my chest. “You have to leave,” I said abruptly, my voice sharp and urgent.

Dexter frowned, his hand dropping back to the table. “What?”

I glanced back at Mrs. Sterling, who was still watching me, her smile unwavering but her eyes soft and curious. “You have to leave now,” I repeated, my

– voice low.

“What is it, Ivy?” Dexter asked, concern in his eyes. He followed my gaze to the bar. “Who is that?”

“My mother–in–law,” I muttered, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. “Asher’s mother,” I added, like it wasn’t obvious enough.

As if on cue, Mrs. Sterling leaned in to whisper something to the man beside her. He nodded, kissed her hand, and disappeared into the shadows of the lounge. Then she began making her way toward me.

Dexter hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure of what to do, but I gave him a pointed look. “Go,” I whispered. “Now.”

Reluctantly, he stood, adjusting his suit jacket. “Call me later,” he said softly, before turning and walking out of the lounge.

I grabbed my purse, ready to bolt, but Mrs. Sterling reached my table before I could move.

1/3

snui

Chapter 98

“Hello, Ivy,” she said sweetly. I couldn’t figure out if it was genuine or false.

“I think we need to sit and chat.”

No. No. No, we didn’t. I was chanting it in my head. I hesitated, my pulse racing. Her smile was pleasant, but I couldn’t figure out what was going through her mind right now.

I racked my brain for an excuse to escape this situation, but there was no avoiding it.

She didn’t wait for an invitation, pulling out the chair Dexter had vacated and sitting down with practiced grace. She raised a hand, signaling to a passing waiter. “Two drinks, please,” she said, her tone light and cheerful.

I forced a tight smile, my stomach twisting into knots.

“What a coincidence, running into you here,” Mrs. Sterling said, folding her hands neatly on the table. “I was just thinking about you the other day

“Oh?” I managed to say, my voice strained.

“Yes,” she said, her smile widening. “It seems we have so much to catch up on.”

The waiter arrived, setting two glasses of champagne on the table. Mrs. Sterling picked hers up, holding it delicately between her fingers. She lifted it up

in a toast.

My hands trembled as I picked up my glass.

She smiled at me. “We should do this more often. I wonder why we never do. You and I, we could…”

“Mrs. Sterling, I’m not going to say a word about what I saw today to anyone,” I blurted out, my fear spilling out. It was unnerving, listening to her. The wide smiles, the kindness… This wasn’t the reaction I expected from a Sterling. Where was the strict, non–smiling Mrs. Sterling I was used to, and who was this nice, friendly stranger making a toast with me?

The silence stretched between us for a moment.

Then she chuckled and shook her head. “God, no! Ivy. I don’t care if you tell anyone about what you saw today.” She looked at me, her eyes widening in panic. “Wait, you really think…?” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Did you feel threatened?” she asked.

I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “No,” my voice sounded unconvincing, and she caught on.

“Oh my God! You really think I came over to threaten you?” she shook her head. “No, no. Why would you even think that?” Then she shut her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Okay, I can see why you’d think that. I mean, I understand… I didn’t exactly give off friendly vibes the few times we met. What is wrong with me? You’re my son’s wife, my first in–law. I should’ve been a lot friendlier…”

I smiled at her. “It’s okay. First impressions are overrated.” I felt more relaxed now.

She shook her head. “Me walking up to you alone terrified you. That should not happen. I don’t know, I should’ve done better. We should’ve been closer…” She took a sip from her glass. “That’s not okay.”

I lowered my gaze. There was clearly something more going on. “Are you okay, Mrs. Sterling?”

She sighed. “I am. I’m much better than I have been in a while.” She took my hand in hers. “And I know what you saw, vy. I know what you think. I honestly don’t care if you tell anyone about-”

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