Chapter 213
+20
By the time Ivy got home, all of her anger had melted into exhaustion. The faint smell of dung still clung inside.
“Hey, Ivy, I found a great idea!” Theresa exclaimed the moment Ivy walked through the door.
“What’s that?” Ivy asked, trying not to let her fatigue show.
to
her clothes
as
she stepped
\If Theresa noticed, she didn’t acknowledge it, she just continued speaking. “I thought of the perfect rebound for me. I could organize
seminar on stress or anger at your company. We could collaborate.”
Ivy blinked, confused. “I don’t understand.”
Theresa stepped closer, excitement shimmering in her eyes. “We can work together. I’ll host the seminar at your office. We can start tomorrow, what do you think?”
a
Ivy’s thoughts drifted to the mess caused by Rosie, and the awful scent hit her again. “My company is unavailable at the moment.” Then she told Theresa about the dung.
Oh
my goodness!” Theresa exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Ivy nodded. “A little,” she admitted.
“I’m sorry,” Theresa said gently, biting her lip. “I… already made announcements about it being tomorrow…”
Ivy scratched her temper, trying her hardest not to show her discomfort. “Oh.”
Theresa reached out for her hand. “I’m sorry, but it’s fine I can think of something else.”
Despite the smile on Theresa’s face, Ivy could see the disappointment in her eyes.
“We’ll figure something out,” Ivy said quickly. Then an idea hit her. “Wait, I’ve got it!”
Theresa’s brow furrowed. “What is it?”
“My brother wants to do a photoshoot to promote the restaurant. You could host your seminar there, and I’ll take pictures. What do you think?”
Theresa tilted her head and paused. “Not bad,” she said after a moment. “I think that could work.”
“Great,” Ivy said. “I’ll call Cole. What time tomorrow?”
“Ten is fine,” Theresa replied just as her phone started ringing.
“Alright then,” Ivy said, excusing herself.
She headed upstairs, her stomach tightening at the thought of Silas, and then her conversation with Thomas. Pulling out her phone, she texted Cole about the new arrangement just as she reached her room.
“Baby,” she called softly, pushing the door open.
“Yes, love,” Silas replied in a low voice.
He was still seated on the bed, the bandages ugly and long on his arms. Ivy’s anger fluttered in her chest, but she pushed it down and perched at the edge of the bed.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, leaning over to kiss him.
“Physically or emotionally?”
Her anger dissolved into tenderness. “Both.”
He sighed. “Sad. Down. Heartbroken. Pissed.”
“Oh, baby,” she murmured, settling beside him. “I’m so sorry, my love.”
Silas wrapped an arm around her. “It’s okay. I called Bailey about Island Nova. She came earlier. Then he told her everything.
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Chapter 213
As he spoke, Ivy’s emotions shifted from sadness to anger to pain, before finally settling into quiet sympathy.
“That’s just crazy,” she said, kissing softly. “I’m sorry, baby.”
His lips lingered on hers. “Thanks, baby”
Ivy deepened the kiss, her tongue brushing his, offering comfort and seeking companionship.
“This feels so good,” he whispered against her lips, pressing his hardness towards her.
Her heart fluttered as her hand brushed over his arousal. Silas cupped her butt, lifting her to his thighs. She grinded lightly against him, her body already warming with desire.
But he winced, hissing in pain.
“Oh, I’m sorry, baby!” she said, pulling back quickly.
“It’s okay,” he murmured. “Kiss me.”
She leaned in again, but when he cried out, she jumped away, guilt swirling inside her. “I didn’t know… I’m so sorry.”
bilas adjusted on the bed with a soft grunt. “It’s fine. Maybe we could just lie down…”
her eyes!
She chuckled, her eyes drifting to the arousal. “Are you sure?”
He chuckled too, reaching out for her butt again. “Yes,” he murmured, trailing kisses along her neck.
Ivy closed her eyes, relaxing to his lips. She could feel the tension leaving his body, and she knew just what he needed.
She stood and gave him a mischievous look. “I’ve got just the thing for you.”
Silas’s eyes widened. “Okay.”
She chuckled again as she got down on her knees. Her fingers danced teasingly around his waistband.
He gasped.
His helplessness, his eagerness, the way his eyes glinted with desire, it all added to her own desires, making her even wetter.
With her eyes on his, she slowly unbuckled his belt, her eyes widening at his length.
His breathing changed, and it gave her the courage to continue.
Her mouth watered as she pulled him free. Silas’s forehead creased, his hands sliding into her hair as she lowered her mouth onto him.
“Oh.” It was small, helpless as he held onto her like his life depended on it.
Ivy stroked his dick with her tongue, tasting his secretion. She moved up and down, her mouth dominating him.
“Ivy–you ah-”
His words faded as she continued, her rhythm building as he lost himself in her mouth.
When he tugged gently on her hair, a shiver raced down her spine, threatening to take over her.
“Silas.” she moaned softly, pressing her cheek to his thigh, overwhelmed by sensation.
He felt it too and he tapped her gently. “Come. Come ride me.”
Just as she rose, her phone chimed with a message and she figured it was Cole replying to her.
She ignored it as she took off all of her clothes, before carefully doing the same for Silas.
They were both naked and hungry for each other.
She kissed him again, her hands caressing his back softly, her need growing.
“Are you sure?” she whispered, pulling away slightly.
Silas didn’t respond, he just pulled her in for a deeper kiss. She surrendered as his fingers found her nipples, teasing them until she 2/4
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Chapter 213
gasped.
She moaned, her body gluing to his as he thumbed both nipples. Silas pulled away, his mouth dropping to her neck, making her almost lose her mind.
“I… can’t…” she managed breathlessly.
“Then don’t,” Silas said, and that was all it took.
She positioned herself over him, guiding him inside. Their breathing changed instantly, bodies clinging
“Are-”
“Yes,” he said, cutting her off with urgency.
to each other.
Ivy rocked him gently, moving slowly, building heat. Her feet curled for the sensation building inside her.
Silas held onto her like oxygen, their bodies moving gently against each other like the lovers they were. She captured his lips and then pounded him.
He moaned in her mouth as she continued to work her magic. Silas gripped her waist, setting a rhythm, their connection deepening with each movement.
She followed the rhythm, her pussy wetter with each pound.
Soon, she felt the wave–sweet and powerful. She flipped over, kissing down his legs as she went all in.
“I’m coming!” she cried, her body trembling.
Moments later, Silas reached his peak too. His fingers found her clit and they mashed it gently.
She closed her eyes, her heart pounding with each flick. She increased her pace, rocking up and down his dick.
“Fuck!” Silas growled.
That single sound got to her soul and she released, both of them climaxing.
Ivy collapsed beside him, her breathing uneven and heavy. They laid in silence, their hands linked together.
“I love you,” Silas whispered, kissing her forehead.
“I love you too baby,” she replied with a big smile.
Silas’s phone rang, interrupting the moment. He leaned forward to grab it from the table, then frowned.
“What is it?” Ivy asked.
“It’s a message from Thomas,” he said. Then his eyes widened and he quickly stood. “Uncle Mike is awake!” “Yeah!” Ivy exclaimed, standing up as well. “Are you fit to see him?”
“I can try,” Silas said, already heading to the bathroom. “It’s not that bad. I just need rest and some painkillers.”
She nodded. “Alright.”
As Silas disappeared into the bathroom, Ivy’s phone rang too. She reached for it, half expecting it to be Cole, but it was an unknown number that was calling.
She ignored it. But after the third call, she finally answered.
“Hello, Ms. Stone? I’m calling from the San Francisco Police Department.”
Her eyes widened. “Yes, hello, Detective. How are you?”
“I’m good, ma’am. Thank you,” the officer replied. “I’m calling to let you know that your friend has been found, ma’am.”
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“Found?” Ivy asked, her voice cracking.
“Yes, ma’am,” the officer replied. “We need you at the station right away.”
“I’m on my way, thanks,” she said, ending the call.
It felt almost unbelievable–so quick, yet exciting. She tossed the phone on the bed and joined Silas in the bathroom.
He was washing himself when she entered.
“They found Cheryl!”
“Awesome!” Silas exclaimed. “That’s fast.”
“I thought the same,” she replied, stepping under the water.
“And Mason?” Silas asked, rubbing soap gently over her body.
She moved closer. “No idea. I’ll find out when I get there.”
“Okay,” Silas said softly, his soapy hand lingering on her breasts.
Ivy relaxed under his touch, giving into the tenderness of his hands. Her eyes fell on his bare arm, and she tilted her head. “You removed the bandages.”
“Yeah. It’s not that bad, actually.”
They fell silent, though their hands still moved in rhythm. Ivy’s heart tugged with concern, and she rubbed Silas’s chest.
“Let me take care of you,” she whispered, her hand slipping to his erection. She lathered her hands with soap and washed him gently.
He gasped, one hand holding the transparent shower door for support.
She leaned in closer. “I love you.” Her words echoed under the water.
Silas closed the distance between them. “I love you too.”
Their lips met, and they both chuckled when the soap dropped.
“It’s crazy how nothing else matters when I’m with you. Sorry I left,” Ivy murmured, rubbing his back.
“I love how I forget everything when I’m with you, baby.”
She laughed. “Like now?”
“Like now.”
“Let’s finish up here.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Silas teased.
They washed up properly and stepped out of the bathroom. While Ivy got ready, Silas made some calls.
+20
Soon, she was dressed and left the house with Bud and Stud this time. They reached the station quickly and located one of the officers in charge of the case.
“Ms. Stone,” the officer said as he approached. “Your friend is upstairs.”
“Thank
“Thank you so much,” Ivy said, heading upstairs.
She spotted Cheryl the moment she reached. A black blanket was draped over her shoulders, and she was sipping from a green mug.
When Cheryl saw Ivy, she broke down in tears, rushing to her. “Ivy!”
Ivy’s heart shattered at the raw, heart–wrenching tone. She pulled Cheryl into a tight hug. “You’re okay now,” she whispered.
Cheryl didn’t say anything, she just cried in her arms. Moments later, she finally straightened up, her eyes red and swollen.
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12:27 PM d
Chapter 214
“You’re okay,” Ivy repeated, brushing Cheryl’s hair.
“Where is Cole?” Cheryl asked, close to tears again.
“He’s fine. He’s with Monica.”
Ivy hadn’t seen him since returning from Thomas’s office, but she didn’t tell Cheryl.
“Oh Ivy,” Cheryl’s voice broke. “Thank you.”
Ivy nodded, smiling sympathetically until another officer joined them.
“The Chief wants to see you, ma’am.”
Ivy turned to Cheryl. “Will you be fine?”
Cheryl nodded.
She turned to Bud. “I’ll be back.”
Hit
She followed the officer down a row of offices until they stopped at a brown opaque door.
“Here, ma’am,” the officer said, opening it.
Inside, a bald older man stood from behind his table.
“Hello, Ms. Stone. I’m Chief Ian,” he said, extending a hand.
Ivy shook it. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Please, have a seat.”
She sat opposite him.
“Sorry for interrupting your day, but the matter at hand is serious.”
“I understand,” Ivy replied.
He leaned forward. “Mason Hunter was released on bail, but with this latest offense… things are only going to get worse for him.”
“I really don’t care,” she said firmly. “He should be dealt with accordingly.”
He nodded. “That’s all I needed to speak to you about.”
“Thank you so much, Chief.” she said, then added, “How was he caught?”
“We tracked his location and found him in an abandoned warehouse,” the Chief explained. “I would suggest therapy for your friend. The condition she was found in was… quite disturbing.”
Ivy’s heart clenched as she nodded. “Alright.”
“She’s free to go. You’ll just need to sign a few documents, then you can take her home. The medics confirmed she’s physically fine.”
Her jaw tightened at the ‘physically‘ part. She didn’t want to imagine what Cheryl had endured, but she was glad Mason would finally face consequences.
She stood and stretched out her hand. “Thank you again, Chief
He shook it. “You’re welcome, ma’am.”
Ivy exited the office, anger simmering in her chest. As she made her way back to Cheryl, she saw Mason in a room, surrounded by officers.
Their eyes met.
And for the first time ever, she saw remorse gleam in Mason’s eyes.
“You’re done,” she mouthed.
He sighed, his shoulders slumping. For a brief second, pity stirred in her, but she pushed it away.
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He finally got what he deserved.
She walked away, relief washing over her. Mason’s torture was over, and it felt great.
At reception, she filled out the necessary forms and took Cheryl home. When they arrived, Cheryl broke down again as she held her baby.
“Thank you, Ivy. I can never repay you.”
Ivy fought back the tears that threatened to fall. “You’re welcome.”
Theresa and Aria weren’t home, so Ivy retreated to her room and stayed there until Silas arrived.
“How is he?” she asked as he settled into bed.
“He’s good. Better, actually,” Silas said, his tone tinged with sadness.
She wrapped her arms around him, understanding that other part of his feelings. “You guys will settle.”
“I don’t think so,” Silas replied quietly. “I’m done with Thomas.”
She didn’t respond, she just tightened her grip. Her phone chimed with a message from Cole. She read it and found out he was ready for the photoshoot too.
She texted Jade to update her.
+20
She then told Silas everything, from Theresa’s plan to finding Cheryl. When she finished, she nestled against his chest, her heart aching at Cheryl’s pain.
“Did you talk to her about it?” he asked softly, drumming his fingers on her arm.
“Not yet.”
“Sorry babe.” He kissed her.
“Yeah.”
Ivy listened to his steady heartbeat until she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, she found a fresh bouquet of roses by her bedside and a card from Silas wishing her a great day and saying he had gone to see Uncle Mike.
With mixed feelings, she got ready. She wore a black Gucci jumpsuit and paired it with flats.
She skipped breakfast and headed to the restaurant with her guards. As soon as she arrived, the lurking reporters made her instantly uncomfortable.
She had wanted to savor her mother’s restaurant, to reminisce on the good moments, but their presence ruined it.
“There’s nowhere to park, ma’am,” Bud said, pulling her from her thoughts.
She glanced around. “Just leave it here.”
to
Inside, she saw Theresa moving around, talking to a few people. Ivy didn’t want to disturb her, so she pulled out her phone
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Aunt May and her heart sank. She quickly looked away, moving toward the entrance.
Jade didn’t answer, so she decided to text. As she did, she bumped into someone.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t–Elaine Chase?” she frowned.
“Oh, Ivy Stone,” Elaine smiled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Ivy’s eyes drifted to the large billboard that announced the event, and Elaine chuckled sheepishly.
Ivy’s frown deepened. “Whatever you’re here for, I’m not interested.”
“Come on,” Elaine rolled her eyes. “Just think about it.”
374
call Jade.
12:27 PM
Chapter 214
Ivy ignored her, heading for the exit, but Elaine followed. She focused on her phone, composing the text. When she finished, she tucked it into her pocket, tuning out Elaine’s rant.
Thankfully, Theresa found her. “Hey Ivy,” she greeted, ignoring Elaine. “You’re here already.”
“Yep,” Ivy replied.
“Sorry I didn’t wait for you this morning. I was just too eager.”
“It’s okay,” Ivy smiled. “It already looks amazing.”
“Hello, Theresa Stone,” Elaine greeted.
Theresa ignored her again. “I heard about Cole’s injured guards. Now I feel bad for organizing-” She paused, looking past Ivy. Her eyes narrowed. “What’s that?”
Ivy turned, alarmed. “What?”
“I saw someone near your car,” Theresa said, already rushing to it. She moved to the other side of the car. “Hey! Stop!”
Ivy followed, her heart pounding, but before she could catch up, she saw Theresa shoved to the ground by someone she didn’t see. And then the car exploded.
The sound was deafening, smoke engulfed the air.
Through the smoke, she saw Theresa lying unmoved on the pavement, and her stomach sank.
“Theresa!” she coughed. “Help!”
Behind her, she heard Elaine shriek, “I caught her!”
Ivy turned.
In the distance, she saw Elaine struggling with someone.
She couldn’t make out the figure, but she saw the blonde hair.
It was Rosie.
Thu
色
Chapter 215
Chapter 215
When Bailey got the message about Island Nova, she ignored it. Anger still simmered inside her at the Stones.
Quinn had a surveillance team watching Night Bird until Mateo Castro was found, but so far, nothing useful had been reported. Bailey fiddled with her pen, annoyance boiling in her chest. She had canceled dinner with Aaliyah’s parents for nothing. Even though they had rescheduled, it still stung to have made the effort for no result.
“Hey, Jones.”
She looked
up and saw Quinn at the door. He walked to her table
and dropped
a
“I think we should go through all these again,” he said, gesturing to the pilarge stack of files.
Bailey rolled her eyes. “We’ve done that a million times.”
“And we’ve gotten nowhere,” Quinn replied. “We can’t trust the tip that led haven’t shared any good news for hours. So, we’re stuck with this.”
us to
Night Bird i
the first place, and the surveillance teams
20
She sucked her teeth and pulled the stack closer.
“Unless you don’t want to return to Columbia early,” he added.
She shot him a look. Of course she didn’t want to go back yet, not because of Mateo Castro, but because of Aaliyah and her mother.
Quinn understood the look and laughed. “The faster you finish, the more time you spend with her.”
“As you say boss,” she teased
He laughed again. “See you later, Jones.”
When he left, Bailey opened one of the files. Nothing looked different, and it made her tired already.
She flipped the page. Her weariness deepened, and she tried to shake it off. As she turned another page, her mind drifted to Silas’s message.
Giving in, she picked up her phone. She searched the name on the internet but found nothing.
“That’s weird,” she muttered, leaning forward.
Still, she was intrigued.
She dropped her phone and opened her laptop. Logging into her Bureau account, she accessed the World Wide Finder.
If Island Nova existed but was hidden, the World Wide Finder would detect it. As she typed, she hadn’t expected it to pop up–or worse, require a higher–level password to view it.
She had only followed the trail to prove Silas wrong.
Bailey stared at the screen, a mixture of excitement and curiosity swirling inside her.
Island Nova existed. But she needed a password to access more information. Who would do that? And why
Only one way to find out.
She picked up her phone and dialed Chief Ramsey. He answered immediately, his voice hoarse.
“Jones, How is it?”
“Good, Chief. I need your help,” she said, then told him what she had discovered.
was the island hidden?
“That’s strange,” Chief Ramsey said. “I’ll send you my password. Anything you find, report to me and only me. Understand?” “Yes, Chief.”
“Look out for my message,” he said, then ended the call.
Almost instantly, Bailey’s phone chimed. She used the password and unlocked the Island Nova file.
12:27 PM d
Chapter 215
Three lines in, she gasped.
Island No
was
“Silas’s parents,
owned by Tom and Celia Stone.
muttered, her skin crawling.
Why then was th
hidden? Why would Silas’s parents pay to conceal their island?
Then she found the aner: a
pressed document revealing the island had been sold to Mateo Castro.
20
Bailey jumped to her feet, her stomach knotting.
That was it! The connection between the Stones and Mateo Castro. She picked her phone, about to call Chief Ramsey again when the computer screen suddenly flickered and went dark.
She tapped the keyboard, but the screen didn’t come on.
Her senses sharpened and she grabbed her bag.
Something was off.
Hey, Jones,” Quinn popped in again, a sly smile on his face. “What are you up to?”
His tone unsettled her, but she masked her discomfort.
“Nothing much. Just heading out,” she replied.
Before Quinn could speak, another agent joined them. In that moment, Bailey knew something was definitely wrong.
“Hey, Jones. How are you?” The agent greeted chirpily.
Surprise surged into her, but she kept her cool. “Good, Smith.”
This was the longest conversation she had had with Smith, and it made her uneasy. She clutched her bag and held her phone tighter.
“Should we have lunch together? We could discuss what we’ve found,” Quinn suggested, checking his watch. “Lunch break is almost here.”
“Can’t,” she said, keeping a smile in place. She wiggled her phone. “My Chief is on the line.”
She watched as their expression changed and that told her everything Quickly, she brushed past them and into the
“See you guys later,” she called without looking back.
She walked faster, her heart pounding as she exited the office. Outside, she dialed Aaliyah tentun
“Hey babe,” Aaliyah answered.
“Where are you?” Bailey asked urgently.
Confusion colored Aaliyah’s tone.
“Home. Why?”
“Go to your parents’s house immediately.”
“Oh Bailey, what’s wrong?”
**
“I’ll explain when I can. Just get there. Demand extra security and don’t talk it?”
to
corridor.
Quinn, Get
“I love
you. See you soon,” Bailey said, ending the call.
She clutched her bag and took three different buses, switching routes before settling in a small hotel.
Just in case she was followed.
Once in her room, she called Chief Ramsey and explained everything.
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Chapter 215
“Those were rats, Jones,” he said, anger filling his voice. “I always wondered why it took them so long to find Mateo.”
The realization hit her hard. “They were covering for him.”
Chief Ramsey sighed.
“It’s okay, boss Sorry I kept you among enemies.”
Just doing my job.”
20
“Now we act. Send
A smile tugged at
her
After the call, Bailey
Hours later, they discover
Chief.”
work. She contacted her Colombian partner and collaborated through secure lines.
Mateo Castro was growing drugs on the remote island, paying the Stones five million dollars monthly.
She found a satellite image of the island. It was small, shaped like a star, and surrounded by dense trees. She could bet there was danger lurking within them.
Chief Ramsey called again.
W
We’re here. Send me your hotel address.”
Minutes later, he arrived with a dozen agents. They turned the
room into
a
“Moore called me, sounding suspicious as fuck,” Chief Ramsey said.
makeshift office and strategized their plans.
Bailey’s brow furrowed. The Chief rarely cursed. “He knows you’re here?”
Moore was Quinn’s superior.
de entrar i gy
“I think so. I’ve reported to higher authorities. The entire branch is being investigated. Corrupt rats.”
Bailey exchanged looks with an agent, her stomach knotting. She couldn’t believe she had worked with corrupt officers.
“We go in by ship,” one agent suggested.
“Excellent idea,” Chief Ramsey agreed with a nod. “They would spot us from the air. Besides, those rats we’re coming. Time to bring out the big toys.”
Gasps filled the room.
Bailey swallowed. “Are you sure… Chief?”
“Hundred percent.”
Big toys meant big guns. Gunfight. She hadn’t faced that in a long
1
time.
likely already informed them
Chief Ramsey gave out instructions and soon everyone was ready. They fastened their Kevlar and loaded their weapons. “Ready?” the Chief asked.
“Yes, sir!” They chorused.
Bailey tied her hair into a ponytail and adjusted her vest. It was time to end this.
They boarded an unmarked black van to the dock, where a loaded ship waited. Chief Ramsey spoke to the captain, then they shook hands.
The island wasn’t far; it was just forty–five minutes away from the city.
A tech agent had mapped a secret, stealthy route, and they took it.
“All set?” Chief Ramsey whispered as the island came into view.
“Yes, sir.”
Bailey steadied her nerves. They were here.
The trees looked bigger in person, like fences shielding the island.
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As they neared the shore, she waited for the Chief’s signal. When it came, she led her team in
She gave hand signals, dividing the squad into three, and having them move around. Before long, gunfire broke out.
The firefight lasted two minutes, each team showing dominance, Bailey shot two guards as they stormed a small house.
“You are surrounded. Drop your weapons,” Chief Ramsey barked through a megaphone.
Air support arrived, easing the operation. They captured thirty men. Some were injured, others dead. But so were their men.
“I found a whole cocaine factory,” one agent said, breathless.
Bailey wiped sweat off her face. “Show me.”
As they moved, another agent called out.
“Jones! You need to see this!”
She followed and found Chief Ramsey already there. Together, they entered a small chamber.
The smell hit her first before she saw them.
“This is bad,” Chief Ramsey said through gritted teeth.
Bailey gasped. It wasn’t just drugs on the island. There were girls–young, dirty, terrified.
Her stomach sank.
This was worse than she thought.
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