Chapter 68: Wanda Santos

“But… Sonia… you can’t do that,” Mason said, his voice trembling slightly.

Sonia ignored him as she turned to the guests. “I apologize for wasting all of your time. I hope to repay you all someday.”

Ivy watched as Mason trailed behind Sonia, whispering and pleading. She turned away from the drama and walked back to the bar.

“One more glass, please,” she said to the waiter, who was equally watching the chaos.

When he passed her a glass, Ivy sipped. The satisfaction spread all over her body, and she felt really good. She hadn’t expected it to go that easy. She hadn’t expected Sonia to accept her revelation just like that. But she was grateful, fulfilled that she hadn’t only helped Thomas, but she’d also cleared that smirk off Mason’s face.

“I knew it!”

Ivy turned to Jenny, rolling her eyes.

“I knew you came here to ruin this!” Jenny snapped, her eyes glistening with tears, her breasts bouncing as she spoke. “We’ve worked so hard for this. And you… you ruined it.”

“I didn’t ruin anything,” Ivy replied coolly. “I only showed Sonia the truth.”

“By doing it here? Now?” Jenny’s voice trembled.

Ivy let out a long laugh. “You’re so funny, Jenny. The way you’re questioning me, one might think you’re more than a mere secretary.” She allowed the last word to linger on her tongue.

Jenny’s expression changed, her anger morphing into guilt. “I’m just looking out for the company.”

“Of course,” Ivy said with a smirk, finishing her drink. She’d had her fun, and now it was time to leave. “Have fun, Jenny.”

She considered adding that Mason was almost a father with a fiancé, but she decided against it. Jenny knew. Of course she did.

As Ivy stood up, she saw Mason storming toward her. Bud stepped in front of her protectively.

“What the fuck have you done?” Mason demanded, his face twisted in anger.

“Easy now,” Ivy smirked as she picked up her purse. “Your fangs are showing.”

“You’ll pay for this, Ivy!” Mason roared, his eyes blazing with anger.

Right there, Ivy saw him for who he really was – a monster – with his mask off. She couldn’t believe she had once loved this man. She looked him straight in the eyes, allowing him to see just how she despised him now.

“I don’t think so,” she said firmly. “Let’s go, Bud.”

Outside, reporters swarmed the entrance, running about questioning guests. With Bud’s help, Ivy managed to avoid them as they made their way down the stairs.

She stood at a corner while they waited for the valet to bring the car.

“Ivy,” Sonia called, and Ivy walked over to her. She was flanked with bodyguards. “Sorry I made that announcement that way, I was just too pissed.”

“Pissed?” Ivy asked, confused. “What happened?”

“I found out Mason isn’t reliable,” Sonia replied, her brow furrowing. “Even without starting this project, he’s already messed up the beginning stages. And what you told me was the icing on the cake.”

“I see,” Ivy said with a nod. It was no wonder it went so smoothly. Still, she was grateful it worked.

“Besides,” Sonia continued softly. “I’ve known Thomas for years, trusted him, yet I left him over a tiny mistake.” Her voice tinged with regret. “They say the devil you know is far better than the angel you don’t.”

Ivy stepped forward, placing a hand on Sonia’s shoulder. “I’m very sure Thomas will understand. Mistakes happen. We’ve all made some.”

“Thank you, Ivy,” Sonia smiled. “Thank you for helping me see that.”

“You’re welcome,” Ivy replied just as Sonia’s cars arrived.

Sonia turned towards the cars. “I’m holding on to your promise. I still want my photos.”

Ivy chuckled. “Definitely.”

Sonia waved as she got in. “Bye.”

Ivy nodded just as her own car arrived. She followed Bud, avoiding the reporters as they zoomed off.

Inside the car, Ivy couldn’t sit still. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell Silas the news. She laughed, catching Bud’s look in the rearview mirror.

“Sorry,” she said with a grin. “I just feel really good.”

As much as she was excited, she still felt she had to do one more thing. A thought struck her and she leaned forward.

“Bud, can you take a detour?”

“A detour?” Bud asked, glancing at her in confusion.

“Yes, please. There’s someone I need to see,” she replied.

Bud nodded as she gave him the address. He changed course, driving on another lane.

Ivy settled in the chair, as the thought formed in her head. She couldn’t wait to see Mason’s face again when he found out what she was about to do.

When they reached the quiet neighborhood, Bud slowed the car.

“There. Number 204,” she said, pointing.

Bud parked, and Ivy stepped out, walking up the stone pathway. She wasn’t sure if she was at the right house, but she would try.

She kicked aside a small blanket as she approached the door. She rang the bell and hoped it was the Santos’ house.

The door opened, and Wanda put her hand out. “Ms. Hunter?”

“Wanda!” Ivy cheered. “How are you?”

Confusion etched across Wanda’s face as she stepped outside. “I’m good. It’s nice to see you again. You look great.”

“Thank you,” Ivy smiled, relief washing over her. It had been months since she and Mason had been invited for lunch at the Santos’s, and she was surprised she could still remember the house.

“I miss our monthly lunches,” Wanda said with a smile. “Heard you remarried.”

“Yes,” Ivy replied. She wasn’t here to play catch-up. “I actually came here to see Eric, but then I figured he won’t be back from the party.”

“No, he’s not back,” Wanda confirmed, gesturing toward the house, then her brow furrowed. “How did you know about the party?”

“I just left,” Ivy replied. “Anyways, it’s still fine. Seeing you is good as well,” she ended, and watched as the confusion deepened in Wanda’s eyes. “I know how much Eric invests for Mason and gets nothing in return. I’m here to make an offer. I want Eric to come work for Stone Real Estate company.”

Wanda’s eyes widened in shock. “But –”

“He should think about it,” Ivy interjected gently. “The pay will be better, and he’ll finally get the recognition he deserves.”

“That’s insane,” Wanda said, still stunned. “He –”

“Just tell him,” she interrupted again. “Let him think about it, and he can get back to Thomas.”

Wanda hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll tell him.”

“Thank you. It’s so nice seeing you again, Wanda. Bye.” Ivy started walking backward before turning back to the car.

What did she just do?

She’d hired Eric without telling Thomas. She wanted to scream.

She slid into the car, her breathing heavy. “Drive,” she instructed Bud, and he obeyed.

Ivy chuckled. She’d killed three birds with one stone. Eric deserved a new job and a good boss, Thomas deserved a competent employee, and she deserved to see Mason crumble when he realized Eric was gone.

“We’re home,” Bud announced, breaking her thoughts.

“Thank you,” Ivy said, almost jumping out of the car. She rushed inside, eager to share the news.

“Silas?” she called, spotting him in the living room.

Silas lifted his head from his laptop and stood up. “Hey, how did it go?”

Unable to hold her excitement, Ivy ran up to him and pulled his face into a kiss.

But Silas caught her by the waist, pulling away just before their lips met, his eyes wide with surprise.

Ivy froze, her face flushing with embarrassment as she stepped back, avoiding his gaze.