Chapter 20: The Lost Property Deed

"So, what now?" Ivy shrugged, lifting the coffee to her lips for a gentle sip. Laurel seemed taken aback by Ivy's calm demeanor, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes before she replied, "The bond Cecil and I share over twenty-plus years isn't something you can break overnight. Even though the media has announced your engagement, you haven't even set a wedding date, which just proves everything is merely an empty promise." Empty promises. Ivy scoffed internally. Yes, empty promises. Cecil had claimed he was looking after her on behalf of his grandfather, stating their relationship as that of an engaged couple. But beyond that, there was nothing. He hadn't given her any real affection. Yet, he had taken the most precious thing from her as a woman. Ivy's momentary lapse into thought led Laurel to believe she had struck a nerve, her face unable to hide a smug satisfaction. "So, you want me to leave him?" Ivy snapped back to reality, leaning back with her arms crossed, waiting