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From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 29. Elaine
Elaine decided to go shopping to clear her mind. She hadn't been able to get Van out of her mind. To think that he would boldly turn down the offer to marry a woman like her, and in front of people too! The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. What did Ivy have that she didn't? Was it beauty? She was very beautiful, and she wasn't just praising herself. Different companies had approached her with various offers for her to become the face of their products. She had even reached the top five of most beautiful woman every year for three years in a row. Was it intellect?She graduated at the top of her class in highschool and college. Her father was always commending her on how she was doing a good job managing his business. She had even come up with some ideas that fetched millions for her father's business. Or was it wealth? It was no secret that her family was filthy rich. And everything her parents owned also belonged to her. Plus, she could say that she helped in gett
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 30. Family
After getting their outfits and jeweleries, they were done. They got a taxi all the way back to Oakland and made their way to Ivy's residence. When they got there, Van suddenly started to feel nervous, like he was going for a job interview or auditioning for a movie role. He cleared his throat as he knocked on her door. A couple of seconds later, the door was opened and behind it, a little girl with a few missing teeth smiled at him. "Are you my daddy?" She asked, a confused expression on her face. "Yes. Yes I am." Van replied with a soft smile. "Mommy! Mommy!! It's daddy, daddy's here." She announced with an enthusiastic excitement, running from the front door over to Ivy and back. "Daddy?" A little boy stared at Van, and tears began streaming down his face. "Is daddy going to get a hug?" Van went down on his knees and opened his arms, hoping the kids didn't actually hate him for not being around all those years. Taking one cautious step after the other, both kids approached h
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 31. Heavenly Wears
"What?" Ivy had to take a minute to fully understand what Van said. "You…you want to take the kids with you?" She asked. She knew what he meant but she just wanted to be sure. "No, of course not. I want all of us to live together. You and the kids, me and my mom …as a family. I already asked someone to contact an agent and when there's an available place, we can go and check it together.""So …you want to live with me.""Yes. Don't take this the wrong way, this isn't me asking you out." He explained. "Oh." Ivy didn't know why but she felt disappointed when he said that. He seemed to notice too because he quickly added. "Not that I'm not going to ask you out– I mean, I'm not going to ask you out if you don't want —what I'm trying to say is this. I want us to bond as a family. I want to spend as much time as I can with the kids, and I also want to spend time with you. I want to get to know you better, I want to be your friend…and if our relationship blooms more than that, being your
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 32. A Plot
Van proposed they went to a nearby restaurant or cafe so they could talk more without interruptions, but during the taxi ride Ivy was as quiet as a mute. Even after they arrived at the cafe, she said nothing. Five minutes passed. Then ten, still she was silent. Her arms were folded underneath her chest and her gaze never left the window next to their table. Van had initially wanted to start up a conversation but he got distracted when he stared at her. Ivy was really beautiful, everything about her was elegant and classy. The way she carried herself, the way she talked and acted. Everything about her was perfect. She was putting on a loose fitted t-shirt and a pair of jeans but her curves were still visible. Her current sitting position caused her round boobs to pop up, and Van couldn't take his eyes off her. Watching the steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed slowly was a sight that provoked him sexually. "You're very beautiful." He whispered softly and Ivy turned to fa
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 33. A Bride By Force
The distance between Van and Ivy kept growing, and he didn't know what he was supposed to do about it. He had asked her out on a date a few days ago, in an attempt to talk to her but she turned him down. That particular morning, they had had a fight because she said he was showing up around her kids too much. "Your kids? What happened to co parenting??" Van had demanded angrily and unfortunately for him, it didn't sit well with her. "So what? You show up five years after I've been through hell on my own and you feel like you have some kind of fatherly claim on them? Well no, you don't!I raised them on my own, and I can keep doing it without your help. Okay?!!""What has gotten into you Ivy? Why are you acting this way?""Like a crazy woman? Is that what you mean?""This isn't you.""It isn't? Why don't you tell me who I am then?" Ivy didn't know why but no matter how much she tried calming down, she would remember that Van was only using her and her anger would spike again. "I'm
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 34. New Home
The next morning, Elaine posted it on her social media accounts that she was getting engaged soon. Within the space of an hour, her post already got more than a million likes and comment. People were asking who the lucky man was and when the wedding would take place. One of the top comments was probably from a friend or acquaintance because it addressed her more casually. The person told her to show real proof or else they would conclude that she was just lying to gain attention. Elaine liked that particular comment and responded by saying her proof would be dropping soon.Van immediately knew the post was about him. He started to wonder what kind of proof she was talking about. His mind went to Ivy and he quickly dashed out of his mother's house, running to her place. With the way things were between them, if Ivy saw such a post on the internet, she would no doubt be suspicious of everything he had said and the promises he made to her. When he finally arrived at her apartment, he
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 35. Venus Island
Ivy wished she could live in a house as beautiful as the castle was. Not only would it earn her more respect among the society, people would definitely see her like she was a whole lot more rich than they had thought. But alas, not all wishes were granted. Or at least that was what she thought. "Van, a word please?" She led him to another part of the house so it would be just the two of them. "What are you doing?" She demanded. She wasn't angry, she just couldn't believe it. "What do you mean?""What do I mean? Van, do you have any idea how much this place would cost?""Yeah but if this is going to be our forever home, won't you think we should go for the best?""And how about the rent? How are we going to take care of that?""Rent? There's no need for that. I was never looking for rentals to begin with, I'm buying the place."Ivy's jaw dropped in utter shock. "B-buying the place?" Was that even possible? All the residents of Venus island lived in rentals. The owner of the estate
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 36. The Fisherman
It was a cold morning, much colder than it had been the remaining days of the week. Van had woken up extra early to prepare breakfast in anticipation of the arrival of his family. It was going to be their first day living together. Their first day as a family, and he wanted to make it right. He and his mother had nothing of value to take so other than the clothes they had on, and the one they wore on their first day at Ivy's house, they took nothing else with them. Van realized that he had forgotten to ask what each of their prefrence was so he decided to make everything he knew kids loved to eat for breakfast. While he was setting the table, he heard a ding from his phone. Checking it, he saw that he had a message from Elaine. 'Good morning. I hope you're ready.'He didn't fully understand what her text meant but he knrw it couldn't be something good. She still hadn't posted anything about the proof she said she had about their engagement, so maybe that was what she was talking a
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165. Hidden Enemy II
Ivy and her uncle were taken to a safe house, where they were questioned by the police. Ivy told them everything she knew, from the mysterious messages to the chase through the streets.As they spoke, Ivy couldn't shake the feeling that there was still someone out there, watching her. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see Rachel or one of the men.But as the hours passed, Ivy began to feel a sense of relief. They had caught Rachel and the men, and they were finally safe.Or so she thought.As the police were leaving, one of the officers handed Ivy a folder. "This was found on Rachel's person," he said. "We think it might be important."Ivy took the folder, her heart racing with anticipation. What could it be?As she opened the folder, Ivy's eyes widened in shock. Inside, she found a series of documents, detailing a sinister plot to take down her family's company.But that wasn't all. The documents also revealed that Rachel was just a small part of a much larger conspira
164. Hidden Enemy
Ivy's eyes strained to see through the darkness, her heart racing with anticipation. The footsteps were getting closer, and she knew she had to act fast. She slowly backed away, trying not to make any noise. But as she moved, her foot knocked against a chair, sending it crashing to the floor. The footsteps stopped, and Ivy held her breath. She knew she had to get out of there, fast. Suddenly, the lights flickered back on, and Ivy saw a figure standing in front of her. It was a woman, dressed in a black coat, with a sinister grin spreading across her face. Ivy's eyes widened as she realized who the woman was. It was the same woman who had been watching her at the airport. The woman took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You're quite the detective, Ivy," she said. "But you'll never take me down." Ivy stood her ground, her heart racing with fear. She knew she had to stay calm and think clearly if she was going to get out of this alive. The woman took another ste
163. A Sinister Plot
Ivy and her uncle arrived at the police station, determined to finally uncover the truth. They were greeted by Detective James, who looked grim."What's going on?" Ivy asked, her heart racing with anticipation.Detective James hesitated before speaking. "We've received a tip that Margaret is planning to leave the country. We need to act fast if we're going to catch her."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. They couldn't let Margaret get away."What's the plan?" Ivy asked, her voice firm.Detective James nodded. "We're going to set up a sting operation at the airport. We'll catch Margaret as she's trying to leave."Ivy nodded, her heart racing with excitement. This was it. They were finally going to catch Margaret.As they arrived at the airport, Ivy's nerves were on edge. She knew that this was a high-risk operation, but she was determined to see it through.Detective James gave the signal, and the police officers moved in. Ivy watched as they surrounded Margaret, who was trying to
162. Family Betrayal
Ivy's eyes locked onto Langley's, her heart racing with anticipation. What did he have that she would do anything to protect?Langley smiled, a sly smile spreading across his face. "You'll do anything to protect your family's company, won't you, Ivy?" he said.Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. What was Langley talking about?But before she could respond, Langley dropped another bombshell. "I have evidence that your family's company is involved in the embezzlement scheme," he said.Ivy's eyes widened in shock, her heart racing with fear. What was Langley talking about? Her family's company was not involved in the embezzlement scheme.But Langley just smiled, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "I have documents, Ivy. Documents that prove your family's company is involved in the scheme."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. This was a lie. Her family's company was not involved in the embezzlement scheme.But as she looked at Langley, Ivy saw something that made her blood
161. A Deep Connection
Ivy's eyes were fixed on Emily's face, her mind racing with the implications of what Emily had just told her. Richard Langley, one of the city's most powerful businessmen, was connected to Margaret's embezzlement scheme."What do you mean?" Ivy asked, her voice firm.Emily hesitated before speaking. "I've been going through some financial records, and I found a transaction between Margaret's company and Langley's company. It looks like they're working together."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. This was a major breakthrough. If they could prove that Langley was involved in the embezzlement scheme, they might be able to take him down.But as Ivy thought about it, she realized that it wouldn't be easy. Langley was a powerful man with a lot of connections. He would stop at nothing to protect himself."We need to be careful," Ivy said, her voice firm. "Langley is not someone to be trifled with."Emily nodded, her expression serious. "I know. But I think we have a good chance of takin
160. A New Lead
Ivy's eyes scanned the office, taking in the scene before her. The room was in disarray, with papers scattered everywhere and furniture overturned.Rachel stood beside her, looking worried. "I'm so sorry, Ivy. I feel like I should have done something to prevent this."Ivy shook her head. "It's not your fault, Rachel. This is Margaret's doing. She's trying to intimidate me."Van 's voice was firm. "We won't let her get away with it. We'll find a way to stop her."Ivy nodded, her mind racing. She knew that she had to take action, and fast.As they began to clean up the office, Ivy's phone rang. She answered it, and a voice spoke on the other end."Ivy, you're getting close to the truth. Meet me at the old warehouse at 5pm if you want to know what's really going on."The voice hung up, leaving Ivy staring at her phone in confusion."What is it?" Van asked, noticing the look on Ivy's face.Ivy hesitated before speaking. "I just got a mysterious phone call. The person wants me to meet the
159. A Thorny Path
Ivy and Van spent the rest of the day talking and working through their issues. They discussed the embezzlement, Margaret's betrayal, and Van's role in it all.It was a difficult and emotional conversation, but Ivy was determined to work through their problems and rebuild their relationship.As the sun began to set, Ivy and Van decided to take a break and get some dinner. They went to a quiet restaurant near Ivy's office, where they sat down at a table and tried to relax.But despite their best efforts, the tension between them was still palpable. Ivy couldn't help but think about Van's betrayal, and Van couldn't help but feel guilty and ashamed.As they ate their dinner, Ivy brought up the topic of Margaret. "Van, what are we going to do about Margaret?" she asked, her voice firm.Van hesitated before speaking. "I don't know, Ivy. I know she's your grandmother, but she's also a criminal. She needs to be held accountable for what she's done."Ivy nodded, her mind racing. She knew that
158. A Difficult Decision
Ivy sat in her office, staring at the wall as she tried to process her emotions. She was torn between her anger and hurt over Van's betrayal, and her desire to forgive him and move forward.As she sat there, Ivy's mind wandered back to the early days of their relationship. She had loved Van with all her heart, and she had thought that he felt the same way.But now, Ivy wasn't so sure. Van's betrayal had made her question everything, and she didn't know if she could ever trust him again.Just as Ivy was starting to feel overwhelmed, Emily walked into the office."Hey, Ivy, how's it going?" Emily asked, noticing the look of distress on Ivy's face.Ivy sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know, Emily. I'm torn. Part of me wants to forgive Van and try to move forward, but another part of me wants to end our relationship and walk away."Emily nodded, her expression understanding. "I know it's not an easy decision, Ivy. But you need to think about what's best for you."Ivy nodded, taking a
157. Web Of Deceit
Ivy's team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the sinister plot. They scoured the company's records, interviewed employees, and followed up on leads.But despite their best efforts, Ivy couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing something. She had a nagging sense that there was a traitor in their midst, someone who was feeding information to the enemy.Ivy's eyes narrowed as she thought about the possibilities. Who could it be? Someone on her team? A colleague? Or maybe even someone closer to her?As she pondered the question, Ivy's phone rang. It was Emily, her trusted friend and confidant."Ivy, I need to talk to you about something," Emily said, her voice low and serious.Ivy's heart skipped a beat. What did Emily want to talk about?"What is it, Emily?" Ivy asked, her voice cautious.Emily hesitated before speaking. "I think I know who the traitor is, Ivy."Ivy's eyes widened in shock. Who was it?"Who?" Ivy demanded.Emily took a deep breath before speaking. "It
