When Weston Vale woke the next morning , the tangle of bare limbs beside him sent a thin blade of panic through his chest . He had sworn that as long as Jewel agreed to " pray " for Ivy , things between him and Jewel would return to the way they used to be . Yet last night he had lost control again , with Ivy . Guilt and self - loathing surged over him like a tide . " Weston ... do you despise me ? " Ivy Sloane studied the remorse on his face , her nails biting crescents into her palm . She knew the pattern by heart . unless he had been dosed or tricked , he never reached for her on his own , not even if she undressed and begged . And now , even after she had lied that she was dying , he was still like this . " No , " he said quietly , getting out of bed . " Don't overthink it . " " Good . " Ivy's voice softened to a whimper . " You know I don't have many days left . All I ask is that when I close my eyes , you're by my side ... Stay with me these few days . When I'm gone , you can go back to Jewel . Please ? " Her eyes shone with humiliation and hope . The look pricked at him , and irritation flickered , like something precious was slipping irretrievably far away . " Please , Weston , " she pressed , tears reddening the tip of her nose . " Do it for the baby ... to make it up to me . " A dull ache tightened behind his ribs . The " baby . " He had seen the specimen once . Maybe it had been too small to resemble either of them . Still , he nodded . Ivy brightened instantly . She dressed , fussed with her hair , then settled in to have breakfast with him . Weston's phone rang . " Mr. Vale , " Ethan Cole blurted , breathless and rattled , " Mrs. Vale's coffin fell off the cliff , she's gone ! " Weston's grip clenched around the phone . " What happened , Ethan ? When we left , Jewel was inside the coffin . " Ethan paused , about to tell the truth , when Ivy's sharp voide cut across the room . " Mr. Cole , look again . She's probably hiding to mess with him . " Chapter10 8.33 % Sweat popped along Ethan's hairline . He started to speak , then caught sight of a bodyguard holding up a livestream on his own phone . Ethan's son was tied to a chair , a digital timer strapped to a device at the boy's chest . The bodyguard mouthed each word , and Ethan repeated them faithfully . " Mrs. Vale slipped out last night and hid in a cave . The guards tried to escort her back , but she's furious and wouldn't cooperate . Should we ... put her back in the coffin ? " Ethan had been Weston's right hand at Vale Group for years . Hearing that , Weston's expression eased by a fraction . " Tell her to endure two more days . When the time's up , I'll fetch her myself . And have her reflect on her behavior . Two days from now , I expect her at the Vale Estate to apologize . " He hung up , unease still prickling his skin . He typed a message to Jewel . Stay put in the coffin . Be good . In two days , I'll come for you . Silence . Jewel , who always answered him in seconds, did not reply . He frowned and started to call , but Dr. Walter Grant appeared at the door with a team for morning rounds . " Mr. Vale , " Dr. Grant said , " Miss Sloane's repeated fainting may indicate progression . I recommend a full workup from top to bottom . " Weston pocketed his phone , that pebble of dread still lodged under his ribs , and nodded . Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.