All Chapters of The Contracted Stripper : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The unknown caller was on the phone again, his voice cold and calculating. "I want surveillance on the Kendrick Mansion. Find out everything about Iris's movements. We can't afford another mistake.""Yes, sir," came the prompt reply.He hung up the phone and leaned back, his brain working on a new strategy already. He had underestimated Iris's determination, but he was not going to let that stop him. Not when he was so close to achieving his goal."Enjoy your safety while it lasts, Iris," he murmured to himself, a sinister smile curling his lips. "Because it won't last long.”Ryan’s assistant,Luca, was already waiting in his study room when he arrived. Luca had been briefed on the situation and had spent the night gathering information.“Ryan,” Luca greeted, concern evident in his eyes. “How is Iris?”“She’s resting,” Ryan replied, his voice tight with worry. “We need to find out who’s behind this. Any leads?”Luca nodded, spreading out a few documents on the desk. “I did some digging

Bella paused, considering her answer. “It’s about knowing what you want and not being afraid to go after it. Confidence, Ivy. Confidence is key. And, of course, always staying one step ahead of the trends.”Ivy nodded, absorbing the advice.“You make it sound so simple.”“It’s not always easy,” Bella admitted, her expression softening. “There are sacrifices and hard decisions. But it’s worth it. When you love something as much as we love fashion, it’s all worth it.”Their conversation was interrupted by a boutique assistant, who handed Bella a glass of champagne. “For you, Ms. Bella,” she said with a smile.“Thank you,” Bella said graciously, taking the glass.She turned to Ivy. “Join me?”“Absolutely,” Ivy said, accepting a glass from another assistant.They toasted to their successes and the exciting future that lay ahead. Ivy felt a surge of gratitude toward Bella. She was more than a mentor; she was a friend, someone who understood her aspirations and fears.As they sipped their cham

“Not well,” Ivy admitted. “He’s so stubborn, Bella. He won’t listen to reason.”Bella sighed sympathetically. “I’m sorry to hear that. But don’t lose hope, Ivy. Sometimes, these things take time.”“I hope you’re alright,” Ivy said. “I just feel so helpless.”“You’re not alone,” Bella said firmly. “We’ll figure something out together. In the meantime, focus on your upcoming audition. You need to be at your best.”“You’re right,” Ivy said, feeling a surge of determination. “Thanks, Bella. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”“Anytime, darling,” Bella said. “Now go out there and show them what you’re made of.”The Following WeekIvy received an email confirming her audition for the CHANNEL campaign. She spent the next few days preparing, pouring over her portfolio and practicing her runway walk. Bella’s support had given her the boost she needed, and she was determined to make the most of it.On the day of the audition, Ivy arrived at the CHANNEL headquarters, feeling a mixture of nerv

"Us? Dating? That's funny, Bella. You're like my sister. It would be weird." Ryan replied, chuckling."Yeah, weird... right." Bella replied, faking a smile.Her heart sank every time he laughed off her attempts to steer their relationship into romantic territory. To him, she was a constant, a reliable friend who would always be by his side. But to Bella, Ryan was the love of her life, even if he didn't know it.After high school, Bella pursued her dreams in the fashion industry. She became a successful model and influencer, working with top designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.Despite her busy career, she stayed in touch with Ryan and Ivy, visiting them whenever she could.Ryan went on to join the family business, excelling in his role and making his parents proud. He continued to date different women, but none of them seemed to stick. Bella watched from a distance, her old feelings never fully fading away.ReconnectingYears later, Bella found herself back in Ryan's l

Bella gave a faint smile from across the table, her eyes flickering with amusement. It was clear that the digs at Iris were for their entertainment.“Ivy, be kind. Iris is trying her best,” Mrs. Rose interjected, though her words lacked sincerity. The undercurrent of condescension was impossible to miss.Iris clenched her jaw and forced a smile, biting her tongue to keep from lashing out. She knew she had to endure this, if not for her own pride, then for Ryan’s sake.As the dinner progressed, it became increasingly clear that Mrs. Rose and Ivy had taken the night as an opportunity to belittle Iris at every turn. With each new course, came another backhanded remark.“Ivy, darling, tell us more about your Chanel audition. Such a prestigious opportunity! We’re all so proud of you,” Mrs. Rose chimed in, smiling proudly at her daughter.“Oh, it was incredible, Mother,” Ivy replied, her voice brimming with confidence. “The directors were so impressed with my portfolio. They said I had