The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1956

“Nolan is my old classmate, so what’s wrong with catching a lift with an old school buddy? Plus, it’s late, and Quinton’s already knocked off for the day. I’m not his boss, and it would be awkward to bother him with a special trip just for me!”

Ivy found Balfour’s accusatory tone baffling and hardly felt like explaining herself.

Balfour huffed, “Old school buddy? Is that all he really is? Ivy, don’t forget what I told you. during our contract, you need to watch your behavior. You’re not single anymore, and you need to keep your distance from other men!”

Ivy frowned, “I believe I’ve conducted myself with integrity, not crossing any boundaries! But as for you, Mr. Howard, leaving your wife to accompany another woman home seems a bit more questionable, doesn’t it?”

Cornered by her retort, Balfour fell silent, at a loss for words.

The two stewed in an awkward silence until Ivy, trying to lighten the mood, spoke up, “Mr. Howard, I’m not looking to argue with you. I just wish you’d flip the pancake once in a while and watch your own behavior. You’re not single either! You expect me to play along with this charade, but you’re not playing your part. It’s tough for me, especially when I have to explain things to Grandma and Grandpa! Like today, you can ditch me to drive Giselle home, but I can’t hitch a ride with Nolan? Mr. Howard, don’t you think that’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black?”

Ivy felt genuinely wronged.

who had someone fetch her to meet him, yet

issue, and now Balfour had the gall to turn around and blame

also

Never mind!

more mindful of my actions from now on. But Ivy, you must understand, the Howard family is no ordinary family.

Mrs. Howard, being too close to another man, no matter how platonic the friendship, can be twisted by those with

get it, and I’ll be careful. We’ll keep an eye on each other. You too should try to maintain a distance from other women, so I don’t have to make awkward

“Alright.”

his study, remembering the brochure in his hand, he lightly tossed it on the bed, “I’ll be more attentive in the

that, he left

with disinterest and promptly went to

that Balfour had spent the night in

her a thumbs up, “That’s the way to do it. If he ever screws up again, kick him out. Let