The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1949

It seemed that Balfour was keen on keeping his relationship with Ivy under wraps from Giselle.

“A friend? Like a girlfriend, or just a pal?” Giselle teased with a playful grin.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Balfour declared, “Just a pal.”

Ivy, slightly uncomfortable, pressed her lips together in a tight smile and approached, “Mr. Howard and I have only just met, actually. I heard about this shindig and asked him to show me the ropes. Don’t get it twisted, Giselle.”

Since Balfour didn’t want Giselle in the loop about their connection, Ivy naturally played along with the charade.

Balfour was her boss, and she had already managed to rub him the wrong way earlier; now was the time to make amends.

Giselle didn’t let on whether she bought Ivy’s story or not, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped forward with a smile, linking her arm with Balfour’s. “If she’s your friend, she’s mine too. Oh, I forgot to ask, how should I address this lady?”

“Ivy.” Despite playing Balfour’s wife for an extended period, Ivy had never shown any public displays of affection with Balfour. Yet, here was this leading actress, latching onto his arm as if it was the most natural thing in the world?

excessive physical contact with the opposite sex, so Ivy always

casually taken his arm,

shared a special rapport.

feeling an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

of Balfour’s, come on up!” Giselle maintained her generous smile and led the way

a quiet nod.

more private, and Giselle opened one of the doors to let herself and Balfour in.

you to

here too!”

feeling like an outsider.

with high-profile young gents and ladies of fortune, a close-knit circle of friends

topics flew over her head. She didn’t feel like forcing herself

down and grabbed a glass

at Balfour not far away, she noticed him sitting next to Giselle,