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?

the opposite

taken his arm, and Balfour hadn’t

shared

pursed her lips, feeling an inexplicable tightness

maintained her generous smile and led the way upstairs with

followed with a

opened one of the doors

waiting for you to toast!” the moment they entered, they were greeted enthusiastically, “And Balfour’s

here too!”

behind, feeling like

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

didn’t recognize anyone there, and the topics flew over her head.

corner to sit down and grabbed a glass of punch.

Balfour not far away, she noticed him sitting next to Giselle, his gaze softer than his