The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2031

Ivy had been pottering around on the balcony for what seemed like an eternity before she finally showered and collapsed into bed. Exhaustion swept over her in waves, the day’s hustle taking its toll, and she drifted off to deep sleep almost instantly.

The next morning, nothing had changed as the family gathered for breakfast, the same familiar routine playing out.

After breakfast, Balfour left for the office, and Ivy powered up her laptop to accept a friend request from Colton.

She sent a simple greeting, [Hey, Colton.]

Colton was quick to reply. [Hey Ivy, I’ll have my assistant drop off the script for you. What’s your address?]

The word “address” hung in the air. Ivy knew Balfour had intervened on her behalf to negotiate with Colton, but she was clueless about how much he had shared about their relationship. If Colton was in the dark, having him send something to the Howard residence would give the game away.

After much deliberation, Ivy typed back, [Colton, I’m actually heading out today. I’ll swing by and pick it up myself.]

for my assistant, Juliana, when

[Will do.]

for the day, her grandmother, Alyssa, noticed she was on the move and offered to arrange a driver. “Ivy, do

Grandma, why do

her head, “No reason, just curious. You go ahead, dear.”

Ivy bid her grandmother farewell and left in

her a folder. “Here’s the full script for ‘Ballad of Valor.’ Keep

on the cover.

consulted a schedule, then said, “We’re pretty much set

the script and memorize my lines, right?” Ivy

and what Colton expects

her. She

nothing else to discuss, Ivy went home to begin her immersion into the