The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2173

Ivy’s voice dwindled into a whisper, fingers entwined and hidden beneath the table, unseen by Balfour.

“You thought I was on a date with Giselle?” Balfour hit the nail on the head, casually sipping on the complimentary iced tea the server had brought over.

So, this was the drink Ivy fancied. Maybe he could stock up on some at home.

She bit her lip, feeling sheepish, while Balfour seemed unperturbed, inadvertently making

her appear petty.

She didn’t want to be seen that way by him.

“Right, I did misunderstand you that way. I mean, you and Giselle go way back, more so than us. I guess what she said wasn’t out of line. I’m just… sensitive, you know? We’ve spent a good chunk of time together, and I’d like to think you trust me. But thinking you’d take your childhood friend’s word over mine kinda stung,” she confessed.

Balfour raised an eyebrow. Was Ivy admitting to feeling a bit possessive over him?

“You got one thing wrong, though. Giselle and, we’re not childhood sweethearts. Our families are just connected, that’s all.”

Balfour clarified the nature of his relationship with Giselle, leaving Ivy feeling somewhat adrift.

to make me feel better. I know my place. You’ve made it clear before, and I won’t overstep. Once this film wraps, I’ll have saved up enough to pay you back, and then I can move on,” she said, her voice tinged with resignation.

future brought a dark

she was planning to cut ties with him completely

thinking of leaving him?

“No way.”

at Balfour, clearly puzzled. “Why

I don’t intend to let you go.” Balfour’s gaze held hers.

such a question. She had kept her feelings

had Balfour noticed?

was this just his way of testing the waters?

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would he strip her of her position as Mrs. Howard?

disdain for murky relationships abundantly clear. He had also warned Ivy