The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2260

“I’ll try to keep it down.” Elara whispered.

Balfour had no objections to the physical check-up. His brow furrowed with concern as

he accompanied Elara to the bedside of Ivy, who was just beginning to rouse from her sleep, rubbing her eyes wearily.

“Ugh,” she murmured.

“Ah, Mrs. Howard, you’re awake. Perfect timing, we need to draw some blood. Once I’m done, you can snuggle back under the covers with Mr. Howard for a bit more shut-eye,” Elara said with a soft chuckle.

Ivy, slightly embarrassed, nodded without making eye contact with Balfour, who was standing like a sentinel by her bed. She couldn’t believe she had spent the last half hour just watching him sleep.

As Elara prepared to draw Ivy’s blood, Balfour watched intently, concern etched on his face. At the slightest furrowing of Ivy’s brow, he couldn’t help but interject, “Can’t you be more gentle?”

Ivy glanced at him, surprised, and then exchanged a look with Elara. Elara was being as gentle as possible, but a needle piercing skin was bound to cause some sensation.

It doesn’t hurt much. Elara’s got a good hand – quick

that family members could get anxious. After pressing a cotton ball to the draw site, she excused herself to give them some

alone, Balfour sat down beside Ivy and held the cotton in place, his hand

He seemed lost in thought, staring at the small puncture wound. She

same. Don’t lie to me. Promise you’ll tell me right away if you’re ever hurt,” he said firmly.

nodded silently, then asked, “Did something happen last

met her gaze, then looked away as if debating whether to tell her the

me? Trouble on the set again?”

expression tightened with anxiety. Despite her own frail state, the mere mention of the

couldn’t fathom what kind of spell that place cast over her.

caught a suspect who may be behind your

accident. The idea that someone had deliberately tried to harm her was

don’t need to worry about these things. Just remember that you’re the victim