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.

Balfour’s pallor, Ivy quickly reassured him, “I’m fine, really. It doesn’t hurt much. Elara’s got a good

pressing a cotton ball to the draw site, she excused herself to give them some

were alone, Balfour sat down beside Ivy and held the

the small puncture wound. She whispered, “It might look painful, but it’s really just like a mosquito

to me. Promise you’ll tell me right away if you’re

nodded silently, then asked, “Did something happen last

looked away as if

do with me? Trouble on

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

couldn’t fathom what kind of spell that place

caught a suspect who may be behind your accident and traced several clues through

heart raced. She had thought the near drowning was an accident. The idea that someone had deliberately tried to harm her

that you’re the victim here, and you’ve done nothing wrong. I’ll handle the rest and let you