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.

reassured him, “I’m fine, really. It doesn’t hurt much. Elara’s got a good hand –

pressing a cotton

and held

small puncture wound. She

you’ll tell

silently, then asked, “Did

looked away as if debating whether to tell her the truth.

it have to do with me? Trouble

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

spell that place

caught a suspect who may be behind your accident and traced several clues through him,” Balfour explained, trying to

She had thought the near drowning was an accident. The idea that someone had deliberately tried to harm her was frightening. Why would anyone go to

her expression, Balfour reassured her, “You don’t need to worry about these things. Just remember that you’re the victim here, and