Chapter 1928
“Your sister, Clara…” Vincent began, heaving a sigh tinged with regret as he did, “She’s a bright one, easy on the eyes too, and she’s got a knack for getting along with people. Just a bit of bad luck, that’s all.”
Ivy stifled the discomfort brewing within her as she waited for him to finish. “Actually, becoming an actress has always been Clara’s dream,” she said. “She’s been working tirelessly towards it. I believe if she’s given a chance, she’d prove to be an exceptional actress.”
Since she was there to apologize on behalf of Clara, Ivy was prepared to sing her sister’s praises, even if it meant bending the truth.
If she could just resolve this issue, she’d no longer have to deal with the troubles that came with being associated with her family.
Vincent stood up, wine glass in hand, and walked over to her. “This industry’s full of talented, hardworking folks,” he said, “but opportunities are scarce. It comes down to who’s got the gumption to grab them.”
He placed a glass of wine in front of Ivy and stood beside her, watching quietly.
Ivy understood the unspoken request: drink the wine to express Clara’s regret and to seize the chance.
She was beginning to regret being there. Even if it meant breaking free from her family, she regretted sitting in this place.
Why should she endure this humiliation for something wrong Clara had done?
Ivy glanced at her phone; it was devoid of new messages.
Her family hadn’t reached out. Perhaps they hadn’t even intended to.
Was this all just a sham?
“So, if I drink this wine, is that the end of it?” Ivy asked.
Vincent smiled cryptically and nodded. “Yes, drink up, and I’ll consider giving Clara another shot.”
“Alright then.”
Ivy stood up, picked up her glass, and refilled it. “This one’s for you, Vincent. I hope you’ll give Clara more opportunities in the future!”
She downed the drink and set the glass on the table. “Is that satisfactory, Vincent?”
Pleased to see her drink, Vincent lifted his own glass and drained it. “Ivy, you look so delicate, but you sure can knock one back with gusto!”
After the drink, Vincent returned to his seat and gestured for Ivy to sit. “Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, you’ll join me for the rest of the meal, right?”
Relieved to see Vincent keeping his distance, Ivy relaxed a bit. It was daytime, after all; she doubted he’d dare do anything.
“Of course. Today, my family is hosting. Order whatever you like, Vincent. Don’t be shy on our account.”
As they began to eat, Vincent’s compliments flowed. “Your sister has mentioned you quite a few times, saying you’re a real beauty, the kind that men adore. Seems she was right.”
Midway through the meal, Vincent reached for his glass again. “Ivy, let’s have another drink!”
Meanwhile, in the same establishment.
Balfour had never been one for socializing, rarely joining even friends for a drink.
If Zephyr hadn’t been on his case with persistent calls, Balfour wouldn’t have set aside work to come out.
“Balfour, you can’t just work all the time without a bit of fun. And there’s not even a woman in your life. Who are you
staying pure for?” Zephyr teased.
The comment nearly made Balfour choke on his drink, prompting a cough.
Zephyr eyed him suspiciously at his reaction. “Balfour, something’s off with you. Don’t tell me you’ve already… hmm?”
“Shut it, will you?” Balfour stood up, his face a mask of seriousness, and headed for the door. “Carry on drinking. I’m going out for a smoke.”
