Chapter 1939
“Yes,” Quinton nodded, “there’s a dinner party tonight and Balfour’s on the guest list. He needs a date, and I was hoping you’d be available?”
Ivy nodded in agreement, “Of course, it’s part of my role.”
It was her job to stay by Balfour’s side, to shield him from unnecessary complications.
She was committed to being his plus-one to these functions for the duration of the year-long agreement.
“Ivy, sit tight. Before we hit the party, we need to make a little detour.”
Quinton sped up the car, whisking Ivy away to an upscale stylist’s studio.
“This studio is in cahoots with our company. A-listers get their red-carpet looks crafted here. You can trust their expertise, Ivy. Let them work their magic on you.”
“Alright then.”
Ivy rarely wore makeup, but as Mrs. Howard, the face of the Howard dynasty, she needed to look the part. Following Quinton inside, she felt out of her element in the lavish stylist’s studio, every detail an exercise in extravagance.
A young man approached them with a smile, “Quinton, long time no see! What brings you by today?”
His gaze shifted to Ivy, “And who is this?”
“Hi, I’m Ivy,” she introduced herself with a friendly smile.
Quinton stepped forward to explain her presence, “Ivy here has a banquet to attend with Mr. Howard tonight. She could use a touch-up. This is the gown Mr. Howard selected. Please match her makeup to its style.”
With that, Quinton handed over a box containing the dress.
Ivy had expected something elegant, but the realization that Balfour had personally selected it for her was unexpected. Could a man as busy as he afford such attention to detail?
“So, you’re Mr. Howard’s date? I’m Jonah. Follow me, Ivy,” Jonah said, leading Ivy further into the studio. “This is our wardrobe area, but since Mr. Howard has provided such a stunning dress, we can skip that part.”
Ivy trailed behind, realizing just how vast the studio was; the wardrobe section alone spanned a massive area.
“Please, Ivy, have a seat,” Jonah gestured to a chair in a private cubicle. As he examined Ivy’s reflection, he remarked, “You have delicate features. Is there a particular style you prefer?”
Ivy shook her head awkwardly, “I don’t usually wear makeup, so I’m not too familiar with styles and such.”
“Oh, is that so?” Jonah was surprised; how could such a simple girl be Mr. Howard’s companion? “No worries, I’ll take the lead.”
Jonah began with a hydrating facial treatment, his touch gentle, “May I inquire about your relationship with Mr. Howard?”
“That’s… a bit complicated,” Ivy replied, unsure how to describe her relationship with Balfour, given that Quinton had only introduced her as a date.
Jonah didn’t pry, smiling as he began to apply makeup on her, “No problem, you don’t have to explain. I was just curious. Mr. Howard has never brought any lady here, let alone personally chosen a gown for her. You must be special to him in some way.”
Special, huh?
Ivy inwardly disagreed. If not for her accidental intrusion into Balfour’s room that night, there would be no connection between them at all.
As for why Balfour picked out the dress himself, perhaps he just didn’t want her to embarrass the Howard family at the banquet.
