Chapter 1947
“Really?” Balfour’s tone dripped with disbelief as he wrapped his arm around Ivy and turned to leave.
Despite herself, Ivy couldn’t resist looking back at Nolan, exhaling a defeated sigh.
Once they reached a secluded spot, Balfour released her.
Distracted, Ivy wasn’t watching her step and walked straight into a grand column. “Ouch, that hurts!”
Balfour instinctively reached out to steady her. However, when he recalled the cheerful conversation she had been having with Nolan, his expression soured, leading him to retract his hand.
Ivy clutched her head, wincing in pain.
Balfour sneered, “What’s the matter? Still daydreaming about your dear Nolan? Can’t even watch where you’re going?”
“Mr. Howard, we were just old classmates catching up. Cut the sarcasm!” Ivy was already in pain, and his mocking tone only added to her irritation.
Narrowing his eyes, Balfour was surprised to find Ivy, who usually didn’t stand up for herself, now talking back because of Nolan. Clearly, the man held a special place in her heart.
So, Ivy, you’ve signed a contract with me, and here you are getting cozy with other men? You really don’t see me at all! Balfour thought.
“Ivy, you sure have a skill for being chummy with men anywhere you go.”
Unable to hold back, Ivy countered, “Nolan and I were only reminiscing about old school days!”
With a cold huff, Balfour responded, “Ivy, don’t forget who you are now. Your actions represent not just yourself, but the Howard family!”
His reminder brought her back to her senses. Realizing her misstep, Ivy couldn’t blame Balfour for his anger. “I’m sorry, was careless. I’ll be more mindful in the future!”
Balfour stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Watch your tone. Remember, you’re speaking to the man who just loaned you three million. Shouldn’t I matter more than your Nolan?”
Ivy looked up at him, the man towering over her, highlighting the imbalance in their relationship.
“That money was a loan, and I intend to repay it in full, with interest.”
“Is that so?” Balfour reached out, pulling her in by the waist, “And how exactly do you plan to repay me, with interest?”
Ignoring her struggle, he looked her over. “What do you have of value? Your body?”
“Mr. Howard!” Feeling violated, Ivy pushed him away with all her might, “I may owe you money, but that doesn’t mean I’ve sold my dignity. No matter what, I’ll find a legitimate way to pay you back!”
Ivy’s uncharacteristic defiance only soured Balfour’s mood further. He chuckled coldly, “Ivy, I’m merely stating the obvious. Other than your body, what else do you think you can offer to repay my three million?”
“Balfour!” Ivy was truly angry now.
He stepped forward, pulling her into his embrace again. “So, is repaying me with your body really that repugnant to you?”
As Ivy looked up at him, she wished she could slap him twice, to shut him up from saying such vulgar things.
“Hmm? Not willing?” Balfour leaned in close, and with just an inch more, he could kiss Ivy’s lips.
But he paused, his gaze fixed on her lips, momentarily lost in thought.
“Balfour.”
A gentle woman’s voice broke through Balfour’s reverie. He snapped back to reality, swiftly letting go of Ivy and turning to see who had interrupted.
