Chapter 1949
It seemed that Balfour was keen on keeping his relationship with Ivy under wraps from Giselle.
“A friend? Like a girlfriend, or just a pal?” Giselle teased with a playful grin.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Balfour declared, “Just a pal.”
Ivy, slightly uncomfortable, pressed her lips together in a tight smile and approached, “Mr. Howard and I have only just met, actually. I heard about this shindig and asked him to show me the ropes. Don’t get it twisted, Giselle.”
Since Balfour didn’t want Giselle in the loop about their connection, Ivy naturally played along with the charade.
Balfour was her boss, and she had already managed to rub him the wrong way earlier; now was the time to make amends.
Giselle didn’t let on whether she bought Ivy’s story or not, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped forward with a smile, linking her arm with Balfour’s. “If she’s your friend, she’s mine too. Oh, I forgot to ask, how should I address this lady?”
“Ivy.” Despite playing Balfour’s wife for an extended period, Ivy had never shown any public displays of affection with Balfour. Yet, here was this leading actress, latching onto his arm as if it was the most natural thing in the world?
Balfour wasn’t one for excessive physical contact with the opposite sex, so Ivy always maintained a respectful distance.
But Giselle had so casually taken his arm, and Balfour hadn’t even flinched.
Clearly, these two shared a special rapport.
Ivy pursed her lips, feeling an inexplicable tightness in her chest.
“Ivy, since you’re a friend of Balfour’s, come on up!” Giselle maintained her generous smile and led the way upstairs with Balfour in tow.
Ivy followed with a quiet nod.
The second floor was more private, and Giselle opened one of the doors to let herself and Balfour in.
“Where the heck have you been, Giselle? We’ve been waiting for you to toast!” the moment they entered, they were greeted enthusiastically, “And Balfour’s
here too!”
Ivy trailed behind, feeling like an outsider.
The room was filled with high-profile young gents and ladies of fortune, a close-knit circle of friends who surrounded Giselle and Balfour in animated conversation.
Ivy didn’t recognize anyone there, and the topics flew over her head. She didn’t feel like forcing herself to fit in.
She found a quiet corner to sit down and grabbed a glass of punch.
Looking over at Balfour not far away, she noticed him sitting next to Giselle, his gaze softer than his usual icy demeanor.
For some reason, seeing Balfour and Giselle together made Ivy’s heart sink.
She was Balfour’s wife, even if only in name, yet he seemed completely oblivious to her presence. Why had he even bothered to bring her along?
With a resigned sigh, Ivy drained her glass.
No big deal, she was just here on the job!
If the boss ignored her, she might as well slack off.
“Why are you sipping on juice by yourself? Can’t handle a little drinking?”
Giselle suddenly appeared beside her, offering a glass of wine.
Ivy managed a smile, accepting the drink, “Thanks, but I’m not much of a drinker.”
“Don’t be so uptight, everyone here is friends with me and Balfour. Since you’re Balfour’s friend, you’re in good company, Giselle clinked her glass against Ivy’s and took a sip, “We’re all friends here, so loosen up!”
Even after confessing her limited drinking skills, Giselle insisted on the toast. Out of politeness, Ivy took a sip as well.
