Chapter 1984
The tension in the room hung thick as syrup before Balfour’s derisive snort cut the silence. “Didn’t you promise there would be no more interactions with other men? Who gave you the green light to star in his company’s commercial?”
Balfour’s cold tone left Ivy choking on her words. She could have clarified that nothing happened between her and Nolan, but she couldn’t explain why she met him after promising Balfour she wouldn’t.
“I’m sorry, I should’ve told you. I was afraid you’d be upset.”
Ivy knew no explanation could erase the fact that she had lied to him. The best course of action was to own up to her mistake.
She let go of the breath she was holding, “Balfour, I shouldn’t have lied to you, but please give me a chance to explain.”
If there was one thing Balfour detested, it was dishonesty. He had given Ivy two chances, and yet she had squandered both with lies.
How could he trust her again?
Balfour had no intention of giving her another chance at the beginning. But when she uttered the words “I’m sorry,” his heart inexplicably softened.
The man said nothing, but his halted steps were the best opportunity Ivy could hope for.
Seizing this moment, Ivy rushed to explain, “Balfour, I told you about the time I scratched Clara’s face in a moment of anger. Because of that, Nolan’s company couldn’t continue shooting the commercial, and they faced a hefty fine for breach of contract. Nolan said I resembled Clara somewhat and asked if I could step in as the model to complete the ad filming, so as to make up for my previous mistake.”
Balfour’s gaze darkened at her words.
“He asked, and you just said yes?”
Ivy stepped closer. “I was hesitant about his proposal. But I felt responsible for the mess and didn’t want to owe anyone. I thought it would just be a day or two of shooting, which is no big deal. And then I’d cut ties with Nolan. I had no idea it would blow up like this…”
Balfour’s frown deepened as he asked, “And those pictures in the news? You two looked pretty cozy. What was that about?”
“No, no, there’s absolutely nothing between me and Nolan!” Ivy’s explanation seemed pale against the presented photos and videos.
She looked at Balfour, desperate to prove her innocence. Suddenly an idea dawned on her. “I know how to prove my innocence. But I need to see Nolan one more time!”
Balfour’s expression soured further. “You want to see him again?”
Fearing another misunderstanding, Ivy quickly clarified, “No, it’s not like that. I just need his help to prove my innocence. You don’t trust me, Balfour, but you can have someone accompany me tomorrow.”
After a long silence, Balfour finally spoke again, “Ivy, you better be able to prove that.”
Ivy nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry. I will clear my name!”
That night, Ivy tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
She regretted lying to Balfour, who now doubted her every single word. And clearly, someone had intentionally snapped those pictures to stir up drama online.
But who?
After a sleepless night, Ivy got out of bed with dark circles under her eyes. She quickly freshened herself up and tried to look more alert.
As she was about to go out, Alyssa called to her, “Ivy, come here a moment.”
A bad feeling settled in Ivy’s stomach. She followed Alyssa to the garden and sat down. “Alyssa, what’s up?”
“It’s not a big deal,” Alyssa said, taking out her phone and placing it in front of Ivy. “I stumbled upon some unsavory news online I wanted to ask you
about it.”
