Chapter 2003
Tessa was angry like a caged animal, her voice tinged with urgency, “Ivy, for heaven’s sake, why are you acting so dense? Are you really going to pass up a catch like that to wait on grumpy old men?”
Ivy had to stifle a laugh. The idea that Tessa still believed she was involved with some older men was ludicrous.
“Say what you will, Ivy replied nonchalantly, pulling out her phone to summon an Uber.
Tessa’s anxiety spiked, and she started to circle, “Ivy, I’m just saying you shouldn’t let a good man slip through your fingers.”
Ivy tuned her out, her gaze fixed on her phone screen, tracking the approaching ride.
When the car arrived, Ivy quickly ushered Tessa inside, slammed the door shut, and told the driver to go.
Watching the car drive away, Ivy exhaled a sigh of relief.
The Dunhill family always managed to turn her life upside down, shrouding it in chaos and gloom.
After dealing with Tessa, Ivy hesitated but ultimately decided to return to the Harris Group headquarters to find Nolan, “Nolan, I’m really sorry about earther. I had no idea my mom would show up here.”
“It’s okay,” Nolan said, looking at her with concern, “You seem upset, and is everything all right?”
Ivy didn’t want to air her family’s dirty laundry, so she simply shook her head with a smile, “No, I’m fine.”
“You and your mom don’t seem to get along, do you? You were clearly uneasy about her being here.”
It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Ivy and Tessa had a strained relationship, but Ivy didn’t wish to reveal her troubles to Nolan, “It’s nothing, Nolan.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a call from Balfour. Ivy quickly answered, and Balfour asked, “Ivy, where are you?”
Ivy knew Balfour wasn’t keen on her having any sort of relationship with Nolan, and thinking it best to avoid complications, she didn’t tell him the truth, “I’m just out handling some things.”
“Are you finished? I can come pick you up.”
The last thing lvy wanted was for Balfour to show up, potentially exposing her lie, “No need, I’m already on my way back.”
“Alright.” Balfour didn’t press further and hung up.
After saying goodbye to Nolan, Ivy hailed another Uber and returned to the Howard residence.
Entering the Howard Mansion, Ivy saw Dean, Alyssa, and Balfour sitting in the living room, engaged in lively conversation, with Alyssa laughing joyously.
As Ivy approached, Alyssa beckoned her with a smile, “Ivy’s back, and come join us, dear.”
Smiling, Ivy settled beside Alyssa, “What’s all the joy about? What are you guys discussing?”
“We’re talking about Balfour taking you out to the movies later,” Alyssa said, patting her hand gently.
Ivy’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. The idea of Balfour, the epitome of no–nonsense masculinity, planning a movie date seemed far–fetched.
Besides, her relationship with Balfour was purely contractual. Why would he waste any effort on his wife in name only?
