Chapter 2056
Was this woman really trying to push him into the arms of another?
Did she not have a heart?
Balfour’s mood soured as he approached Ivy with a stern face, “Yes, Giselle and I go way back, and I’ve explained everything to you. Your persistent distrust leaves me with nothing more to say. Ivy, don’t forget who you are. Do what you’re supposed to, and don’t give us away in front of Grandma and Grandpa. Play your part well!”
Ivy’s hand froze mid-stroke through her hair, followed by a wry smile. “Rest assured, Mr. Howard, when have I ever disappointed you in playing the role of your wife? But don’t get so distracted by Giselle that you’re the one who slips up in front of Grandma.” “Sassy as always; it seems that’s the only thing you’re good at with me!” Balfour suddenly leaned in, pinching Ivy’s chin. His fingertips felt the softness of her skin, and the fresh scent of her bath lingered in the air.
Ivy’s reflection in the makeup mirror looked defiant as she snorted, “The feeling is mutual.”
They left their room with tension thick between them, but the moment they descended the stairs, they donned expressions of sweet affection.
Especially Balfour, who took Ivy’s hand in his own.
Ivy stiffened briefly, and Balfour coughed, his face serious. “What are you looking at? This is just part of the act! Aren’t you an actress? You’re supposed to be better at this than I am!”
Surprisingly, Ivy did not argue. Only she knew the misunderstanding that had just taken place. Too bad that……
The two women downstairs had very different expressions.
Alyssa beamed with satisfaction as she saw her grandson and granddaughter-in-law hand in hand. The more she looked at Ivy, the more she liked her, and she was determined to snuff out any inappropriate ideas others might have about Ivy.
Giselle had expected nothing good from the matriarch of the Howard family calling her over, and indeed, it was just to make her witness this spectacle, to discourage her!
Giselle had to admit that the sight of Balfour and Ivy, hands firmly clasped, truly infuriated her. Their being so close made her feel as if knives were pressed on her chest.
But Alyssa was watching; she could not let her improper feelings show.
Giselle swallowed her anger and approached with a forced smile, feigning friendliness as she linked arms with Ivy. “Ivy, I’ve been waiting for you downstairs for ages. What took you so long?”
Ivy instinctively tried to pull away, goosebumps dotting her skin at Giselle’s saccharine tone, but she replied, “Oh… I was just having a word with Mr. Howard, lost track of time.”
Giselle scoffed internally but kept her smile.
“That so? Ivy, Grandma won’t let me help in the kitchen, so I’ve been sitting here waiting to be fed. It’s rather embarrassing. Maybe you can convince her to let me lend a hand? She’s just too kind to me!”
Giselle said this to make Ivy think that Alyssa was indeed very fond of her.
But Alyssa, who had been cold to Giselle, turned to Ivy and said warmly, “Ivy, darling, come here to Grandma! And Balfour, why haven’t you offered our guest some coffee? It’s rare for Giselle to visit; we mustn’t seem inhospitable.”
Th
Giselle, savvy as she was, could hear the difference in Alyssa’s tone. Flustered, she released Ivy’s arm, letting her go to the old lady’s side.
Balfour watched Ivy obediently head towards Grandma, then haughtily gestured for a servant to serve coffee to Giselle in the living room.
Alyssa chuckled. “Ivy dear, only family is allowed in our kitchen. We can’t have guests slaving away, now can we? Right?”
Patting Ivy’s hand affectionately, her eyes brimmed with fondness and care, “Ivy, come help Grandma in the kitchen, will you?”
Ivy, not quite grasping the hidden meaning in Alyssa’s words, simply nodded obediently, willing to assist in the kitchen.
She would rather spend time with Alyssa than witness any intimacy between Balfour and Giselle. Out of sight, out of mind.
