Chapter 2058
Alyssa was hell-bent on making sure that every dish Giselle tucked into tonight was handpicked by Ivy to drill into that uppity woman’s head just how much clout Ivy had in the Howard family!
Ivy mulled it over, not the least bit stiff around Grandma, and suggested outright, “How about we go for a hearty soup? I heard Grandpa coughing the other day, so maybe a nice fish chowder will build him up. And for dessert, let’s keep it light – a little apple and cinnamon compote for each of us would be perfect. Grandma, would that be okay?”
Alyssa could not help but beam with pride, watching Ivy being so thoughtful, putting her and the old man first.
“Of course, that’s fine, darling. Knowing you’re looking out for him like this, your grandpa would be over the moon.”
A blush crept onto Ivy’s cheeks, making her look all the more endearing. “Grandma, it’s only right that I care for you and Grandpa!” Alyssa’s fondness for her granddaughter-in-law grew with each glance. “As long as you two are happy, your grandpa and I can rest easy when our time comes.”
Ivy quickly clasped her hand. “Grandma, don’t talk like that! Ptooey! Those are not the kind of words we should be saying!”
A sudden regret followed her act of anxiously spitting out the words. “Grandma, I didn’t mean to be unhygienic…”
Alyssa’s hearty laughter echoed from the kitchen. “You silly girl!”
Giselle heard it loud and clear in the living room.
That old lady always seemed so down-to-earth, but around her, she turned into a downright witch!
She craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the warmth she was missing, her smile almost frozen in place, while Balfour was still buried in that inscrutable paperwork.
“Balfour…” she began to shift in her seat, inching closer when Balfour abruptly stood up, showing his impatience with a tug at his tie. Giselle stood up, too, following his lead.
But Balfour cut her off coldly, “I need to jump on a video call for work, Giselle. You sit tight. Quinton, come with me to the study.” And with that, he was off.
“Yes, Mr. Howard,” Quinton did not even givé Giselle a second glance as they ascended the stairs.
The once buzzing hall was suddenly left with only Giselle, who took her frustration out on a nearby throw pillow, thumping it hard. Her commotion did not go unnoticed; a maid hurried over to check on the noise.
Putting on a strained smile, Giselle picked up the pillow she had knocked to the floor and patted it down, “Oops, my bad. Just dropped the cushion. I’ll fix it right up.”
The maid just nodded and walked away, showing little concern for this particular guest.
The moment the maid turned her back, Giselle’s face darkened. Even the servant was looking down on her? She would bet her bottom dollar it was Alyssa’s doing!
“That old hag, the world would be better off without her!” She thought bitterly.
Meanwhile, in the study.
Balfour sat behind his desk, not speaking right away. His long, strong fingers tapped lightly on the surface, his silence imposing an invisible weight in the room.
Quinton felt the air grow thick with tension.
He had guessed that he would not be able to dodge the bullet today when he heard Balfour mention a video call downstairs.
“Aren’t you going to explain yourself?” Balfour finally spoke, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to chill Quinton to the bone.
“What are you referring to, sir?” Quinton rifled through recent work affairs in his mind. Everything had been business as usual, except…
Balfour’s gaze snapped up, “Have you forgotten your place? Tell me, who’s your boss?”
Quinton bowed his head, “You are,
sir
Seeing the realization dawn on Quinton, Balfour eased back, the oppressive aura finally lifting from the room.
“So, I need to know why I wasn’t informed when Grandma sent you to fetch Giselle for dinner?”
