Chapter 2060
“Take a seat, everyone,” Alyssa beckoned with a warm smile as she and Dean settled into the head of the table, with Ivy perched to one side, facing their guest, Giselle.
It was customary to wait for the matriarch to take the first bite, and as soon as she did, Ivy gracefully rose to serve Alyssa a bowl- of creamy fish chowder.
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“Grandma, have a little more of the chowder. It’s thick and creamy-just how you like it, and the bones have all been removed. It’s perfect for you,” Ivy said with a caring tone.
“You’re such a darling.” Alyssa chuckled, taking small sips of the chowder before nodding in satisfaction. “Mmm, this is indeed delicious. The sweetness of the fish really comes through, and it’s so soothing on the stomach.”
While nodding along, Ivy effortlessly picked up a shrimp that Balfour had peeled and placed in her bowl. She loved shrimp but was terrible at peeling them herself, always ending up with greasy hands and hardly any meat to show for it. Today, Balfour had taken on this task to play the part of the doting husband, and Ivy was more than happy to indulge in this rare treat.
“Fish chowder’s good for your health. Make sure you have some, too!” Ivy reminded Balfour, her head tilted up towards him. Balfour paused mid-peel. His response was tepid but agreeable.
“Sure.”
He placed a perfectly peeled shrimp into Ivy’s bowl, and she passed him a napkin in thanks. Their actions were so fluid and natural that they did not need words-it was like second nature to them..
Alyssa watched their sweet exchange at the dinner table with contentment, enjoying her meal all the more for it.
Giselle, however, was clearly struggling to maintain her composure.
“Balfour, this asparagus is so crisp and sweet. Wouldn’t you like to try some?” Giselle managed to keep a poised smile, although she had never seen Balfour peel shrimp for another woman. What made that Ivy so special?
Her arm was growing tired from holding the asparagus aloft when she finally caught Balfour exchanging a glance with Ivy. Then, much to her dismay, Ivy accepted the asparagus on Balfour’s behalf with a polite “Thank you, but Mr. Howard isn’t a fan of asparagus. I’ll eat it on his behalf!”
Giselle’s brow furrowed in frustration. “What are you doing, Ivy? I was just offering Balfour a taste, nothing more! After all, we’ve been friends for so many years, it’s only natural for me to serve him.”
Ivy felt an involuntary twitch in her eyelid. This woman was a natural actress, but could she at least recognize the situation before playing the victim?
Now Ivy was the one feeling displeased. She had simply meant to spare Balfour from a food he disliked.
“I indeed do not care for asparagus,” Balfour cut in, his voice cool and detached. “Ivy meant no offense. She was merely accepting a kind gesture from a guest to avoid any awkwardness.”
At the sound of Balfour referring to her as a ‘guest, Giselle’s smile twisted awkwardly, her face a portrait of discomfort.
Today’s display of affection between Balfour and Ivy was a sharp sting to Giselle’s pride.
“I need more protein. Can you serve me some?” Balfour suddenly prodded Ivy under the table, motioning to the platter of roast beef.
Ivy frowned and shot him a warning glance. “The meat’s closer to you-serve yourself!”
Balfour leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “Can we be professional? Remember, we’re still putting on a show.”
Feeling his warm breath on her earlobe, Ivy’s heartbeat quickened, drumming in her chest.
“Honey, you work so hard. You
ed to eat more protein,” she said, forcing herself to smile as she picked up a slice of roast beef, nearly bumping his nose in the process. Darling, is that enough?”
I
Her voice was dripping with feigned sweetness, slightly overacting the part.
“That’s plenty, honey, Balfour replied, the mischievous glint in his eyes matching her theatrical tone.
