Chapter 2063
Balfour rubbed his fingertips, the lingering sensation of Ivy’s soft ears still echoing through his touch. He could not quite pinpoint what had come over him, only that he craved more.
“It was an accident, really. My hand just happened to brush against it.”
Ivy eyed him skeptically, her gaze questioning the sincerity of his poker face. “Really?”
His eyes darkened under her scrutiny. “What, you think I did it on purpose?”
Ivy fell silent.
Alright, she was not about to flatter herself that much!
Throughout the entire encounter, Balfour had not spared a single glance at Giselle.
On the other hand, Giselle could not help but steal glance after glance at Balfour, even in the presence of the formidable matriarch, which made her appear distracted.
“Giselle, if you want to look, just look openly. No matter how much you yearn for them, some things will never be yours.” Snapping back to reality, Giselle forced a sheepish smile, then quickly resumed her role as the victim. “Mrs. Howard, you’ve already made up your mind about me. No explanation will do. Let’s leave it to time! I believe time will vindicate me!
Ivy is also in the industry now, and she needs to attend social events. As her senior, I’ll take good care of her.”
Alyssa was not one to play games. “A granddaughter-in-law of the Howard family hardly needs anyone’s protection.
I’ve said my piece today. I hope you take it to heart. The bond between Ivy and Balfour isn’t something you can break, Giselle. How many times have you looked at Balfour? Has he ever returned even a single glance? Go back, Giselle. This charade has gone on long enough, and I’m getting tired.”
The old lady was as direct and resolute as ever, treating Giselle as someone to be summoned or dismissed like a servant at will. Giselle clenched her fists, seething with anger, and it took all her willpower not to set the garden ablaze in her fury.
When they returned to the foyer, Balfour and Ivy were huddled together, their heads close, discussing something on a tablet. “Grandma, you’re back? Would you like some of the coffee I’ve just brewed?” Ivy offered, her smile beaming upon seeing Alyssa.
“Is it your favorite rose blend today, Ivy?” Alyssa asked affectionately.
Ivy nodded dutifully. “Balfour likes it too, so it’s perfect for ensuring he drinks enough water.”
Giselle edged closer. “Ivy, let me have a taste too. If Balfour likes this, there must be something special about it.”
Balfour’s attention was solely on Ivy.
Sitting next to Ivy, he was forever finding reasons to be close to her, stroking her hair and pinching her delicate hand occasionally. Playing the love-struck couple before Alyssa, Ivy could not refuse his touches.
Giselle watched, her insides churning with jealousy, powerless to interrupt in front of the old lady.
Just moments ago, she had boldly claimed to be good friends with them, but now she could not even wedge herself into their conversation. It was a slap in the face.
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09:51 D
