Chapter 2081
She knew that Balfour was putting on another show for his relatives, but every aspect of his demeanor felt suffocating, making it hard for her to even enjoy her tea.
Nolan replied awkwardly, “Thanks for the concern, but I’m not in a rush.”
“I’m just reminding you, aside from work, focus on things and people that matter, and don’t let your folks worry.”
Balfour silently regarded the tiny teacup in his hand, his profile as meticulously sculpted as a statue, dangerous and secretive.
Nolan heard a warning in his words and his expression stiffened.
Giselle, on the other hand, was about to explode. That Ivy, mute as a fish, how on earth could she be a fitting Mrs. Howard?
She couldn’t even handle basic socializing what else was she good for?
Giselle thought that if she became Mrs. Howard, she would manage Balfour’s family affairs so well, unlike Ivy, who was useless.
Before the main course arrived, the room was as silent as the grave.
Each of the four had their own concerns.
Finally, the waiter came to break the silence, presenting their appetizer, “Here’s some sashimi with wasabi and soy sauce for a kick.”
Ivy stared at the plates of raw fish and shrimp, her appetite completely absent. The only raw food she could tolerate was the occasional sliver on top of a sushi roll; this spread was beyond her palate.
She hadn’t expected the restaurant’s custom of serving dishes from light to heavy, her eel casserole was still to come.
With a smile, Giselle eagerly slid a sea urchin towards Balfour, sharing the story with Ivy, “When we first came here, Balfour fell in love with their sea urchin. It’s top quality, paired with a special sauce. You should definitely give it a try, and it’s their signature
dish.”
Balfour didn’t touch the dish Giselle offered but instead signaled for the cooked dishes to come first.
Giselle paused, surprised, “Balfour, didn’t you say only those who don’t understand Japanese cuisine start with cooked dishes? What’s changed today?”
Ivy watched Giselle’s eager demeanor and felt even less inclined to eat.
Balfour remained expressionless: “You also know that’s all in the past. People change.”
Under the table, unseen by the others, Giselle clenched her fist, still forcing a smile, “Oh well! Just a casual question. Habits change, and that’s normal. But really, this sea urchin is too good to miss.”
While they chatted, Ivy casually picked up a shrimp. Not participating in the meal would make her appear too isolated from the
group.
The shrimp smelled fresh; Giselle had said Balfour’s previous favorite was some deep-sea variety, costing a fortune per piece.
Still, the thought of eating raw shrimp was unsettling to Ivy. After a moment’s hesitation, she carefully pushed the shrimp aside.
Balfour caught every detail.
A barely perceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, just as he was about to say there was no need to force herself, Nolan beat him to it.
“Don’t like raw stuff? Your eel casserole is coming soon. Want some more tea?”
Ivy smiled and shook her head, “Just finished the latte you brought, not hungry at all right now.”
Nolan grinned, “Lucky I brought you that latte. Ivy, you owe me one!”
Ivy politely smiled back, “Thanks, Nolan!”
Bang!
