Chapter 2086
Balfour pressed his hands firmly on top of Ivy’s head. “You’re quite magnanimous, pushing your own husband towards another woman, and walking away with some other guy?”
Ivy’s lips curled into a half-smirk, “Did I do anything wrong? I was simply honoring your choices. Every time Giselle had an issue, didn’t you rush to her side? I’m aware that she holds a special place in your heart. I’m not so unreasonable as to prevent you from helping a friend who’s important to you.”
Balfour stared at her, “You…”
Ivy’s voice rose with exasperation, “Oh, don’t worry. I’m acutely aware of my place. Now that we’re alone without anyone watching, can you let go of me, please?”
Balfour gripped her chin with an irritated force, “You’ve grown quite the sharp tongue, haven’t you? After all this talk, aren’t you just trying to get rid of me so you can be alone with your dear Nolan? How can you calmly hop into Nolan’s car with me around?” Ivy felt the oppressive force of his grip, but her inner turmoil didn’t allow her to back down. “I haven’t breached our agreement. Nolan just happened to stop by today, and we were merely exchanging pleasantries! And what about you? Meeting up with Giselle every day? Perhaps you should keep your own actions in check, lest Grandma and Grandpa catch wind, and the fallout lands on you I won’t be taking the blame!”
While speaking, Ivy struggled to free herself from his vice-like grip.
“Let go of me! What’s the reason for you not being with Giselle and coming here? Please show some respect for my personal space. I also have my own private boundaries!”
Balfour snorted coldly, “What personal space could you possibly have? Don’t forget, everything you have is thanks to me. Without me, consider where you’d be. So, when you question me, don’t act so self-righteous.”
Ivy, fuming, wrenched his hand away, “Mr. Howard, I’m perfectly mindful of all that, no need to keep reminding me!”
Balfour leaned in closer, “Good that you know! At least until your debts are paid, do me a favor and fulfill your duties as a wife. Avoid getting too cozy with other men.”
Balfour’s gaze bore down from above, and Ivy defiantly met his eyes, “And what about you? How do you intend to handle your relationship with Giselle?”
Something in his thoughts made him chuckle, a hint of realization in his laughter, “Wait, are you jealous?”
Ivy’s cheeks flushed, and she averted her gaze, her fingers curling involuntarily, “You’re imagining things, Mr. Howard. You’re rather full of yourself if you think I’d be jealous over you.”
Balfour stared at her, “Then why can’t you look at me? Lift your head and talk to me!”
Just as Ivy felt the urge to flee, Alyssa rang.
Balfour’s expression instantly softened, “It’s Grandma’s call, be quiet.”
He then released Ivy and walked toward the window to take the call.
Ivy finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Every second near Balfour tensed her nerves, his every word and action tugging at her emotions while he remained unaffected, completely self-contained.
Ivy despised this weakness in herself; she didn’t want to be the moth to the flame, and she knew she had to curb these unwarranted feelings stirring within her.
“Grandma, what’s up?” Balfour’s tone was always a touch warmer when speaking with Alyssa and Dean.
Ivy sat alone on the couch, her gaze involuntarily drifting to the man by the window on the phone.
Standing well over six feet tall, Balfour’s presence alone was captivating, effortlessly outshining countless meticulously groomed male celebrities.
“Yeah, she’s with me,” Balfour spoke into the phone.
“It’s perfect that you and Ivy are together. Come home for dinner with me and your granddad tonight. Ivy’s been working so hard lately, and you know how chaotic her workplace can be. Make sure to spend some time with her when you can, alright?” Alyssa instructed over the phone.
