Chapter 2430
However, as Ivy locked eyes with Balfour, she couldn’t help but cave in. It was rare for them to be together like this, so close and intimate, and she cherished every moment.
In the past, Ivy would shy away from getting too close to Balfour. She feared that the heavy weight of her feelings would spill out if she allowed herself to be too near to him. After all, if their professional relationship were to suddenly take a turn towards the personal, it could get messy.
But now, basking in the warmth emanating from Balfour’s gaze, Ivy felt a joy bubbling inside her that she couldn’t quite contain.
The world outside might have been frosty, but snuggled in Balfour’s embrace, Ivy felt toasty warm, as if he were a wood-burning stove radiating heat through her.
That morning, Alyssa drove over to the Howard Group Building. She needed to check in with Leo on the progress of the task they discussed from their last meeting. However, she hadn’t anticipated that Balfour, who was usually punctual, would be absent from his office at nearly ten in the morning.
“Quinton, where’s Balfour?” she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice. “Why isn’t he in his office first thing in the morning?”
Alyssa was not pleased.
Balfour hadn’t come home last night, though he had other places to stay. While she recognized Balfour as an adult who didn’t need to report his every move, his absence from the company was unusual. Her thoughts immediately turned to the possibility of him being at the hospital with Mara, which only added to her irritation.
Quinton, ever respectful, adjusted his glasses and replied, “Madam, as far as I know, the young master visited Ms. Lewis at the hospital yesterday afternoon and left shortly after. I’m not sure where he spent the evening. Would you like me to call him for you?”
Alyssa waved her hand dismissively. “Never mind. He’ll just think I’m nagging if he hears from me now.”
However, Quinton acted swiftly. Alyssa had barely settled in at headquarters when Quinton had already sent a message to Balfour.
Balfour chuckled upon seeing Quinton’s text, causing Ivy to look up from their cuddle. “What’s so funny?” she asked. They were watching a heartwarming romantic movie; it wasn’t exactly comedy material.
Balfour showed his phone to Ivy. “Look at this. I’m all grown up, and Grandma’s still keeping tabs on me.”
Ivy laughed, “She’s probably worried you’re up to no good, staying out all night. You should
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Chapter 2430
tell her, or maybe give her a call. It’s been a couple of days since I checked in back home
too.”
Hearing Ivy refer to both of their families as “home” warmed Balfour’s heart.
“You call,” he suggested, “otherwise, she’ll start lecturing me the moment she hears my voice.”
With a smile, Ivy took Balfour’s phone.
As expected, Alyssa’s tone was less than cheerful when she received a call from Balfour.
“You rascal, where were you last night? How come you’re not at the office yet? Being the CEO doesn’t give you the right to slack off. How will you set an example for your employees?”
Before the tirade could continue, Ivy quickly interjected, “Grandma, Grandma, it’s me, Ivy.”
“Ivy? But isn’t this Balfour’s phone?”
Alyssa pulled the phone away to check once more; indeed, it was Balfour’s number. She then realized that Balfour must have stayed over at Ivy’s place last night.
She and Dean had been fretting over the cold war between the two young people, wondering how to mend their relationship. To her surprise, it seemed the pair had secretly made up.
Her voice softened, taking on a cheerful note as she spoke to Ivy. “Oh, it’s you, dear. Did Balfour stay over with you last night?”
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