Chapter 2514
Ivy’s eyes sparkled, but Balfour quickly added, “But you’re only allowed to drink at home, nowhere else, okay?”
“Why not? This stuff is sweet, even better than soda,” Ivy said, taking a big gulp and then sipping it slowly as if she couldn’t bear to part with the taste.
“You might think it’s weak, but too much will get you buzzed, especially for a lightweight like you.”
Ivy was downing her drink as if it were lemonade, and in no time, her glass was empty.
She didn’t want to weave through the crowd for a second round, so she just gazed longingly at Balfour’s burgundy-colored wine, which looked equally tantalizing.
“What flavor is yours? Is it sweet?”
“Not very, but it has a fruity bouquet. Do you want to try it?”
Ivy’s gaze followed the wine glass in Balfour’s hand, and she nodded unconsciously.
“Yes, please.”
“Give me a kiss, and I’ll let you have a sip,” Balfour joked, but to his surprise, Ivy closed the distance in two steps and pressed her lips firmly to his with a soft “mwah.”
Balfour froze for a second, then chuckled when he saw Ivy still eyeing his red wine, unwilling to look away.
“I can’t believe you’re getting tipsy over a glass of wine.”
“I am not tipsy!” Ivy’s slender eyebrows knitted together. “I’m perfectly fine. The drink’s delightful, and I want more.”
“Alright, alright, you’re not tipsy, so it must be me talking drunk. Still want a sip from my glass?”
Ivy nodded obediently.
Balfour brought the glass to her lips. “Just a sip, okay?”
He dared not give her more, knowing her tolerance was about one glass deep.
After allowing her a sip, he pulled back the glass.
“Ew, this one isn’t good. It’s kind of bitter.”
Ivy stuck out her tongue as if truly offended by the taste. She preferred the sweet one.
The finest wines aren’t just about sweetness; the best have a complexity where the initial bitterness gives way to a lingering fruitiness, much like the art of tasting fine tea.
First, you get the interplay of wine and fruit on the palate, bitter yet not astringent, and after a few moments, a sweet fruitiness emerges.
That’s the mark of an excellent red wine.
But Ivy didn’t appreciate these nuances.
As they chatted and tasted wine in a quiet corner, a rosy flush appeared on Ivy’s cheeks, a clear sign she was feeling the effects of the alcohol.
All the while, Mara watched them with a tight grip on her own glass. “That woman has no shame, flirting with Balfour in front of everyone. Doesn’t she feel embarrassed?”
How could the Howards, known for their strict family values, tolerate such behavior in their midst?
Mara took a few deep breaths to calm herself before approaching Alyssa, letting out an
inadvertent loud exclamation.
When Alyssa turned to look at her, Mara covered her eyes with a coy gesture.
Alyssa had never been fond of Mara and, seeing her contrived act, didn’t intend to take any notice of her.
