Chapter 1914: Chapter 1914

“I’ll pay back every penny you spent on me. As for marriage, I won’t be following your plans,” Ivy declared firmly, grabbing her suitcase. and turning on her heel to leave.

“Ivy, stop right there!”

Tessa’s shout did nothing to slow Ivy down; she continued on, leaving Tessa clutching her chest, looking as if she might faint from the shock.

“Dad, Tessa, don’t be upset,” Clara chimed in, the picture of innocence as she reached out to steady Tessa’s hand. “She is just being headstrong, but you still have me! I promise I’ll find a good husband and won’t let you down.”

Tessa gripped her hand, her face softening with relief. “Thank goodness we have you. Oh! Ivy used to be so sensible when she was younger. I can’t fathom what’s gotten into her now.”

“It’s your fault for not raising your daughter right!” Finn growled in a low voice. “If she wants to leave, then she need not bother coming back!”

Tessa sat down, silenced by his outburst.

Stepping out of the household, Ivy took a deep breath, feeling a wave of liberation wash over her.

From this day on, she could live life on her own terms, no longer bending to the will of others.

“Ivy, your ride is ready.” Quinton said as he opened the car door for her, then took her suitcase.

“Thanks,” Ivy murmured, sliding into the car.

On the way to the Howard residence, Ivy’s thoughts drifted to the man named Balfour, and she felt a flutter of nerves.

She had a year ahead of her living with a stranger, trying to integrate into a new, prestigious family. She wondered if she had the strength to do well.

“Ivy, we’ve arrived.”

This time, Quinton was dropping her off at the Howard Mansion, a place that struck Ivy with awe..

Such grandeur, such an impressive estate.

For the next year, this would be her home. She resolved to use the time wisely to plan for her future.

As Ivy walked in, she spotted two elderly figures on the couch, smiling warmly at her.

She halted, flustered, “I’m sorry, I’m here to see Balfour…

“The Ivy we’ve heard so much about, I presume?” the old lady said with a chuckle.

Ivy was surprised they knew her name. “Uh… yes, I’m Ivy.”

The old lady scrutinized her with a curious gaze, “Quite lovely indeed. But aside from your beauty, I wonder what made Balfour so determined to marry you?”

From their tone, Ivy realized these were Balfour’s grandparents.

She quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, “I apologize for the intrusion; Balfour hasn’t introduced me to his family yet. But I assume you must be his dear grandparents. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ivy.”

Her grace seemed to take the old lady by surprise, who perhaps expected someone less refined. Her opinion of Ivy improved noticeably.

“We’re Balfour’s grandparents. We heard about the upcoming wedding,” Alyssa said, gesturing to the sofa. “Have a seat, dear.”

Hearing they were Balfour’s grandparents, Ivy grew even more nervous but sat down obediently, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both!”

“Balfour hasn’t mentioned you before. Could you tell us how the two of you met?”