Was this woman really trying to push him into the arms of another?
Did she not have a heart?
Balfourâs mood soured as he approached Ivy with a stern face, âYes, Giselle and I go way back, and Iâve explained everything to you. Your persistent distrust leaves me with nothing more to say. Ivy, donât forget who you are. Do what youâre supposed to, and donât give us away in front of Grandma and Grandpa. Play your part well!â
Ivyâs hand froze mid-stroke through her hair, followed by a wry smile. âRest assured, Mr. Howard, when have I ever disappointed you in playing the role of your wife? But donât get so distracted by Giselle that youâre the one who slips up in front of Grandma.â âSassy as always; it seems thatâs the only thing youâre good at with me!â Balfour suddenly leaned in, pinching Ivyâs chin. His fingertips felt the softness of her skin, and the fresh scent of her bath lingered in the air.
Ivyâs reflection in the makeup mirror looked defiant as she snorted, âThe feeling is mutual.â
They left their room with tension thick between them, but the moment they descended the stairs, they donned expressions of sweet affection.
Especially Balfour, who took Ivyâs hand in his own.
Ivy stiffened briefly, and Balfour coughed, his face serious. âWhat are you looking at? This is just part of the act! Arenât you an actress? Youâre supposed to be better at this than I am!â
Surprisingly, Ivy did not argue. Only she knew the misunderstanding that had just taken place. Too bad thatâ¦â¦
The two women downstairs had very different expressions.
Alyssa beamed with satisfaction as she saw her grandson and granddaughter-in-law hand in hand. The more she looked at Ivy, the more she liked her, and she was determined to snuff out any inappropriate ideas others might have about Ivy.
Giselle had expected nothing good from the matriarch of the Howard family calling her over, and indeed, it was just to make her witness this spectacle, to discourage her!
Giselle had to admit that the sight of Balfour and Ivy, hands firmly clasped, truly infuriated her. Their being so close made her feel as if knives were pressed on her chest.
But Alyssa was watching; she could not let her improper feelings show.
Giselle swallowed her anger and approached with a forced smile, feigning friendliness as she linked arms with Ivy. âIvy, Iâve been waiting for you downstairs for ages. What took you so long?â
Ivy instinctively tried to pull away, goosebumps dotting her skin at Giselleâs saccharine tone, but she replied, âOh⦠I was just having a word with Mr. Howard, lost track of time.â
Giselle scoffed internally but kept her smile.
âThat so? Ivy, Grandma wonât let me help in the kitchen, so Iâve been sitting here waiting to be fed. Itâs rather embarrassing. Maybe you can convince her to let me lend a hand? Sheâs just too kind to me!â
Giselle said this to make Ivy think that Alyssa was indeed very fond of her.
But Alyssa, who had been cold to Giselle, turned to Ivy and said warmly, âIvy, darling, come here to Grandma! And Balfour, why havenât you offered our guest some coffee? Itâs rare for Giselle to visit; we mustnât seem inhospitable.â
Giselle, savvy as she was, could hear the difference in Alyssaâs tone. Flustered, she released Ivyâs arm, letting her go to the old ladyâs side.
Balfour watched Ivy obediently head towards Grandma, then haughtily gestured for a servant to serve coffee to Giselle in the living room.
Alyssa chuckled. âIvy dear, only family is allowed in our kitchen. We canât have guests slaving away, now can we? Right?â
Patting Ivyâs hand affectionately, her eyes brimmed with fondness and care, âIvy, come help Grandma in the kitchen, will you?â
Ivy, not quite grasping the hidden meaning in Alyssaâs words, simply nodded obediently, willing to assist in the kitchen.
She would rather spend time with Alyssa than witness any intimacy between Balfour and Giselle. Out of sight, out of mind.