âColton, whatâs the deal here? Are you seriously taking her side?
She went and put tacks in Dianaâs boots. You think she wouldnât cover her tracks?â
âYeah, sheâs no fool. Why would she show her hand in front of all of us?â
The others couldnât believe it. With the security footage right there, and Colton still spouting this wishy-
washy nonsense.
The attitude of the crowd was clear: if Ivy wasnât punished today, there would be hell to pay.
âWhatâs all the commotion? You guys done with your little soap opera?â
At the sound of that familiar voice, Ivy whipped around.
There was Balfour, strolling in like he was walking through his own backyard, parting the crowd without even trying.
Ivy wanted to play it cool, but when Balfour asked her what was wrong, she couldnât help the lump in her throat.
Shaking her head, she muttered in her husky voice, âNothing.â
The previous loudmouths clammed up.
They knew who they were dealing with. Seeing him so close to Ivy, nobody wanted to get on Mr.
Howardâs bad side.
âIf itâs nothing, why have you been here for so long? Werenât you supposed to have lunch with my grandparents today? Forgot, did you?â
Ivy looked up at him, genuinely not remembering any lunch plans.
But Balfourâs gaze was so certain that she figured she mustâve forgotten.
âSorry, I had to run an errand this morning. Just got back to the set and got caught up in some drama.
Have slipped my mind.â
Balfour didnât give a ratâs about the rest of the crew, just showing concerns for Ivy.
âAre you sorted now? If so, letâs head out.â
Colton felt awkward. Heâd promised Balfour heâd keep an eye on Ivy, yet here she was in a mess. He didnât know how to face Balfour.
Ivy kept quiet. Sheâd said sheâd cooperate with the police, and she meant it.
If they went to the station, lunch with the grandparents was off the table.
âI see, so itâs not wrapped up yet? Colton, spell it out for me. Whatâs the big mystery thatâs wasting my time and keeping my wife here?â
Balfour called out Colton directly, who had no choice but to explain, looking as nervous as a kid in the principalâs office.
And Ivy? She was still reeling from Balfourâs address on her. He said âmy wifeâ.
She couldnât help but look up at Balfourâs face.
Why was it that whenever she was in trouble, this man always showed up and backed her?
It had to be divine favor.
âItâs just some minor drama between the actresses. Diana, who plays the second lead, got her foot pricked by a thumbtack in her boots. The security footage shows a person wearing the same outfit as Ivy, soâ¦â
âOh, so youâve concluded it was lvy?â Balfourâs voice was flat, his face expressionless.
Colton thought Balfour must be angry.