Chapter 2204: Chapter 2204

“I never expected you to swing by; weren’t you up to your neck in work?” Ivy asked.

Even while chatting with Nolan, there was a good yard between them.

“I just had a bit of time on my hands and spotted a milkshake shop on the way. Picked up a few cups for you-this is your favorite joint, isn’t it?”

Ivy felt awkward, unsure if she should accept the gesture.

“I do like it, yeah, but you really shouldn’t trouble yourself next time, Nolan.”

Nolan chuckled. “You’re standing so far off, I can barely make out what you’re saying. Come a little closer, will ya? So I can actually hear you.”

Ivy closed the gap by about a shoe’s length with a reluctant shuffle.

“Sorry about that, Nolan. It’s not that I’m trying to snub you. It’s just…”

She was too embarrassed to admit she was trying to avoid any hint of scandal. Recently, her on-screen chemistry with another actor had gone viral, and the last thing she wanted was to fuel more rumors with candid snaps.

But Nolan was no stranger to such gossip as a young guy himself.

“Is it because of the buzz from that teaser with the other actor? You’ve become extra cautious about male-female interactions. Fearing another tabloid frenzy?”

His pues with amusement, clearly not taking the situation too seriously.

“I saw those comments under the news articles-pretty entertaining stuff! Are you worried someone might catch us on video and post it online?”

Ivy was at a loss for words. She simply did not want one wave of drama to subside, only for another to swell.

“Nolan, can we just talk from here? You can hear me just fine!”

Shaking his head in mock disappointment, Nolan teased, “Why so timid? You’re really letting my cousin boss you around.”

She gave a wry smile. “It’s for the best. I don’t want to give people the wrong idea.”

“What’s there to fear? My cousin’s not even in the country right now. He won’t see what’s happening!”

Ivy asked with a hint of puzzlement, “Huh? How do you know Balfour’s gone abroad?”

As far as she knew, Balfour had flown out just yesterday, and she only found out this morning when Quinton was handling his luggage.

It was supposed to be a low-key departure.

How did Nolan catch wind of it so fast?

“Because I saw him at the airport while dropping off a friend. I don’t know where he was headed, but one thing’s for sure-he left quickly, barely taking anything with him. Unless urgent, my cousin would never bother with a commercial flight.”

Ivy nodded thoughtfully. True to Balfour’s style, he usually flew private. Sharing a flight. was out of character.

“That explains it…” Ivy said, her smile coaxing more information, “Did you happen to see which country he was headed to?”

Nolan seemed puzzled. “You don’t know? He left without telling you?”

Silence hung for a moment before Ivy said, “Maybe he was too busy, so he didn’t get the chance to tell me.”

Nolan frowned slightly. “Leaving the country is a big deal. How could he not inform his wife?”

“Do you know why he went abroad? Was it business or something personal?”

Ivy cast aside her discomfort and pressed for an answer, her gaze fixed on Nolan, not wanting to miss any hint of emotion. She was desperate to know what Balfour was up to, And Nolan’s eyes darted as if he was hesitant to share.

“You know why he went abroad?” Ivy deduced. Nolan must know something.

With a resigned smile, Nolan admitted, “I’ve got an idea, but I don’t know much, and I can’t go blabbing about it.”