Chapter 1975


    Chapter 1975


    As Ivy’s thoughts drifted to the unsettling images she’d seen earlier, her expression soured, her fingers


    tightening around the stems of the flowers she was absentmindedly arranging.


    Alyssa noticed the change in Ivy’s demeanor and asked with a chuckle, “Ivy, if you keep at it with that


    strength, you’re going to snap those poor flowers!”


    “Huh?” Startled, Ivy realized she had nearly ruined Alyssa’s cherished potted nt and blushed with


    embarrassment, “Alyssa, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”


    Alyssa smiled and took the trowel from Ivy’s hand, “It’s just a nt, dear. But what’s bothering you?


    What’s got you so upied?”


    “Oh, nothing!” Ivy forced a smile nervously, “Just got a bit distracted by some celebrity gossip, that’s


    all.”


    Alyssa clearly didn’t buy the exnation but didn’t press further, turning her attention back to the potted


    fern in front of her, “Ivy, remember, things aren’t always what they seem. You can’t always take what


    you see in the media at face value, it’s important to hear the other side of the story before you jump to


    conclusions.”


    Ivy pondered over Alyssa’s words.


    She was right. The paparazzi always loved to stir the pot!


    But how differently Balfour treated Giselle, Ivy had seen it in her eyes.


    She knew her ce as Balfour’s contractual wife didn’t give her the right to meddle in his personal life.


    Whomever he dated or was rumored to be involved with was none of her business. But for some


    reason, the images from the news kept swimming in her head, leaving her restless and irritable.


    Unable to focus, Ivy excused herself from the gardening session, “Alyssa, I’m feeling a bit tired. I think


    I’ll head upstairs for a nap, and we can continue this another time.”


    Alyssa didn’t question her, simply advising her to take care of herself and nodding her off to her room.


    Back in her room, Ivyy on bed trying to sleep, but it was difficult.


    Every time she closed her eyes, the images of Balfour and Giselle returning to the hotel together filled


    her mind, causing a tightness in her chest.


    She remained in bed all afternoon without a wink of sleep, finally getting up when dinner


    ne approached.


    he walked past the front door, Balfour


    Their eyes met.


    The thought that he was justing from Giselle’s ce made Ivy annoyed. She didn’t even bother to


    greet him as she headed straight to the dining room.


    Balfour frowned at Ivy’s disregard, finding it oddly out of character. He followed her after changing into


    house shoes,


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    “Grandma, Grandpa,” he greeted as he entered the dining room, where Ivy was already seated.


    Alyssa beamed, “You didn’t call to say you’d be joining us for dinner. What brings your


    home?”


    “Just have wrapped up some work, so I’m back.” Balfour replied and sat next to Ivy, who kept her head


    down on her food, not sparing him a nce.


    Usually, Ivy might not have much to say to him. But she wouldn’t outright ignore him or wear such a


    sour expression like this.


    “Ivy, Balfour’s back. Why aren’t you talking to him? Don’t tell me you two had a spat Alyssa inquired.


    Her grandmother’s words snapped Ivy back to the moment. She turned to Balfour, forcing a brilliant


    smile, “Oh, Alyssa, we are just fine! I was just really hungry and didn’t get a


    chance to speak to him! Balfour, you must be famished too, right?”


    With that, Ivy cheerfully served Balfour some food, “Help yourself, darling!”