Chapter 2380


    Watching Ivy devour her bow! of chicken soup with such delight, Alyssa couldn''t help but chime in


    again.


    “Ivy, why don''t youe back home with me? just can’t rest easy with you living all alone here.


    Especially in this tiny dorm, having to rely on your friends to bring you meals every day. It''s not


    nearly as convenient as having the housekeeper whip up whatever you fancy at home.”


    Ivy paused, spoon halfway to her mouth, before looking up with a smile. “Grandma, I''m quite alright


    here, really.”


    Truth be told, the studio apartment wasn''t exactly cramped-a three-bedroom space with a living


    room, two bathrooms, and a kitchen. Ivy didn''t need all that room, it''s just thatpared to the


    grand Howard Mansion, it seemed like a shoebox.


    No wonder Alyssa was unimpressed. She found it hard to see Ivy in such a small ce; it felt like a


    downgrade.


    Alyssa knew Ivy wouldn''t agree toe home. Her eyes were full of loss


    Ivy.


    “Ivy, be honest with me, are you and Balfour having problems? I know you''ve both up and there are


    things you might not want to share with me. But as parents, Dean and worry about you no matter


    our age. Even if you don''t tell me, I''ll be left guessing, so it might be better for you to just spit it


    out.”


    Ivy hesitated, struggling to find the words. After a long pause, she finally mustered the courage to


    ask, “Grandma, have you ever thought that maybe Ms. Lewis might be a better fit as your


    granddaughter-inw?”


    The color drained from Alyssa’s face at Ivy''s question. “Ivy, who''s been filling your head with such


    nonsense? Why on earth would you suddenly think that?”


    Alyssa’s heart skipped a beat, though she kept aposed exterior.


    Ivy''s unusual behavior had to have something to do with Mara. Alyssa had long since wanted to


    show that woman the door, but Balfour, ever the loyalist, hadn''t managed to cutN?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ties.


    Now, it seemed wiser to have taken matters into her own hands earlier, rather than let Ivy fret so.


    The look of defeat was clear on Ivy''s face as she shook her head. “No, Grandma, it''s not about


    anyone else. It''s just what I''ve been thinking. I feel like Balfour and I, having known each other for


    such a short time, were perhaps too impulsive. Ms. Lewis understands him better, and they seem


    like a well-matched pair a real Romeo and Juliet. I...”


    1/2


    07:50


    Ivy couldn“t continue, she forced a weak smile and quickly lowered her head, afraid she might tear


    up.


    Alyssa let out a heavy sigh, fully understanding Ivy''s emotional state.


    But how could the longevity of a rtionship be the sole measure of its depth?


    “Ivy, I know Mara''s presence has shaken your trust in Balfour. But let me tell you something: love is


    not measured that way. It''s either there, or it isn''t. If Balfour had deeper feelings for Ms. Lewis, why


    didn''t they get together before you came along? Whatever history they have, there must be


    something missing, which is why they remained just friends. I''m being selfish here. I want you as my


    granddaughter-inw, and you''re the only one I''ve set my heart on. Everyone else is just passing


    through. Ivy, if you still have even a shred of affection for Balfour, I hope you''ll fight for it a little


    longer. Give him a bit more time. Balfour has been raised by your grandfather and me, and he''s


    always been a bitcking in understanding emotions.”


    2/2