Chapter 2514


    Chapter 2514


    Ivy’s eyes sparkled, but Balfour quickly added, “But you’re only allowed to drink at home, nowhere else,


    okay?”


    “Why not? This stuff is sweet, even better than soda,” Ivy said, taking a big gulp and then sipping it


    slowly as if she couldn’t bear to part with the taste.


    “You might think it’s weak, but too much will get you buzzed, especially for a lightweight like you.”


    Ivy was downing her drink as if it were lemonade, and in no time, her ss was empty.


    She didn’t want to weave through the crowd for a second round, so she just gazed longingly at


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Balfour’s burgundy-colored wine, which looked equally tantalizing.


    “What vor is yours? Is it sweet?”


    “Not very, but it has a fruity bouquet. Do you want to try it?”


    Ivy’s gaze followed the wine ss in Balfour’s hand, and she nodded unconsciously.


    “Yes, please.”


    “Give me a kiss, and I’ll let you have a sip,” Balfour joked, but to his surprise, Ivy closed the distance in


    two steps and pressed her lips firmly to his with a soft “mwah.”


    Balfour froze for a second, then chuckled when he saw Ivy still eyeing his red wine, unwilling to look


    away.


    “I can’t believe you’re getting tipsy over a ss of wine.”


    “I am not tipsy!” Ivy’s slender eyebrows knitted together. “I’m perfectly fine. The drink’s delightful, and I


    want more.”


    “Alright, alright, you’re not tipsy, so it must be me talking drunk. Still want a sip from my ss?”


    Ivy nodded obediently.


    Balfour brought the ss to her lips. “Just a sip, okay?”


    He dared not give her more, knowing her tolerance was about one ss deep.


    After allowing her a sip, he pulled back the ss.


    “Ew, this one isn’t good. It’s kind of bitter.”


    Ivy stuck out her tongue as if truly offended by the taste. She preferred the sweet one.


    The finest wines aren’t just about sweetness; the best have aplexity where the initial bitterness


    gives way to a lingering fruitiness, much like the art of tasting fine tea.


    First, you get the intery of wine and fruit on the pte, bitter yet not astringent, and after a few


    moments, a sweet fruitiness emerges.


    That’s the mark of an excellent red wine.


    But Ivy didn’t appreciate these nuances.


    As they chatted and tasted wine in a quiet corner, a rosy flush appeared on Ivy’s cheeks, a clear sign


    she was feeling the effects of the alcohol.


    All the while, Mara watched them with a tight grip on her own ss. “That woman has no shame, flirting


    with Balfour in front of everyone. Doesn’t she feel embarrassed?”


    How could the Howards, known for their strict family values, tolerate such behavior in their midst?


    Mara took a few deep breaths to calm herself before approaching Alyssa, letting out an inadvertent


    loud exmation.


    When Alyssa turned to look at her, Mara covered her eyes with a coy gesture.


    Alyssa had never been fond of Mara and, seeing her contrived act, didn’t intend to take any notice of


    her.