The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1950

The whiskey had a kick like a mule, and just a tiny sip felt like a flame licking down Ivy’s throat.

“I’m not used to these kinds of gatherings, so I feel a bit out of my element. Giselle, just go and enjoy yourself. Don’t mind me. I’ll be fine sitting here on my own.”

Giselle offered a wry smile, “No way, if you’re a friend of Balfour, I’ve got to make sure you’re taken care of. But…”

She tilted her head slightly, leaning in close to Ivy, “Balfour’s never been much of a social butterfly, let alone with women. You’re the first lady friend he’s ever brought to a party. It sure has me curious. How did you two meet?”

How did they meet?

That was a tricky question.

Ivy frowned, at a loss for words.

the beans that her first encounter with Balfour had been in a

of the water, and

Giselle, we’re not close or anything, just

was inscrutable, her smile unwavering, but

ventured, reversing the question, “how

I know all about him, his habits and all. You

stared intently at Ivy, as if trying to

long look that revealed nothing, Ivy raised her glass and downed the

sweethearts, huh?” Ivy commented, keeping her tone

know each other better than anyone

here!” someone called from across the room.

to join her friends, leaving Ivy alone in the corner, utterly disconnected from the

the private room,

found a quiet corner to