The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2026

Balfour picked up his coffee mug and took a sip. “No, it didn’t go under. I stepped in and bought it out before it could.”

“Really?” Giselle’s face lit up with delight. “Does that mean we can still get it? Balfour, when can you take me on a factory tour?”

While they chatted, Ivy’s gaze never left her smartphone, her fingers flicking across the screen in silent concentration.

These stories from their shared past did not include her; she had no comments to add. Aside from scrolling through her phone, she could not think of anything else to do.

Giselle’s topic of conversation seemed designed to put distance between Ivy and the two of them.

She was making it clear that she and Balfour were childhood friends, the perfect match.

Engrossed in her phone, a notification drew Ivy’s attention-Nolan had sent her a message.

[Heard you landed a role in Colton’s new movie, congrats!]

but then it clicked. Colton had cast her after seeing

Ivy replied,

never have gotten this role without that ad you

you did great. Remember me when you’re

if I can pull this off. If I

fantastic. I believe

these were worries

eased her mind considerably.

had been eyeing her

chatting about?” Unable to contain himself, Balfour snatched the phone from her grasp, and after seeing the exchange between her and Nolan, his expression turned

message Nolan rather than share with him, the person

back,” Ivy reached out to retrieve her

“No phones at the dinner table. Let’s enjoy our meal.”

to respond to Nolan since he had helped her, so she attempted to take

intimidating.