The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2173

Ivy’s voice dwindled into a whisper, fingers entwined and hidden beneath the table, unseen by Balfour.

“You thought I was on a date with Giselle?” Balfour hit the nail on the head, casually sipping on the complimentary iced tea the server had brought over.

So, this was the drink Ivy fancied. Maybe he could stock up on some at home.

She bit her lip, feeling sheepish, while Balfour seemed unperturbed, inadvertently making

her appear petty.

She didn’t want to be seen that way by him.

“Right, I did misunderstand you that way. I mean, you and Giselle go way back, more so than us. I guess what she said wasn’t out of line. I’m just… sensitive, you know? We’ve spent a good chunk of time together, and I’d like to think you trust me. But thinking you’d take your childhood friend’s word over mine kinda stung,” she confessed.

Balfour raised an eyebrow. Was Ivy admitting to feeling a bit possessive over him?

“You got one thing wrong, though. Giselle and, we’re not childhood sweethearts. Our families are just connected, that’s all.”

words, Balfour clarified the nature of his

to make me feel better. I know my place. You’ve made it clear before, and I won’t overstep. Once this

Ivy’s plans for the future brought a dark cloud over Balfour’s mood.

ties with him completely after she would pay him

she still thinking

“No way.”

at Balfour, clearly puzzled.

paid off every cent, I don’t intend to let you go.” Balfour’s gaze held hers. “Ivy, do you truly see me only as your employer?”

beat. She couldn’t fathom why Balfour would suddenly pose such a question. She had kept her feelings

had Balfour

just his way of testing the

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would he strip her of her

Balfour had made his disdain for murky relationships abundantly clear. He had also warned Ivy not to harbor any delusions

that, and Balfour frequently brought it up.