Facing Alyssa's question, Ivy felt a bit nervous. Certainly she couldn't spill the beans that they had known each other by accidentally entering the wrong rooms and spending the night together, could she?
Balfour hadn't prepped her for this, and she was at a loss for words, desperately trying not to let any truth slip through.
"We, uh..."
After a long pause, Ivy finally spoke up, "Well, there was once I ran into a bit of trouble, and Balfour, he helped me out. I thanked him, and… and... gradually we got to know each other."
She deliberately kept her answer vague.
"Is that so?" Alyssa wasn't entirely convinced by Ivy's story. "From my understanding, my grandson isn't exactly the knight-in-shining-armor type of person."
Internally, Ivy couldn't agree more with Alyssa's assessment. Balfour struck her as the type who was cool as ice, one who'd rather keep to himself than get involved.
"Maybe it's fate, haha." To keep her secret, Ivy forced herself to continue the charade.
Alyssa perceived Ivy's demure demeanor, which stood out from the flock of socialites that often fluttered around Balfour.
Of course, they'd had researched on her family, and word was that Ivy didn't exactly have a very good reputation there. Yet, the girl in front of her didn't seem to fit the rumors.
Feeling the scrutinizing gaze of the elders, Ivy grew uncomfortable, dreading the thought of being exposed. She stood up, seeking to change the subject, "Mr. and Mrs. Howard, it's almost time for dinner. How about I whip up something for us to eat?"
At this, Alyssa looked surprised. "You cook?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty good in the kitchen!" Back when her parents were away, she was in charge of cooking for herself and Clara, honing her culinary skills.
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