The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1918

"Foodborne illness?" Balfour turned his head and looked at Talia who stood beside him.

Talia had always been the caregiver for the elderly couple, managing their meals and tending to their needs.

Feeling the weight of Balfour's scrutinizing gaze, Talia quickly stood up and waved her hands in defense, "Mr. Balfour, I swear I had no idea! I know how fragile Senior Mr. and Mrs. Howard's health is. I’ve always been very careful with their diets, never letting them have any takeout or anything. How could they possibly be poisoned?"

Talia was frantic, trying to clear her name, but without proof, all she could do was waving hands in desperation.

"Food?" Ivy suddenly thought of herself. She had prepared breakfast that morning. Could Dean and Alyssa’s current condition be because of her cooking?

Watching Talia's anxious demeanor, Ivy hesitated before standing up and speaking softly, "Um... I was the one who made breakfast this morning, and last night’s dinner too. It has nothing to do with Talia."

With his eyebrows raised, Balfour fixed his gaze on Ivy without saying a word for a moment.

He trusted Talia; after all, she'd been by Alyssa’s side for years, deeply bonded with the old couple. It wasn’t likely she'd poison them.

But Ivy, he couldn’t be totally certain about her.

After entrusting the care of the elderly to Talia, Balfour led Ivy out of the sickroom and into the hallway.

Leila was also there, having come to help with the elderly and waiting outside.