The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1922

"Thank goodness Leila’s got a guilty conscience, or it would've been me in that squad car thanks to you, Balfour!" Ivy said with a strained laugh, lifting her gaze to meet Balfour's.

For some reason, she felt like the way he was looking at her now was different from before.

Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Ivy tried to change the subject. "Ahem! Mr. Howard, you almost had wronged me in hot water back there. Don't you think you owe me an apology?"

Balfour cocked his head slightly, looking at Ivy as if she was someone he never met before. Other than his sister Ellinor, no one had ever dared to demand an apology from him. Yet, today he had almost taken Leila's word over Ivy's, which would have been a terrible mistake.

"Sorry," he said curtly, the word dropping from his lips like a stone before he turned and strode upstairs.

Although it was far from a heartfelt apology, for Balfour, it was a great step.

Ivy was taken aback that he actually apologized and found herself warming up to him a bit. Thinking that he must be hungry after rushing home, she spent a while in the kitchen whipping up some homestyle dishes.

After setting the table, Ivy made her way to Balfour's study and knocked. "Mr. Howard, I've prepared lunch. Do you want to to join me?"

Balfour opened the door after a moment, his expression as unreadable as ever, but he followed her downstairs.

In the dining room, Ivy served two plates of food. "These are some of my specialties. Try them out. If they're not to your taste, just let me know, and I can adapt to your preferences next time."