The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1999

On the other side of town, after sharing a hearty meal, Balfour dropped Ivy off at the Howard Mansion.

As Ivy stepped out of the car, she noticed Balfour made no move to follow. She turned back and asked, "You're... not getting off?"

"I've got some stuff to handle," he said with a hint of an apology in his voice.

Disappointment flickered across Ivy's face, a bittersweet taste lingering unsaid on her tongue.

He's probably off to see Giselle, isn't he?

Reading her expression, Balfour offered a wry smile, "I've been out of the office all day; there's a pile of work waiting for me. Can't afford to slack off."

"Oh, you're heading to the office?" Ivy's spirits lifted, a smile breaking like dawn across her face. "Well, don't work too late, okay? The Howard family's rolling in dough already; you don't need to hustle that hard. Remember, health comes first."

With that, she turned and practically bounced across the front gate.

Watching her bounce away, Balfour's gaze softened involuntarily.

Having such a lively young woman around the house didn’t seem so bad.

At least, she kept his grandparents chuckling and in high spirits every day.

With these thoughts, Balfour shook off his reverie and drove off towards his corporate battlefield.

Ever since the day she scalded her arm, Tessa had been cooped up at home, not setting a foot outside.

Clara hadn't sought her out for any trouble these past few days, and although Finn's attitude left much to be desired, he'd hired a temp to tidy up the place.