Tessa was angry like a caged animal, her voice tinged with urgency, âIvy, for heavenâs sake, why are you acting so dense? Are you really going to pass up a catch like that to wait on grumpy old men?â
Ivy had to stifle a laugh. The idea that Tessa still believed she was involved with some older men was ludicrous.
âSay what you will, Ivy replied nonchalantly, pulling out her phone to summon an Uber.
Tessaâs anxiety spiked, and she started to circle, âIvy, Iâm just saying you shouldnât let a good man slip through your fingers.â
Ivy tuned her out, her gaze fixed on her phone screen, tracking the approaching ride.
When the car arrived, Ivy quickly ushered Tessa inside, slammed the door shut, and told the driver to go.
Watching the car drive away, Ivy exhaled a sigh of relief.
The Dunhill family always managed to turn her life upside down, shrouding it in chaos and gloom.
After dealing with Tessa, Ivy hesitated but ultimately decided to return to the Harris Group headquarters to find Nolan, âNolan, Iâm really sorry about earther. I had no idea my mom would show up here.â
âItâs okay,â Nolan said, looking at her with concern, âYou seem upset, and is everything all right?â
Ivy didnât want to air her familyâs dirty laundry, so she simply shook her head with a smile, âNo, Iâm fine.â
âYou and your mom donât seem to get along, do you? You were clearly uneasy about her being here.â
It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Ivy and Tessa had a strained relationship, but Ivy didnât wish to reveal her troubles to Nolan, âItâs nothing, Nolan.â
Their conversation was interrupted by a call from Balfour. Ivy quickly answered, and Balfour asked, âIvy, where are you?â
Ivy knew Balfour wasnât keen on her having any sort of relationship with Nolan, and thinking it best to avoid complications, she didnât tell him the truth, âIâm just out handling some things.â
âAre you finished? I can come pick you up.â
The last thing lvy wanted was for Balfour to show up, potentially exposing her lie, âNo need, Iâm already on my way back.â
âAlright.â Balfour didnât press further and hung up.
After saying goodbye to Nolan, Ivy hailed another Uber and returned to the Howard residence.
Entering the Howard Mansion, Ivy saw Dean, Alyssa, and Balfour sitting in the living room, engaged in lively conversation, with Alyssa laughing joyously.
As Ivy approached, Alyssa beckoned her with a smile, âIvyâs back, and come join us, dear.â
Smiling, Ivy settled beside Alyssa, âWhatâs all the joy about? What are you guys discussing?â
âWeâre talking about Balfour taking you out to the movies later,â Alyssa said, patting her hand gently.
Ivyâs eyes narrowed in disbelief. The idea of Balfour, the epitome of noânonsense masculinity, planning a movie date seemed farâfetched.
Besides, her relationship with Balfour was purely contractual. Why would he waste any effort on his wife in name only?