Quinton bowed apologetically, âSir, Mrs. Howard instructed me not to tell you. Iâ¦
Balfour scoffed. âNext time something like this happens, donât worry about Grandpa and Grandmaâs orders. Just tell me right away! Thatâs all. You may leave now.â
After Quintonâs footsteps faded away, Balfour leaned against his desk and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Of course, he knew exactly what Alyssa was thinking, but he could not just ignore Giselle.
Years ago, Giselleâs father had done him a huge favor. On his deathbed, he had one last request for Balfour to look after his only daughter. And when Balfour made a promise, he intended to keep it.
Downstairs.
As the servants brought out the last dish and Balfour had not come down yet, Alyssa grumbled, âThat boy is always buried in his company affairs. Would the company collapse if he left it alone for a moment? Whatâs the point of having a whole team under him if they canât manage without him?â
Alyssa glanced pointedly at Quinton as she spoke.
Quinton remained unfazed; he had learned to take Grannyâs words with a grain of salt after what the boss had told him earlier. Giselle leaned in, her voice soft and comforting, âGrandma, Balfourâs got so much on his plate running such a big company. He has to be there to call the shots. Donât worry, Iâll fetch him. Work is important, but he needs to eat. Health comes first!â Ivy had been about to call Balfour down. Hearing Giselleâs offer, she paused mid-step. Someone else was eager to do the task, so she let them.
Besides, Balfour probably preferred Giselleâs company to hers.
Ivyâs gaze dropped, a complex mixture of feelings in her eyes.
Alyssa huffed. âGiselle, youâre our guest today; having you run errands is not right. Ivy, you go get Balfour. He always listens to you. Go on now.â
Alyssaâs eyes were full of warmth when she looked at Ivy, but when she turned to Giselle, her gaze was cold and mocking.
Every action from her was a clear message to Giselle: donât get your hopes up about Balfour.
It did not take long for Ivy to summon Balfour. The two came down with their hands so tightly clasped that Ivyâs hand began to hurt.
âHey! Balfour!â She whispered something into his ear.
He instinctively tilted his head down towards her. âHmm?â
âEase up, youâre hurting my hand.â
Balfour glanced at her and loosened his grip just enough to stop the pain but still held tight.
Ivy did not understand why he was holding on so desperately. It was not like she was going to run away.
This man!
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Alyssa could not help but complain, âYouâre always so wrapped up in your business. We have guests over, and you donât even think to come down and mingle?â
Giselle was about to brush it off when Alyssa continued, âThankfully, Giselle is an understanding guest and didnât take it to heart! Otherwise, you wouldâve been incredibly rude today!â
With Alyssa monopolizing the conversation, Giselle forced a laugh. âOh, itâs fine, really. I understand Balfourâs work commitments.â Alyssaâs words were a clear reminder to Giselle that she was nothing more than a visitor in their home.