Considering Balfourâs words, Ivy could only manage a forced smile, stating, âThereâs plenty of time ahead, Grandma. Thereâs no need to rush into a wedding.â
Alyssa could only feel sympathy for Ivy, bending over backwards to keep the peace.
What girl doesnât dream of her own wedding? With their familyâs means, why not have the ceremony?
âBalfour, put down that phone of yours. Youâre home for once and you spend more than half the time buried in that thing. Whatâs so fascinating about it anyway?â
Ivy quickly came to Balfourâs defense as Alyssaâs annoyance became apparent. âGrandma, heâs probably just caught up with work stuff. Heâs got a lot of responsibilities, and not replying to messages could be taken the wrong way.â
âOnce youâre off the clock, youâre off the clock. Donât bring work home and itâs been a rule in this house for ages, Alyssa reprimanded with a frown. âAfter dinner, you either take Ivy for a stroll, or head upstairs to relax, no more phones!â
When Alyssa laid down the law, Balfour knew better than to cross her. He put away his phone and took Ivy upstairs.
As they left, Balfour made sure to keep a gentle grip on Ivyâs hand.
Watching the young couple retreat, Dean sighed, âMaybe there really is something urgent at work?â
âHmphâ¦Do I not know my own grandson? If it can be solved at the office, it never comes home,â
Alyssa stated with conviction. Mid-conversation, Alyssa noticed Balfourâs phone had been left behind on the couch. Just then, a message came through, lighting up the screen.
[Balfour, can you come over? Iâm really scared.]
[Balfour, for some reason my power went outâ¦]
[Itâs so dark at home, and my phone battery is low. Iâm really scared being alone.]
[When will the power come back on? Can you come keep me company?]
[I feel like the dark night is swallowing me up. Can you come be with me, please?]
Ah, Giselle again!
The woman just couldnât take a hint. After inviting her over for a meal last time and talking her ear off, it seemed a wasted effort. Alyssa vaguely remembered this woman worked at the same film studio as Ivy, and there was no telling what kind of schemes she played there.
Ivy was smart but too honest, swallowing all her troubles, making her seem underprepared for dealing with such a sly fox. Since the problem had presented itself to her, Alyssa would handle this nuisance herself.
âWhatâs got you suddenly smiling so creepily?â Dean couldnât help but ask.
âDonât mind me. Iâve got an errand to run in a bit!â Alyssa replied as she sent a two-word message back to Giselle from Balfourâs phone: [Sure thing].