Balfour furrowed his brow, a picture of bewilderment.
Ivy looked at him, whose face was full of innocence. Did he have the audacity to possibly share with her the sordid details of his date with Giselle?
A laugh burst forth from Ivy unexpectedly.
âHave you lost your mind? I donât want to hear about your escapades!
Youâve got your life, and Iâve got things to do. I canât just be on standby for you forever, waiting to hear about your latest fling. I refuse to let you mess with my emotions.â
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Though Balfour was confused, he could sense the boundaries she was setting.
âWhat do you mean âyour life, my thingsâ? Ivy, have you forgotten about the contract you signed with me?â
His irritation was palpable. He had spent hours playing a role with Giselle just to gather some evidence, thinking heâd come home to a warm welcome from Ivy. But now, he was met with her temper! What in the world was going on with this woman?
âI havenât forgotten. Weâre just in a contractual relationship, no need to remind me over and over.â
Ivyâs head was lowered, while Balfour towered over her.
Sometimes he truly couldnât grasp Ivyâs moods. Everything was fine before he left, and now it seemed everything had changed. âSince you remember our contract, was that the attitude you should have towards your creditor?â
His voice was haughty, distinctly cool.
Perhaps this was for the best. This was the reality of their situation, wasnât it?
The gap between them was as vast as a chasm.
âItâs my fault.â
âGood. Now tell me, why did you scream at me?â
Balfour pressed on.
Ivy looked up in disbelief.
How could this man be so cruel? Did he really expect her to repeat the harsh words Giselle had sent her?
âWhat do you want to hear? My change of mood has nothing to do with you. Please, stop asking. For the sake of our working relationship, okay? Just stop. I need some time alone.â
Her brows were tightly knotted, and even the glance she threw Balfour was tinged with disdain, causing the manâs irritation to spike.
He couldnât figure out what had happened, nor did he know how to appease this woman.
He tugged irritably at his already loosened tie.
âHa, Ivy, youâre pushing it too far! Iâve spent a fortune taking care of your debts, and now I canât even talk to you?â
Balfour sneered; his repeated references to her debts were intended to coax more words out of her.
But to Ivy, it seemed like he was constantly reminding her of their boundaries, warning her not to overstep.
Ivyâs gaze landed on him, and suddenly she asked, âWhereâs your blazer?â
âWhat?â Balfour didnât catch on immediately. He hardly paid any attention to his blazer, much like when he was with Alyssa, he assumed he had left it at the office.
âMustâve left it at the office, I donât know. Iâll have Quinton bring it over later.â
Hearing his nonchalant explanation, jvy dropped her gaze silently.
âIs that so? You were wearing your blazer when you left. Did you really go to the office?â
There was a hint of skepticism in Ivyâs voice, Balfour couldnât help but frown, âWhat are you implying?
You think I was out fooling around?