Ivy nibbled at her lower lip as she faced Balfour. âMr. Howard, do you really expect me to believe youâre serious? Can you honestly be by my side at every moment?â
Balfour met Ivyâs gaze, both of them locked in a silent standoff.
After an eternity of quiet, it was Ivy who looked away first, well aware that what they were discussing was just a pipe dream.
She didnât want to impose on him; after all, he was a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, leagues busier than a small-time actress like herself.
âSo, youâll only be happy if you stay in the dorms? At my place, I can still see you, and take better care of you, but once you move to the dorms, Iâll be-â
Ivy spun back with a chuckle, âMr. Howard, please, donât worry about me. Itâs just a sprained ankle, Iâm hardly helpless. Besides, Mara got injured too, sheâs at home waiting for your care. You canât be expected to look after us both; me staying at the dorms eases your load a bit.â
âYouâre upset.â Balfour stated it as a fact, âI canât just abandon Mara; we grew up together.â Ivy let out a sigh. Balfour knew she was irritated, yet he still brought up Mara in her presence.
This man really had no clue what was going on in her heart. âOf course, I know her father saved you, and youâve been grateful ever since. Thatâs between you two, so thereâs no need to involve me.
Anyway, if youâre okay with it, take me to the set tomorrow. Consider it the last time Iâll trouble you.â
Seeing Ivyâs determination, Balfourâs own frustration rose. If Ivy was so set on making things difficult for herself, he wouldnât argue anymore.
âFine, itâs your choice, just donât regret it.â
âI never do.â
Ivy didnât look at Balfour, only hearing the sound of a door slamming shut not long after. It seemed he wouldnât be coming back tonight.
Despite their unpleasant confrontation the night before, Balfour showed up on time for breakfast the following morning.
Only after Ivy leisurely finished her oatmeal and exchanged greetings with Alyssa did he stand to escort her to the set.
But Ivy noticed he barely touched his food, even his coffee was just a few sips gone.
Once alone in the car, Ivy finally spoke up, âSkipping breakfast isnât going to do your stomach any favors, you know.â
Balfour just grunted coldly, âYou neednât worry about that anymore. Youâre moving to the set, after all.â
His tone was sharp, and Ivy chose silence over stirring up more trouble.
Margot had informed the director early about Ivyâs decision to move to the dorms, and he was thrilled sheâd be staying at the dorms on set.
With Ivy back, Balfour would surely clear up the rumors swirling online. He wouldnât let his lady be slandered incessantly online.
So, bright and early, the main players of the crew were waiting at the entrance for Balfourâs car to arrive with Ivy.
From a distance, Ivy spotted the director and the others braving the morning chill, surprised by the fuss.
But Balfour seemed unfazed. After parking, he went around to help Ivy out, steadying her before retrieving the crutches he had prepared overnight from the back seat.
They were the perfect height for her. She took in this gesture, wondering if he had left last night just to get these for her.
âThank you,â Ivy whispered her thanks, softly gripping his sleeve.
Balfour paused, then took her hand and walked her over to the waiting director.
âColton, Robert.â Balfour greeted them as Margot eagerly stepped forward to support Ivy.