For days, Ivy had managed to avoid Balfourâs gaze. But now, his eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that made her own flicker with irritation.
âDo you not miss me at all?â Bâalfour asked with a brazenness that made Ivyâs blood boil.
How dare he? Ivy thought, her anger trembling through her. After spending a cozy night. with Mara, he had the audacity to show up here, trying to play the field. Ivy finally looked up, her eyes meeting Balfourâs reflection in the mirror.
âMr. Howard, I must say, this is a side of you Iâve never seen before. Even if our relationship is nothing but a business arrangement, Iâd appreciate it if youâd show some respect. I am not some floozy you can toy with. If you insist on such behavior, I might just have to terminate our contract early!â
Balfour, furrowing his brow, couldnât quite grasp what Ivy was getting at, but he understood enough to know she was considering ending things between them. In a flare of rage, he grabbed her chin, forcing her to face him. âWhat did you just say? Say that again! Have you gotten too proud, Ivy? Iâve cleared your debts, and now youâre ready to prance back to your lofty acting career? What am I to you? A fool to be played with? If I were you, I would face reality and not live my pitiful life clinging to both pride and desires.â His words were a bitter sneer, mocking her pride and her life.
Ivy, pained by his grip and his harsh words, closed her eyes tightly. She didnât want to see this side of Balfour, and as she felt her lashes dampen, Balfour stepped back, regretting the words that had spilled out without thought at the prospect of her leaving. He didnât understand why heâd lost control.
âI get it, Mr. Howard. You donât have to remind me. I know what I owe you. My earnings from this upcoming film should cover a good chunk. Rest assured, as soon as the studio pays out, Iâll transfer the money to your account. You donât have to worry about me not paying back, or clinging to you.â
Ivyâs voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension as Balfour listened, his forehead creased.
He hadnât come here to have this conversation, and now his pride prevented him from consoling her-
especially since she was the one whoâd mentioned ending their relationship.
âItâs good you understand. The important thing now is to heal your ankle. Being this skinny, youâll hurt yourself even more. If you donât gain some weight, Iâll just have to take you back.â
Ivyâs head snapped up in anger. Was she not even free to choose where she lived? She had no intention of returning to a place where sheâd be caught in an endless cycle of jealousy with Mara. She refused to let her emotions be controlled by them.
âWhy should you decide? Iâm perfectly fine here. Iâll live wherever I want to live!â
Balfour, hearing the fury in her retort, felt his good intentions misinterpreted. He scoffed at her, âLook at you, all downtrodden, as if youâve racked up millions in debt overnight. You canât even take care of yourself. If youâre not capable, then itâs my responsibility to look after you. What does it matter where you stay?â