Chapter 1939
âYes,â Quinton nodded, âthere's a dinner party tonight and Balfour's on the guest list. He needs a
date, and I was hoping you'd be available?â
Ivy nodded in agreement, âOf course, it's part of my role.â
It was her job to stay by Balfour's side, to shield him from unnecessary complications.
She was committed to being his plus-one to these functions for the duration of the year-long
agreement.
âIvy, sit tight. Before we hit the party, we need to make a little detour.â
Quinton sped up the car, whisking Ivy away to an upscale stylists studio.
âThis studio is in cahoots with our company. A-listers get their red-carpet looks crafted here. You
can trust their expertise, Ivy. Let them work their magic on you.â
"Alright then.â
Ivy rarely wore makeup, but as Mrs. Howard, the face of the Howard dynasty, she needed to look
the part. Following Quinton inside, she felt out of her element in the lavish stylist's studio, every
detail an exercise in extravagance.
A young man approached them with a smile, âQuinton, long time no see! What brings you by
today?â
His gaze shifted to Ivy, âAnd who is this?"
âHi, I'm Ivy,â she introduced herself with a friendly smile.
Quinton stepped forward to explain her presence, âIvy here has a banquet to attend with Mr.
Howard tonight. She could use a touch-up. This is the gown Mr. Howard selected. Please match her
makeup to its style.â
With that, Quinton handed over a box containing the dress.
Ivy had expected something elegant, but the realization that Balfour had personally selected it for
her was unexpected. Could a man as busy as he afford such attention to detail?
âSo, you're Mr. Howard's date? I'm Jonah. Follow me, Ivy,â Jonah said, leading Ivy further into the
studio. âThis is our wardrobe area, but since Mr. Howard has provided such a stunning dress, we can
skip that part.â
Ivy trailed behind, realizing just how vast the studio was; the wardrobe section alone spanned a
massive area.
âPlease, Ivy, have a seat,â Jonah gestured to a chair in a private cubicle. As he examined Ivy's
reflection, he remarked, âYou have delicate features. Is there a particular style you prefer?â
Ivy shook her head awkwardly, âI don't usually wear makeup, so I'm not too familiar with styles and
such.â
"Oh, is that so?â Jonah was surprised; how could such a simple girl be Mr. Howard's companion?
âNo worries, I'll take the lead.â
Jonah began with a hydrating facial treatment, his touch gentle, âMay I inquire about your
relationship with Mr. Howard?â
âThat's... a bit complicated,â Ivy replied, unsure how to describe her relationship with Balfour, given
that Quinton had only introduced her as a date.
Jonah didn't pry, smiling as he began to apply makeup on her, âNo problem, you don't have to
explain. I was just curious. Mr. Howard has never brought any lady here, let alone personally chosen
a gown for her. You must be special to him in some way.â
Special, huh?
Ivy inwardly disagreed. If not for her accidental intrusion into Balfour's room that night, there would
be no connection between them at all.
As for why Balfour picked out the dress himself, perhaps he just didnât want her to embarrass the
Howard family at the banquet.