Chapter 2091
On the other end of the room, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon sat unopened, its intended recipient
clearly beyond doubt.
âThis... I don't think you are the type to be all spooked by a blackout. With the candlelit dinner
you've prepared, you seem rather at ease, don't you?â
It was obvious that Giselle had gone to great lengths-just for a dinner for two, she had laid out a
veritable feast.
Alyssaâs lips curled with irony. âEven with a blackout, you managed to whip up a feast. You truly are
a domestic goddess.â
Though Giselle felt a twinge of awkwardness, she didn't miss a beat to sell herself, âOn the days
when work isn't hectic, I love to come home, whip up a meal, and experiment with recipes. My
culinary skills aren't half bad.â
Giselle thought, surely with a spread like this, the old dame would have to look at her with new
respect.
Alyssa suddenly asked, âSuch a grand spread. Giselle, who are you cooking for?â
Giselle fidgeted with her hair awkwardly, âThis... it's just for me. You know, I'm hardly ever home, so I
cook in bulk and freeze it. That way, it's fresh when I get back, and I donât have to fuss.â
Alyssa surveyed the modest apartment, âSeems like you have quite the flair for romance. A candlelit
dinner for one?â
Giselle's face turned a shade paler, âUh... it's the blackout! Madam, why hasn't Balfour shown up
yet? He knows about the power cut and said he'd drop by to check on me.â
Alyssa scoffed, âA sudden blackout late at night, and you should be calling the property
management or an electrician, not a married man! What's the big idea, calling Balfour in the dead of
night? To keep you company? I've always believed that young ladies should have self-respect.
Chasing after a man like that, throwing yourself at him-I've seen too little of that to understand
it.â
Under the flickering candlelight, Giselle's face looked particularly distressed.
âMadam... you misunderstand, Giselle stammered. âThat's not what I meant. I was just scared and
wanted a friend to help.â
Even now, Giselle was treating Alyssa as if she were a fool.
âI'm curious, what exactly do you take me for? Do I look easy to fool? Giselle, I've eaten more salt
than you have walked roads. What games
do you think you're playing with me?â
Giselle still feigned ignorance, âMadam, I truly donât grasp your meaning. Maybe we should call
Balfour; he can clear this up!â
"Oh, don't tell me you actually think Balfour agreed to come?â Alyssaâs smile was cold. âI've said it
before, no one besides me likely knows about your power outage.â
"What? Impossible! Balfour definitely replied to my message.â Giselleâs face was a mask of disbelief.
Alyssaâs expression was pregnant with subtlety, as if watching a private joke unfold, âDon't wait up
for him, dear. He won't be coming. Today's Ivy's ovulation day; they're probably busy at home trying
for a grandchild for me. Do you really think he's got the time to entertain you?â
Giselle's face grew even more wretched, her hands clenched into fists uncontrollably.
She stepped back aimlessly, the dim light of the candles making the lavish table seem all the more
pitiful.
"Giselle, last time at our place, you saw how Balfour and Ivy got on-they're happy together, and
you're not someone who can intrude on that. If you've forgotten my warning, let me remind you.
We're quite taken with Ivy, and it's rare to find a granddaughter-in-law who hits it off with us so
well. We wouldn't entertain someone like you wrecking things willy-nilly. Think about your acting
career, dear. If you want to keep playing roles, you'd best behave.â
Alyssaâs face was expressionless as she issued her warning.
If Giselle would rather give up her acting career to be with Balfour, Alyssa might actually think more
highly of her.
But no sooner had she spoken, Giselleâs attitude shifted entirely.
âMadam, I think there's been some mistake. My relationship with Balfour is completely above board
The reason I called him
during the blackout is precisely because our relationship is transparent, and I trust in Balfour's
character. If it were anyone else, I would never have asked.â