Chapter 2348
âJennifer, darling, you're gonna have to work your magic today,â Ivy said with a playful wink, trying
to lighten the mood.
Jennifer waved her hand dismissively, âOh, please, those dark circles under your eyes are nothing to
fuss about. Your natural beauty saves me so much trouble on a regular day. Even after staying up all
night, your skin still has a glow that the rest of us could only dream of. It just goes to show, some
people win the genetic lottery.â
Ivy blushed a modest smile at Jennifer's enthusiastic compliments. Jennifer was a bright and cheery
young woman who never failed to shower her with praises whenever they met. Taking the
compliments in stride, Ivy modestly accepted the praise.
By the time Balfour arrived on set, Ivy was just about finished with her makeup. His silent presence
caught the crew off guard, as no one anticipated his arrival without so much as a heads-up. The
more observant staff members quickly went to inform Colton of his arrival, while Balfour casually
asked about Ivy's whereabouts.
âMs. Dunhill's in her makeup room,â someone informed him.
With swift strides, Balfour made his way to her makeup room, a place he knew all too well from his
many visits. Inside, Jennifer and Ivy were in the midst of laughter when the door suddenly swung
open.
The man who entered caught Jennifer's eye, her gaze lighting up for a moment before she quickly
averted her eyes upon recognizing him.
Ivy's smile faltered.
Their eyes met in the mirror.
Balfour's brow furrowed slightly.
She looked thinner-his immediate thought.
Despite the makeup hiding any signs of fatigue or puffiness, she looked refined but not overdone.
Yet, he sensed a weariness in Ivy's eyes, and even her smile didn't seem quite genuine.
Without a word, it was Ivy who eventually broke the silence, suggesting Jennifer step out
for a moment.
âJennifer, I think we're almost done here. Could you give us a minute?â Ivy said, her voice carrying a
mix of request and command.
âSure thing!â Jennifer replied cheerfully, setting her brushes down on the table and slipping past
Balfour with a nod, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Click. The room fell silent, leaving only Balfour and Ivy.
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08:18
Chapter 2348
âIs this what you call taking care of yourself?â Balfour approached, lifting her arm to emphasize her
frailty, her wrist noticeably slimmer than before.
vy, slightly irritated, withdrew her hand from his grasp.
âI'm losing weight for a role, nothing more. Aren't I sitting here, perfectly fine in front of you? How
do you figure I can't take care of myself? What brings you here today, Mr. Howard, if I might ask?â
Balfour's frown deepened. Despite Ivy's attempts to mask her emotions, he detected a hint of anger
and frustration in her tone.
He had respected her wishes for space, staying away from her dorm to give her the freedom she
desired. He had done everything she asked, so why the hostility? Shouldn't he be the one to feel
upset?
"What's the matter? Does my presence displease you that much?â he asked, his voice a mixture of
confusion and wounded pride.
Ivy scoffed, âOh, no. You are the mighty Mr. Howard, so who would dare to be unwelcoming? It's
just that you've come at an inconvenient time. I'm about to shoot a scene, so I don't have time for
chit-chat. If there's nothing important, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave.â
"Why won't you look at me?â Balfour pressed, seeking eye contact she seemed determined to
avoid.