Chapter 2430
However, as Ivy locked eyes with Balfour, she couldnât help but cave in. It was rare for them to be
together like this, so close and intimate, and she cherished every moment.
In the past, Ivy would shy away from getting too close to Balfour. She feared that the heavy weight
of her feelings would spill out if she allowed herself to be too near to him. After all, if their
professional relationship were to suddenly take a turn towards the personal, it could get messy.
But now, basking in the warmth emanating from Balfour's gaze, Ivy felt a joy bubbling inside her
that she couldn't quite contain.
The world outside might have been frosty, but snuggled in Balfour's embrace, Ivy felt toasty warm,
as if he were a wood-burning stove radiating heat through her.
That morning, Alyssa drove over to the Howard Group Building. She needed to check in with Leo on
the progress of the task they discussed from their last meeting. However, she hadn't anticipated
that Balfour, who was usually punctual, would be absent from his office at nearly ten in the
morning.
"Quinton, where's Balfour?â she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice. âWhy isn't he in his office first
thing in the morning?â
Alyssa was not pleased.
Balfour hadn't come home last night, though he had other places to stay. While she recognized
Balfour as an adult who didn't need to report his every move, his absence from the company was
unusual. Her thoughts immediately turned to the possibility of him being at the hospital with Mara,
which only added to her irritation.
Quinton, ever respectful, adjusted his glasses and replied, âMadam, as far as I know, the young
master visited Ms. Lewis at the hospital yesterday afternoon and left shortly after. I'm not sure
where he spent the evening. Would you like me to call him for you?â
Alyssa waved her hand dismissively. âNever mind. He'll just think I'm nagging if he hears from me
now.â
However, Quinton acted swiftly. Alyssa had barely settled in at headquarters when Quinton had
already sent a message to Balfour.
Balfour chuckled upon seeing Quintonâs text, causing Ivy to look up from their cuddle. âWhat's so
funny?â she asked. They were watching a heartwarming romantic movie; it wasn't exactly comedy
material.
Balfour showed his phone to Ivy. âLook at this. I'm all grown up, and Grandma's still keeping tabs on
me."
Ivy laughed, âShe's probably worried you're up to no good, staying out all night. You should
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Chapter 2430
tell her, or maybe give her a call. It's been a couple of days since I checked in back home
too.â
Hearing Ivy refer to both of their families as âhomeâ warmed Balfour's heart.
"You call,â he suggested, âotherwise, she'll start lecturing me the moment she hears my voice.â
With a smile, Ivy took Balfour's phone.
As expected, Alyssaâs tone was less than cheerful when she received a call from Balfour.
âYou rascal, where were you last night? How come you're not at the office yet? Being the CEO
doesn't give you the right to slack off. How will you set an example for your employees?â
Before the tirade could continue, Ivy quickly interjected, âGrandma, Grandma, it's me, Ivy.â
âIvy? But isn't this Balfour's phone?â
Alyssa pulled the phone away to check once more; indeed, it was Balfour's number. She then
realized that Balfour must have stayed over at Ivy's place last night.
She and Dean had been fretting over the cold war between the two young people, wondering how
to mend their relationship. To her surprise, it seemed the pair had secretly made up.
Her voice softened, taking on a cheerful note as she spoke to Ivy. âOh, it's you, dear. Did Balfour stay
over with you last night?â
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