The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2161

The crowd parted automatically as Balfour made his way over to Ivy, prompting hushed whispers to ripple through the room.

"Jeez, can someone clue me in on what kind of spell Ivy cast over Mr. Howard? To ditch a catch like Giselle for Ivy? Beats me."

"The rich folks' tastes are a mystery to us mere mortals on a three grand salary. Hadn’t Mr. Howard been acquainted with Giselle since childhood? Then out of nowhere, Ivy cuts in? Sheesh, that Ivy must be quite the schemer."

Already unpopular among them, Ivy drew even more envy every time Balfour showed up for her.

"Mr. Howard's here to stick up for Ivy again, huh? Bet this whole mess is just gonna get swept under the rug."

Everyone assumed Balfour was there to back Ivy up.

"What are you..."

Ivy's words were cut short as Balfour took a step away, coming to a halt in front of Giselle.

"What's the matter? Why the waterworks all of a sudden?" Balfour asked her, his voice deep and concerned.

Giselle looked up in shock, not having expected Balfour to come to her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could feel Ivy's crestfallen gaze on her, which only added to her sense of triumph as she straightened up.

But the man blamed it on Ivy.

Ivy knew he was just looking for a chance to get back at her from that day on. And now, he had found his moment to vent his spleen on her.

Giselle hung her head, looking all the more wronged and unwilling to voice her troubles, the very picture of a damsel in distress.

Ivy felt a sourness in her heart, as if someone had spilled lemon juice over her soul. But she had no right to complain, no right to demand anything.