The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2463

“No, no,” Clara's lips twitched nervously, her voice laced with desperation. “You’ve got it all wrong! Ivy might have said something in the heat of the moment—don't take it to heart! But I'm her sister, after all. It's only natural for us to have our little spats now and then, isn’t it?”

Ivy had long been aware of Clara’s true colors. Unfortunately for Clara, her affections were wasted on Balfour, who showed no interest in her whatsoever.

Sisters having occasional little spats? Whenever they quarreled over a toy in their childhood, their mom would invariably side with Clara without a question.

Years of this biased treatment had steeled Ivy, and there was no way she would step aside for Clara again, especially not when it came to matters of the heart.

“Are you really that dumb?” Balfour’s voice was icy as he towered over Clara, his imposing stature causing her to step back involuntarily.

“Mr. Balfour, whatever do you mean? I haven’t done anything to you. There’s no need for insults,” Clara protested, her voice quivering with indignation.

“Ms. Dunhill, perhaps it’s time you did a little soul-searching. Do you honestly believe I can’t see right through you? I'm not a fool. Whose words do you think hold more weight with me—Ivy's or yours?”

With that, Balfour grasped Ivy's hand, clearly done with the confrontation, and made to leave.

“Listen up, from now on, steer clear of this kind of company,” he advised Ivy, not bothering to lower his voice.

Clara overheard and clenched her fists in fury. Who did they think they were, flaunting their relationship like that right in front of her? What did he mean by "this kind of company"? What sort of person was she being made out to be?

They stopped in front of Ivy’s dressing room, and Balfour ushered her inside without further ado.

“Do you ever think I’m just... a lot of trouble?” Ivy murmured, her eyes downcast, fingers nervously intertwined.

But then Balfour’s hands enveloped hers. “Tell me what’s really on your mind,” he gently urged.

Ivy nodded, and they squeezed together onto the loveseat.

“I’ve always been the one to back down, to apologize, to yield to her. But this time, she came begging for my help for the sake of her future. I just wanted to see her stoop, to see her plead.”