The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2203

"I know he was out of line yesterday, but I gotta say, he's not the kind of guy who would lay a finger on me," Ivy said, her head hung low, the gloom on her face as clear as day.

"Still bummed about yesterday's mess? If you need, I can go clear the air with him again for you," Ryan offered, trying to break through her funk.

She shook her head vehemently. "No trouble needed. I've already squared it away with the folks back home."

"The folks?"

Ah, the Howard elders. In their heyday, they were a force to be reckoned with on the business battlefield, a power couple if there ever was one. Even now, their names echoed in the business world far and wide.

It was no wonder Ivy was down in the dumps. Even though Balfour’s grandparents had absolute trust in Ivy, Balfour had flown off the handle and showed his temper without a shred of trust in her.

Ryan swept his gaze around, making sure they were not the subject of any eavesdropping, then leaned in close, his voice a low whisper. "Ivy, level with me. Is your marriage to Balfour really voluntary?"

Like a knee-jerk reaction, Ivy blurted out, "Of course! Why would it not be voluntary? Ahem, you've been too submerged in your roles in TV dramas."

Her face twisted into an exaggerated grin, her hands waving in the air as if Ryan had just cracked the funniest joke.

But Ryan could not find it in him to laugh. "It's just that... when he's with you, I don't sense much respect coming your way."

He laid out the truth, plain and simple.

Ivy's smile faltered for a second.

However, she forced her lips into a faint smile. "Please, Balfour's a catch. Women line up for a chance with him! How could I not be willing? Haha, you're overthinking it."

Watching her force a laugh, Ryan felt a pang of something bitter.

What good was it being paired with someone like Balfour if it was not by choice?