The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2026

Balfour picked up his coffee mug and took a sip. "No, it didn't go under. I stepped in and bought it out before it could."

"Really?" Giselle's face lit up with delight. "Does that mean we can still get it? Balfour, when can you take me on a factory tour?"

While they chatted, Ivy's gaze never left her smartphone, her fingers flicking across the screen in silent concentration.

These stories from their shared past did not include her; she had no comments to add. Aside from scrolling through her phone, she could not think of anything else to do.

Giselle's topic of conversation seemed designed to put distance between Ivy and the two of them.

She was making it clear that she and Balfour were childhood friends, the perfect match.

Engrossed in her phone, a notification drew Ivy's attention—Nolan had sent her a message.

[Heard you landed a role in Colton's new movie, congrats!]

Her first reaction was to wonder how Nolan knew about this, but then it clicked. Colton had cast her after seeing the Harris Group commercial, so Nolan must have caught wind of it, too.

Ivy replied,

[Thanks. Speaking of which, I owe you one. I'd never have gotten this role without that ad you shot.]

[It’s only because you did great. Remember me when you're a big star, okay?]

[Don't tease me, Nolan. I'm not even sure if I can pull this off. If I bomb, it's curtains for me.]

[Don't worry, you'll be fantastic. I believe in you.]

Acting was a nerve-wracking prospect for Ivy, but these were worries she did not feel she could share with just anyone.

It was better to appease him with a peaceful meal and retrieve her phone to reply later.

Once Ivy dropped the subject, Balfour's features softened slightly.

Giselle watched their interaction with burning jealousy.

She could not believe how much Balfour cared about Ivy's every move. Since when were they this close?

She had spent more than a decade trying to get closer to Balfour, yet Ivy had managed it in a fraction of the time.

Damn it, what did Ivy have that she did not?

"Balfour, I heard there's a new spot called Culinary Haven near your office. Are you free tomorrow evening? Let's go check it out together," Giselle suggested with a smile, trying to reinsert herself into the conversation.