Chapter 1464
Prosperity Auction House.
Balfour picked up Ellinor from the Blanchet Villa first thing in the morning and brought her with him to the auction.
Layla insisted on accompanying her mother, and Ellinor, unable to resist her daughter’s coquettish charm, decided to bring Baber and ‘Adrian’ along as well.
As they stepped into the auction house, the manager greeted them with respect. “Mr. Howard, welcome. Your box has been reserved. Let me show you the way.”
Balfour, cradling Layla in his arms, nodded slightly and followed the manager at a leisurely pace.
Ellinor and her two sons followed closely behind.
Their box was more secluded, and since they were on the second floor, they got a good view of the packed auction hall below.
Before entering the box, Balfour glanced at the crowd below. “Quite a turnout for this auction. Seems like there will be some interesting items to bid on.”
The auction house manager nodded with a smile. “Indeed. Most people here are interested in the Blue River Estates. Many want to win it.”
Balfour entered the box, sat down with Layla in his arms, and instructed the manager on what to get him. “No coffee. Bring some kid-friendly beverages instead.”
The manager bowed. “Of course, Mr. Howard. I will arrange for snacks and drinks for the young ones right away.”
Balfour, looking at the little one in his arms, spoke softly, “Layla, what would you like to eat today? Let Uncle know, and once Uncle and Mommy are done with their work, we’ll take you and your brothers to eat.”
His voice was gentle. He acted like he was handling a delicate artifact.
Layla blinked her big, bright eyes and replied obediently, “Uncle, you should ask Mommy. Whatever Mommy wants to eat, that’s what Layla wants to eat too!”
Balfour lightly pinched Layla’s little nose. “Such a small child, and yet so considerate? Are you always thinking about what Mommy likes?”
Layla nodded seriously. “Because Mommy is the best. Of course Layla has to please her.”
Balfour couldn’t help but laugh at the cute little girl.
Ellinor first placed the older Baber on a chair by her side, and then, held the slightly unwell Adrian, took a seat next to Balfour. She narrowed her eyes and looked at the crowd below. “Everyone seems to have their eyes on that plot of land. The bidding is going to be fierce today.”
Balfour looked at his sister. “Don’t worry, I’m here with you today. We will win whatever you want.”
Ellinor was determined to win the plot of land and didn’t react much. But Adrian, in her arms, looked surprised. His eyes widened, and his pupils were dilated.
Balfour noted the boy’s strange reaction and followed his gaze. Through the partially open door of their box, he saw a man in a wheelchair being pushed into a box across a large courtyard.
There was something familiar about the man’s silhouette, but he couldn’t identify him before the door was closed. Balfour decided not to mention it and turned to Adrian. “What did you see? Why such a startled look?”
‘Adrian’ looked a bit guilty. “I… I need to pee.”
Balfour patiently replied, “Should Uncle take you to the bathroom?”
‘Adrian’ quickly shook his head. “I can go on my own. I saw the restroom sign earlier.”
With those words, the little guy wriggled out of Ellinor’s arms, jumped onto the floor, and was ready to rush to the restroom.
Ellinor grabbed him immediately, and her voice took on a stern tone. “Have you forgotten what Mommy told you yesterday? Are you going to run off on your own again?”
