Chapter 1619
“Uncle Balfour, could you please persuade Mom to let us have some snacks?”
“Uncle Balfour, please, you’re the best!”
“Uncle Balfour…”
Balfour was hard-pressed to resist the pleas of the three adorable children. He glanced at them fondly before looking up at Ellinor’s expression.
With her arms crossed and a determined look on her face, it was clear she was not going to budge.
Balfour didn’t dare upset his sister, who had finally been warming up to him. So he crouched down and ruffled each of the children’s hair.
“Your mom forbids you from eating snacks for your own good. Even if you don’t eat them today, they’ll still be yours. Listen to your mom and eat them gradually.”
Since their Uncle Balfour wasn’t going to be of much help, the kids resignedly nodded.
“Alright…”
“Oh…”
“We’ll listen to Mom.”
Balfour smiled. “That’s right. Listen to your mom, and Uncle will buy you lots of yummy food in the future.”
After watching Balfour’s affectionate side with the children, Byran grumbled to Ellinor “When will I ever get to see such a kind side of my brother? I remember when I was a kid, he was always so stern with me.”
Ellinor rolled her eyes. “Isn’t it because you never focused on your studies and always caused trouble at home?”
Byran shrugged. “I didn’t cause trouble. I just didn’t do well academically and liked to play video games.”
Balfour heard his brother’s complaints and, rising to his feet, sternly glared at him. “Stop messing around here and come home with me.”
Byran quickly retreated behind Ellinor. “Bro, I can’t go home with you. I have plans.”
Balfour frowned. “What plans?”
“I… I have a gathering with my friends. One of them is about to get married. Right, sis?”
As he spoke, Byran subtly nudged Ellinor, hoping she would support him.
Ellinor found him a bit exasperating. Knowing his desire to stick around was mostly to be with Ida, and seeing that Ida didn’t mind him, she decided to speak up for him. “Mr. Howard, let him stay.”
11
Once Ellinor spoke up, Balfour didn’t want to push Byran. He shot him a reproachful look, then nodded at his sister and prepared to leave.
Chase came out of the kitchen with a pot of coffee. “Mr. Howard, it’s the weekend. You’re not working, right? Why not stay and join us? Belinda and I are getting married next week. I’ve booked a restaurant for a dinner tonight, and we’d love for you to join us. The kids and Ellinor are coming too; you could keep them company,”
Balfour glanced at Chase, then at Belinda standing next to him. He seemed somehow surprised that they were getting married.
After a moment’s consideration, Balfour’s gaze landed on Ellinor and the kids.
He didn’t have any other plans for the day. Initially, he felt his presence might be a nuisance, but if they were inviting him to stay, he was more than willing.
“If you’re inviting me, I’d be happy to stay.”
Chase smiled. “Great! Sit down and have some coffee. I’ve ordered lunch for us to have at home. It’s just something light with the kids. We’ll have a proper meal at the restaurant tonight.”
