Chapter 1844
Balfour received a scolding from his sister, which promptly put him in line, though he still shot her a playful tease. “The guy just came back, and you’ve started taking his side already?”
Ellinor snorted. “He’s my husband; if I don’t defend him, who will?”
Balfour chuckled at his sister’s feisty response. He was relieved to see her in good spirits. “Okay, okay! I won’t dare speak ill of Mr. Blanchet anymore. Only words of praise from now on, is that acceptable?”
Ellinor grunted in agreement. “You better not harass him.”
Balfour felt unfairly accused. “My dear sister, you have too high an opinion of me. I’ve never been able to get the better of him; he’s always been the one to pull the rug out from under me.”
“Well, then you need to pull up your socks!” Ellinor fired back at him.
This made Balfour laugh. “You ungrateful little thing! You really are choosing your husband over your brother. I want to pay you a visit and check on my beloved brother-in-law in passing. How does that sound?”
Ellinor contemplated it before declining. “Not now, some other time. I’ll set aside time for you to treat him to a meal.”
Balfour twisted his mouth. “Why so harsh, sis? I need to ask for permission to invite him out to dinner?”
Ellinor raised an eyebrow. “Of course! If you don’t want to, then forget it. We are quite busy lately anyway.”
Balfour quickly acquiesced. “No, no, I’d love to! Thank you in advance for your generosity. I am at your disposal.”
A small smile appeared on Ellinor’s face. “Great! Wait for my call.”
With that, she hung up.
On the other end of the line.
Balfour shook his head in bemusement. His sister had eyes only for Mr. Blanchet.
After dismissing his subordinate, Theo approached Ellinor carrying a few dozen delicacies. “Was that your brother on the phone?”
Ellinor nodded. “He heard about what happened and wanted to come over. I didn’t let him.”
Theo offered her a gentle smile as they walked towards the elevator. “Why not? He could have visited Marlinie too.”
Ellinor frowned. “I didn’t want him to because Mom is here.”
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in. Theo asked, “Why?”
With no one else in the elevator, Ellinor pursed her lips before saying, “My mom only wants to see me. She didn’t want to see anyone from the Howard family, which is why she transferred here.”
Theo nodded in understanding. “Alright. Let’s treat your brother to a meal then. He’s been quite helpful behind the scenes.”
Ellinor agreed. “I told him we’d dine out, but he’s the one who’s treating us, not the other way around.”
Theo laughed, his usually stern eyes curving in amusement. “You’re so protective of me. You’re even thinking of saving me money?”
Ellinor shot him a look. “I’m defending you; aren’t you happy? If not, you can pick up the tab.”
Theo smirked. “I’ll listen to you. If you want me to pay, I’ll pay. If not, I won’t spend a dime.”
Ellinor laughed, but then noticed Theo was carrying a lot of gifts with his injured arm. She then quickly reached out to relieve him. “Let me help you. You shouldn’t move your arm too much.”
