Chapter 2273
She could not believe how fickle the human heart could be.
Óne moment, someone’s all smiles and friendly gestures; the next, they’re ready to murder
you.
“Don’t rack your brain trying to make sense of a murderer’s motives,” Balfour said, his voice a mix of reassurance and sternness. “Just know she’s locked up now, facing the music. She’ll get her day in court. Maybe you should take a break from the set until then. I’d hate for anything else to happen.”
He fell silent momentarily before venturing, “Are you really going to keep shooting this film?”
Ivy had wrestled with this question before. When Nolan confronted her, her reaction was irritation
But now, hearing Balfour’s concern, she was not so sure anymore.
This was her debut, her baby, and she dreamed of a grand finale for it.
But after the string of disasters on set, she questioned if her perseverance was even worth it.
Ivy finally replied with a deep, thoughtful sigh. “Give me a little time. I need to think it over. If it gets to be too much…”
Balfour nodded, standing to leave. “Alright. Take all the time you need. Mara’s waiting for me in the car. I should drop her off first.”
Underneath the covers, Ivy’s hand balled into a fist. She avoided Balfour’s gaze, offering no goodbye.
The sound of the door closing echoed through the empty hospital room, and only then did she know he was gone.
Bitterness churned inside her. She had no right to question why Mara chose this critical time to return.
There was no questioning it. Balfour and Mara had their whole lives to spend together annually, did they not?
She was the extra piece in their puzzle.
Descending to the parking lot, Balfour realized Mara was nowhere to be seen.
“Mara?” He called out.
Where could she have gone in this unfamiliar place?
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09.21
Chapter 2273
He scoured the parking area before finding Mara huddled in a corner, her face lifting with relief and hurt as he approached.
“Balfour, where were you? I’ve been waiting forever,” she said with a tremble in her voice..
Balfour’s brow furrowed, a storm of emotions crossing his face.
He had promised her late sister to look after Mara, and here she was, lost and alone in a strange place.
How could he ever face her sister’s memory if anything had happened?
Mara rushed to him, clutching his jacket for dear life.
“I’m sorry. I won’t leave you alone again,” Balfour said, patting her shoulder with a sigh of resignation.
Mara’s face brightened within his embrace, a smirk creeping across her lips. No matter how many women crossed Balfour’s path, she was always the one he could not let go of. After much ado, Balfour drove Mara home, but as they neared the Howard Mansion, Mara’s anxiety became apparent.
“What’s wrong? Afraid of Grandma?” Balfour teased, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry. She’s mellowed with age. She’ll be over the moon to see you back.”
Mara forced a smile, but Balfour could not understand her fear of Alyssa, which had taken root deep within her.
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