Chapter 2285
Mara could not help but seethe with jealousy as she watched Ivy, the newcomer, cozying up to Balfour.
After all, Mara had been by Balfour’s side long before Ivy breezed into the picture. Before Mara’s sister had passed, Balfour had even promised her that he would always look after Mara-a promise that seemed to be slipping away as Alyssa blatantly favored Ivy.
As the years passed, Mara’s relationship with Balfour was a series of hellos and goodbyes. His business ventures kept him rooted domestically, and he could not dedicate much time to her. Balfour was a simple man, driven by the desire to fulfill her sister’s last wish, so he had always gone out of his way for Mara.
But time had only solidified one thing: Mara had known Balfour longer than Ivy had. That was her sole advantage. And yet, it irked her to no end-how could Ivy swoop in and steal her place by Balfour’s side?
Now, Ivy was even Alyssa’s pick for the perfect bride, and Mara could only wonder what spell Ivy had cast to win over the notoriously critical old lady.
At that moment, Dean strolled up leisurely, crossing his arms and casting a disapproving glance their way.
“This isn’t some picnic, Balfour. You can’t just drag Ms. Lewis along to the hospital. Get a grip!” Dean chided.
Under the scrutiny of both grandparents, Balfour awkwardly rubbed his nose, regretting his earlier, unthought-out suggestion.
He just wanted to keep Mara from getting bored, but he could not find the time to whisk her away on a proper getaway. It was a last-ditch effort on his part.
In front of the elders, Mara put on a considerate facade. “Balfour, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve just arrived, and I could use some time to rest and adjust to the time zone. By the time I’m settled, Ivy might be discharged and back home. Then we’ll all have plenty of time for fun.”
She turned to Dean and Alyssa with a smile. “Besides, I’m quite the homebody, not one for gallivanting about. Staying in and spending quality time with you both sounds delightful. This way, you can rest easy knowing I’m not alone while you’re at the hospital, right?”
Whether her words were genuine or not did not matter, as Alyssa smiled warmly, patting her hand, “It’s good to hear you think that way. We’re too old to be trotting around with you, dear. Once the young couple is back, they’ll keep you company. Alright?”
Mara forced a chuckle. “Sure.”
Balfour, not overthinking it; rushed to instruct Althea to prepare Ivy’s favorite meals, as he
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Chapter 2285
was already running late. He asked everyone to stay put while he headed back to the hospital.
Once Balfour was gone, Mara excused herself to her room, leaving Alyssa’s smile to fade.
Only her naive grandson failed to see Mara’s underlying intentions, but to Ivy, they could easily be misconstrued as something more.
Watching his wife’s worried expression, Dean chimed in to ease her mind, “Maybe you’re overthinking it. It’s not like the Lewis girl is actually smitten with our Balfour. Though I must admit, our boy is quite a catch.”
Alyssa looked at him. “Didn’t you see how Mara was fawning over Balfour before we came down? She knows he’s married now. Her behavior is simply inappropriate. I’ve always said we could repay the Lewis family’s kindness, but not at the expense of Balfour’s marriage. Now look at this mess-with Mara blurring lines, Balfour’s actions might be misinterpreted as affection.”
Dean sighed in agreement. “You’re right. Now that Balfour and Ivy are married, certain. behaviors are just not fitting for Mara to display.”
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