Chapter 2300
As Balfour looked up, he noticed only Mara was left standing on the doorstep, but he didn’t seem too bothered by it.
With one hand, he carried a small suitcase, mostly filled with Ivy’s belongings; he only had a couple of changes of clothes for himself.
So when Mara reached out to take the suitcase from him, he dodged her, handing it off to the approaching butler instead, “It’s too heavy for you.”
Mara pouted in solidarity, “Balfour, why do Alyssa and Dean seem so indifferent about you, their own grandson? They don’t seem to welcome you at all. It’s downright upsetting.”
Balfour didn’t quite understand why Mara felt aggrieved on his behalf.
After all, he was used to coming home every other day; his grandparents probably had their fill of him.
Besides, why should they stand by the main entrance in the chilly wind?
The elderly couple were advanced in years, and Ivy had just recovered from her illness. There was no need for such formalities.
Still, he thought Mara might be a bit too sensitive, but ultimately she was looking out for him, so he didn’t object.
“Balfour, now that Ivy is better, are you maybe a bit less busy? If you have some time, could you perhaps take me out for a bit?” Mara asked with hopeful eyes. She longed for some alone time with Balfour.
Staying in the house under the watchful eyes of the elders was stifling, and although they concealed their feelings well, it was clear they preferred Mara not to get too entangled
with Balfour.
Mara scoffed, determined to disappoint them. She wasn’t about to give up on Balfour!
One day, she would make them see that she was the one truly suited for him.
Just like a moment ago, Ivy hadn’t even bothered to look back at Balfour. After all his fuss and worry over her these past days, couldn’t she even pause for a moment?
Ivy was so wrapped up in herself. How selfish.
But Mara was different. If she could, she’d stick to Balfour round the clock, dedicating her life to him. When Balfour and Mara stepped into the house, lagging a step behind, Ivy was already digging into the feast the elders had prepared for her.
She turned to Balfour with a surprised smile, “The oysters today are exceptionally fresh, you should try some.”
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As she spoke, her gaze fell on Mara, and her expression became more restrained as she said, “Ms. Lewis, please have some as well.”
Mara offered a faint smile, “Really? Then Ivy, please enjoy a few more. When you were away, I had plenty. Back in M State, I lived near the coast and often had them!”
Her words implied Ivy was somewhat of a country bumpkin, which Ivy dismissed, but Alyssa frowned.
“No matter how fresh and sweet, you shouldn’t overindulge,” Balfour said. “Granny, how many has she had already?”
Alyssa relaxed at Balfour’s question, “She’s barely had two. I just had Althea bring them out. Balfour, come and join us. I’m keeping an eye on Ivy, she won’t overdo it.”
ivy pouted. She knew that with Alyssa and Balfour around, her diet would be closely monitored.
“Still, seafood is not that beneficial for your recovery. A little taste is enough.”
As Balfour approached Ivy, he reminded her with a gentle tone.
She nodded in understanding. “Then may I just try one more, making it three total?”
Holding up a finger, her eyes pleaded with Balfour, who showed an almost imperceptible smile.
“Alright, one more, but that’s it. Granny has prepared plenty of dishes for later.”
Hearing Balfour’s concession, Ivy’s face brightened. The bland diet of the past few days had been a real ordeal.
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