Chapter 2339
Ever since Ivy left, Balfour had grown increasingly cold towards Mara. It was baffling trying to figure out what was going through Balfour’s mind.
At that moment, Althea came out with a steaming glass of milk, ready to take it up to Balfour. This was a habit Ivy had instilled in him, given his sensitive stomach. He often had to socialize with clients and eat out, and lvy would always have a warm glass of milk ready for him before bed.
Since he had already eaten out today, Althea heated up some milk for him upon his return. She was just about to carry it upstairs when Mara, with a quick glance and a smile, approached her. “Althea, let me take that milk to Balfour. I need to discuss something with him anyway.”
Althea smoothly sidestepped her reach and said, “Ms. Lewis, you’re a guest, and it wouldn’t be right to have you taking care of such tasks. If Alyssa found out, she’d surely have a word or two for me about my lack of propriety.”
Althea could see right through Mara’s intentions towards Balfour. Yet, as the family hadn’t asked her to leave, it wasn’t their place to comment.
Those staff had spent more time with Ivy and held a deeper affection for her. Ms. Lewis always carried an air of superiority and often showed impatience, clearly looking down. on them.
Over time, it became clear to them that Mara wasn’t genuinely fond of the staff; her amiability was just for show in front of the family.
Ivy, on the other hand, had always shown genuine respect for everyone, and that made Althea even less inclined to hand over the milk to Mara.
But Mara wasn’t taking no for an answer. Her smile quickly faded as she snapped, “Don’t act all high and mighty with me. I’m offering to help and you’re rejecting it? Do you really want to stir up trouble with Alyssa?”
Althea felt stuck. She knew Alyssa wouldn’t blame her for this but didn’t want to disturb the elderly couple over such a petty issue. Besides, the milk was ready; what harm could come from letting Mara take it up?
After all, Althea was just a servant in this household, and Mara was their guest.
With this thought, Althea put on a gracious smile and said, “The milk’s quite hot, Ms. Lewis. Please be careful not to burn yourself.”
Mara rolled her eyes dramatically. “What’s that supposed to mean? I got burned recently; are you cursing me now? If you can’t speak nicely, maybe you shouldn’t speak at all. Be careful, or I might just tell Balfour to send you packing. At your age, what else could you
1/2
08:15
do outside?”
After her harsh words, Mara turned and left without a backward glance.
Althea stood there, her expression souring. Although she was in her advanced years, her culinary skills were exceptional. Her great-grandfather had served as a royal chef, which allowed her to master such a craft and secure a position with the Howard family.
But to Mara, Althea was just a useless cook. It had been years since anyone had humiliated her like this, and all she could do was sigh.
In the end, what could she do but let it go? After all, she couldn’t afford to hold a grudge against Mara, could she?
212
