Chapter 2341
Mara was out of sight, and Balfour didn’t bother himself with the details; he just delved back into his work.
No sooner had Alyssa stepped out than she saw Mara bustling down from upstairs, clutching a glass of milk as if her life depended on it.
Alyssa wondered what on earth had taken Mara upstairs in the first place – wasn’t her room on the ground floor?
Trusting her gut, Alyssa decided to follow.
Upon reaching the kitchen, Mara started scrubbing a glass furiously, something normally left to the servants. What was she doing in the kitchen, of all places?
Puzzled, Alyssa called out to Mara from the doorway.
Mara jumped, almost dropping the glass in the sink.
She turned to face the doorway, where Alyssa stood, unsure if she had been seen doing -something she shouldn’t have.
“Alyssa? I thought you were resting in your room. What brings you out here? Need a glass. of water? Let me pour you one,” she offered, her voice trembling slightly, her body strangely still, as if to hide something.
Alyssa watched her for a moment, then chuckled, “I’m not thirsty, dear. Just needed a little walk. But what brings you to the kitchen at this hour? Feeling peckish? Shall I have someone whip up a little something for you?”
Mara cast a furtive glance back at the sink, relieved that the glass was out o Alyssa’s position. She forced a sheepish smile and said, “You’ve caught me, Despite a hearty dinner, I find myself hungry again. No need to trouble the ma make myself a quick snack. I’ll just heat some pasta. Are you hungry, too? I can
extra.”
Alyssa knew better than to linger; Mara was not about to slip up in her presence. To what she was up to, she’d have to retreat.
om
With that in mind, she shook her head, declining Mara’s offer, “If you’re hungry, have the maids fix you something. It’s no bother. But if you insist on making pasta yourself, just be careful with the stove. I’m quite worn out; I’ll head back to rest.”
Mara visibly relaxed as Alyssa mentioned retiring for the night.
Taking a few steps forward, Mara wished her a good night, “Then have a good rest, Alyssa. Sleep well.”
Alyssa didn’t look back as she returned to her room. Once Mara heard the door close, she
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exhaled in relief and resumed her task at the sink, cleaning the glass thoroughly before
tucking it away in the cabinet, indistinguishable from the others. Only then did she allow herself a smug smile.
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“Balfour, dear, if you’re tired, rest up,” she whispered to herself.
Back in her room, Alyssa didn’t rest immediately but stood by the door, listening intently for any sounds outside.
Dean woke up, bemused by her antics, “What’s all this about, dear? Not sleeping at this hour? You’ll have a headache come morning.”
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