Chapter 2386
Alyssa had summoned those who frequently mingled in the parlor, on the off chance that one of them might have caught a glimpse of the curious events of that particular evening.
The words she spoke were draped in courtesy, a veil that masked the gravity of the situation from them.
In truth, they should have been questioned days ago, but when Alyssa had reviewed the security footage, there was no sign of Mara doing anything suspicious outside.
With no cameras in the kitchen, it was a mystery what exactly Mara had been up to with her grandson.
“Really, it’s nothing too serious. Just wondering if any of you happened to see what Ms. Lewis was up to that evening. It’s just that Balfour had a bit of a spell, and, as his grandmother, I need to get to the bottom of it. Wouldn’t want the young couple to have any misunderstandings,” she said.
The staff exchanged glances. Sure, the affairs of the Howard household were their business, but it was no secret among them that the recently visiting Ms. L her sights set on Balfour, although Balfour had always remained indifferent.
They had even gossiped in hushed tones, speculating whether Ivy’s moving out was a result of a quarrel with Balfour.
Now it appeared Mara might be at the heart of the matter.
“Ms. Lewis’s intentions are clear to us all, but it seems to us that Balfour doesn’t share her affections. What exactly would you like us to share, Mrs. Howard?” asked Althea, taking initiative.
Having been with the Howards for many years, Althea had a good grasp of the family’s sensitivities.
At Althea’s prompting, Alyssa managed a small smile.
“It’s just a bit of a tiff between two youngsters, but I can’t shake the suspicion about what Ms. Lewis was doing in Balfour’s study that night. Balfour is my grandson, but I can’t play favorites and ignore Ivy’s feelings, right?”
Hearing Alyssa put it so plainly, Althea recalled the events of that night.
“Ms. Lewis did visit Balfour’s study that evening, but only to get a book and, incidentally, to deliver the glass of warm milk I prepared for his bedtime. I know it wasn’t quite appropriate for Ms. Lewis to carry it up, but she insisted, and I couldn’t well refuse her. Rest assured, Mrs. Howard, I was cautious and only retired for the night after I saw her return with the empty glass.”
Alyssa wouldn’t fault Althea; she could imagine Mara’s ulterior motives and how she must
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have persuaded Althea to let her carry the milk
“Yes, you did the right thing. I suspect there was something wrong with that milk.
Althea paled at the accusation; after all, she had personally warmed the milk!
“Mrs. Howard, how could there be anything wrong with the milk? I heated it myself, and then Ms. Lewis took it upstairs. I swear I didn’t tamper with it in any way! What happened to Balfour?”
Quickly, Alyssa motioned for a maid to steady the suddenly weak-kneed Althea.
“Why would you be afraid? Haven’t you all been with me long enough for me to know what kind of people you are? When I went upstairs that night, I found Balfour asleep in his study, which was odd since he never sleeps like that. It seems Ms. Lewis must have slipped a sleeping pill into his milk.”
