Chapter 2399
Mara had known Balfour for quite some time, yet despite the years, she had always been abroad. In truth, they hadn’t spent much more time together compared to Ivy and Balfour.
But with Mara, it was different. Around Balfour, she had a habit of playing the damsel in distress, always grumbling about how much she needed him.
Ivy, on the other hand, was cut from a different cloth. She was fiercely independent, having been forced from a young age to fend for herself. She wouldn’t dream of asking for help if she could handle a problem on her own.
Even Balfour wasn’t an exception to her rule.
Watching Ivy lost in thought, Alyssa nodded, a look of satisfaction on her face. “It seems you’ve realized the difference between you two, haven’t you? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your personality. In fact, it’s because of your strength that I’ve always had a soft spot for you. Everyone, regardless of gender or who they have backing them, has to stand on their own two feet in this world. You’ve done well in that regard, but around Balfour, it wouldn’t hurt to show a softer side.”
Alyssa took a sip of water and continued, “I’m not asking you to stoop to any underhanded tactics, mind you. It’s just a reminder that you and Balfour are husband and wife. He’s your lawful partner, and sometimes, there’s no need to be so headstrong with him. Many challenges are best tackled as a team. Showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness or incompetence; it’s just leaning on him when appropriate. You need to give him that trust, make him feel needed and relied upon, not like you’re just cold business partners. That’s not what I want for you two. Of course, what I’m telling you today is just in hopes that you and Balfour can make your marriage even stronger. I’m very fond of you as my granddaughter-in-law and would love for you to be a part of the Howard family forever.”
Alyssa affectionately stroked Ivy’s hair, knowing well that her words would take some time to digest.
Ivy nodded, still somewhat dazed. “Thank you, Granny. I’ll give it some thought.”
For Ivy, it was undoubtedly going to be a long night. When she returned to the room shared with Balfour, filled with his presence, Alyssa’s words echoed in her ears.
Ivy wasn’t sure how she felt.
Hearing about the ways of the older generation, she was initially shocked but then thought that maybe this was what marriage was supposed to be – not just love, but a deeper understanding that develops between two people.
If she truly wanted to win over Balfour, she couldn’t be as blunt as before, especially not when facing Mara, a woman who was both cunning and purposeful.
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Chapter 2399
When Mara awoke to find Balfour standing by her bedside, a smile quickly appeared on her fac
followed by a pout, pretending to still feel under the weather.
“Balfour, I hope I haven’t hit my head too hard. Why do I still feel so dizzy?” she lamented with a dramatic flair.
Balfour, who had been observing Mara, realized he hadn’t truly looked at his old friend in a long while. Suddenly, she seemed like a stranger to him.
