Chapter 2495
Her man Balfour had finally become someone else’s husband, all thanks to the woman standing before her.
The bitterness gnawed at her, and even her fists were clenched in silent rage.
Olivia sauntered over again, “Well, I never thought I’d see the day the big-shot CEO of Howard Group would be slaving away in the kitchen. Quite the domestic god, aren’t we? Right, Mara?”
She gave Mara’s shoulder a little pinch-a warning to keep her composure, or they might not be so welcome in these halls again.
Mara took a deep breath and managed a strained smile, “Yeah, I’m just surprised you wouldn’t hire a helper or something. With Ms. Dunhill off on set and Balfour buried in work, getting a little help would free up some time for you both. Otherwise, you’re stuck sweating over little domesticity.”
Balfour and Ivy exchanged a knowing glance. Their careers kept them busy, so the moments they shared were all the more precious.
The idea of a housekeeper intruding on their rare alone time was unappealing. They’d moved out for the very purpose of having their own space, and they intended to keep it that way.
Even the mundane task of cooking, something they usually loathed most, became a delightful shared endeavor. Time with Balfour was time savored, no matter the activity. But their home life wasn’t for public discussion.
Their silent communication didn’t escape Mara and Olivia’s notice.
For the first time, Olivia began to doubt Mara’s narrative about their thin-skinned relationship. Snatching this man from Ivy’s side might be tougher than she thought.
All guests were of the same age so there was no need for elaborate dishes they couldn’t conjure up anyway. A couple of simple vegetarian plates and a couple of meaty ones were just enough for the small gathering.
Mara was distracted so her food tasted bland, but she did nothing out of order. Even Olivia was just quietly observing the couple.
Compared to the guests, Balfour and Ivy were far more relaxed-it was their house, after all.
Balfour’s casual displays of affection were hard to miss. When Ivy accidentally picked up a piece of onion, Balfour deftly removed it from her plate and onto his own, following up by serving her a generous helping of scrambled eggs.
“Eat up, the protein’s good for you,” he murmured.
Ivy rolled her eyes but complained after a bite, ‘I’ve already had plenty.”
With the winter chill, Balfour was extra attentive to Ivy’s health, preferring hearty meals over supplements. Though she grumbled, it sounded like bragging to the others.
Mara set her bowl down before finishing, noticing Balfour’s inquisitive look.
“Not to your taste? You could always order some takeout.” he advised.
She shook her head with a forced smile, “No, it’s not that. My stomach’s just been off lately, so I can’t eat much. Sorry for the fuss.”
