Chapter 2567
“It was Clara, Ivy’s sister, who did this. Whether others were involved, I’ve sent Leo to follow up,” said Balfour, his voice heavy with the weight of recent events.
Dean had been grappling with a series of unfortunate incidents that had befallen the two people closest to him, plunging the family into a state of grief. Yet, there was no time to dwell on sorrow. There were matters to attend to and perpetrators to catch.
“Stay with Ivy here. I’ll take another look at the company’s situation. We need to catch whoever else is involved to give Ivy some peace,” he declared.
Balfour’s eyes, red from sleepless nights, met his grandfather’s. “Grandpa…”
“There’s no need for formalities, we’re family. Just pull yourself together, young boy. Ivy needs you more than ever now,” the elder consoled.
Balfour nodded, and as his grandfather turned to leave, he spoke up, “Grandpa, you stay with her. If anything happens, call me at once. need to go somewhere first.”
Everything seemed to lead back to Mara!
At home, Mara paced restlessly. Ever since the day she’d conspired with Clara, a sense of foreboding had haunted her.
Clara was a loose cannon, capable of dragging Ivy down in flames and possibly taking Mara with her. From the start, Mara had prepared for every eventuality, ready to make a clean getaway should the walls start closing in.
Watching Mara’s anxious pacing, Olivia finally burst out, “What on earth is wrong with you? You’ve been on edge all day.”
“Mind your own business. Go flirt with your boy toys or something,” Mara snapped back her mood swinging wildly.
The doorbell rang-a sharp, insistent “ding-dong.”
“I’ll get it,” Olivia announced, walking towards the door.
“Who could it be at this hour?” she muttered in confusion.
Mara’s heart raced with the suspicion that it might be Balfour. She composed her features into a facade of nonchalance.
As long as she kept her story straight in front of Balfour, she reassured herself, everything would be fine.
“Mr. Howard, what brings you here at this hour? Aren’t you supposed to be at the hospital with your grandma? Is she awake now?” Olivia’s curiosity was piqued as she opened the door and see Balfour’s face. She knew Balfours routine was a constant shuffle between the hospital and the company. His visit at this hour was unexpected.
Her gaze shifted to Mara, who was already trying to present a bright smile.
“My grandma’s not awake yet, thanks for your concern. I’m here to see Mara.”
Balfour’s tone seemed extraordinarily cold and Olivia nodded subconsciously, “I’ll go to my room then. You can talk in the living room.”
“Balfour, what a surprise to see you! I was hoping for some good news from your grandma, too. Have you eaten? Do I need to cook something for you?” Mara offered, trying to play the gracious hostess.
Balfour closed the door behind him, his towering presence suddenly imposing. Mara couldn’t help but step back.
“No, thanks. I’m here to ask you something,” Balfour said in a cold voice.
“Oh, Balfour, you can ask me anything. We’ve known each other for years. What could possibly be off-limits between us?” Mara replied, her voice a mix of sweetness and trepidation.
