Chapter 783
Ellinor modestly shook her head, “It’s what I should do. You and Grandpa Dean are giving me too much credit.”
Alyssa was quite taken by this young girl’s manners and humility. Smiling kindly, she asked, “Ellinor, how old are you this year?”
Ellinor replied in a soft voice, “I’m twenty”
Alyssa pondered for a moment, her fingers moving as if she were calculating something, then asked again, “When’s your birthday?”
Ellinor paused briefly, a hint of wariness seeping into her heart. Why was Alyssa suddenly interested in her birthday? Had she noticed something? After a moment of thought, she responded calmly and naturally. “After my mother passed away, no one celebrated my birthday, so even I’m not sure when exactly it is.”
The confusion in Alyssa’s eyes deepened, “Darling, did your mother pass away when you were young, or did she leave and never come back?”
Ellinor’s face darkened, and she remained silent.
Alyssa’s questions stung. Why was she motherless since childhood?
Wasn’t it the distrust in this family that led to her mother and her being kicked out, leading to her mother having to leave her and leaving her clueless about whether her mother was alive or dead?
Ellinor’s silence tugged at Dean’s heartstrings. He nudged Alyssa lightly, “Why did you ask that? You’ve reminded the kid of her sad past
Alyssa snapped out of it and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, Ellinor. You just reminded me of a child I knew long ago, so I asked a few too many questions. If I’ve reminded you of unhappy times, that’s my fault.”
Ellinor gave a placid smile, “it’s fine, Grandma Alyssa. You just mistook me for someone else.”
Alyssa speared a piece of apple from the fruit plate and handed it to her, “Here, Ellinor. Have some fruit first. We’ll have a simple lunch at home later. Dean has already ordered lots of fresh ingredients that are all delicious. You can leave after dinner.”
Seeing as she was already here, Ellinor didn’t refuse, “Alright, thank you for your hospitality”
Alyssa changed the subject, “Oh, Ellinor. I heard from Dean that you’ve married into the Blanchet family.”
Ellinor nodded, “Yes, I suppose so,”
Mention of the Blanchet family caused Alyssa to frown, “You’re such a good girl; why marry into their family? What a shame! Ellinor, if you were still single, Dean and I could introduce you to many excellent young men.”
Those two were a pair, always playing matchmaker.
Ellinor gave a small smile, “I appreciate your and Grandpa Dean’s good intentions, but I’m doing well in the Blanchet family, so there’s no need for you to worry about my personal matters.”
Dean huffed unhappily, “Look at that! The Blanchet family’s kid has married such a wonderful wife, while our grandchild can’t even get a girlfriend!”
Alyssa tried to soothe her husband, “Don’t be like that. Balfour has his own plans. Don’t push him too hard; he’ll bring a girl home eventually.”
Dean was getting more and more upset, “When will that be? When I’m six feet under?”
Alyssa laughed helplessly, “There you go again! Ellinor is here; don’t make a scene. Alright, you chat with Ellinor. I’ll go bake some cookies that I’ve been learning to make for Ellinor to try”
“Ellinor, Alyssa is going to bake cookies for you, so I’ll take you around the garden.”
“Okay.” Ellinor was more than happy to explore the Howard family estate, as she might uncover some new clues.
And so, Alyssa went off to the kitchen, and Dean led Ellinor to the garden.
In the shadows, a scheming servant stealthily ran upstairs.
Chapter 784
