Chapter 588


    Ellinor shifted her gaze to the banquet hall’s entrance.


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    In walked Balfour, decked out in a light–colored suit, exuding an undeniable charm.


    Guests nocked to him, raising sses, exchanging greetings, and creating quite the buzz.


    In fact, when Theo walked in earlier, he had quite the fan club too. But Theo’s icy demeanor meant he


    wasn’t exactly the warmest guy in the room. The crowd soon got the hint and backed off.


    Balfour, on the other hand, handled thepliments and attention like a pro. He’d raise his ss and


    sh a smile, cleverly feeding off the crowd’s energy. But beneath the pleasantries, one could sense a


    cold indifference.


    As Ellinor watched Balfour, he caught her eye. A brief flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly


    regained hisposure and went back to chatting with an older gentleman, not giving her a second


    nce.


    Ellinor shrugged off the encounter and redirected her attention to other parts of the hall, observing the


    scene in detail.


    Most of the crowd was made up of older men and women, with a sprinkle of young people here and


    there.


    The birthday bash had an old–school vibe; it was not really the hip and happening party younger


    people would enjoy.


    Instead of a dance floor and a ssy orchestra, they’d set up a quaint stage in the middle of the hall. A


    performance was underway to honor old Mr. Bagley’s birthday.


    But seriously, how many young guns today could sit through something like this?


    Most of them were there to drop off a gift, sit politely for a bit, and then scram at the earliest chance


    avable.


    This party was just too darn boring


    But not for Ellinor. She had a soft spot for traditional art forms


    Growing up in a monastery without any ymates, she devoured all the books she could find. In her


    free time, she’d seek out traditional performances, and over time, she found them rather fascinating


    So she was actually having a ball at this party.


    The Bagley family’s home had a very cozy and weing vibe.


    She wondered if she’d been here as a kid. Maybe her mom had brought her over? Her mom’s


    hometown was always filled with sweet and warm memories. She couldn’t recall the specifics, but the


    feeling lingered in her subconscious.


    Caught up in her thoughts, her eyes drifted back to old Mr. Bagley, who was chatting with a group of his


    old buddies


    Mr. Bagley seemed to be in good health and spirits. But when the conversation turned to his missing


    daughter and granddaughter, a hint of sadness crossed his face.


    A pang of bitterness hit Ellinor. Her mom must’ve been a cherished daughter in this family. It was such


    a shame she ended up marrying the wrong guy and wasting her life.


    “Why are you here?”


    Balfour’s questioning voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Without missing a beat, she turned to him,


    calm as ever, and replied, “Mr. Howard, I’m here to celebrate your grandfather’s birthday


    Balfour looked annoyed and furrowed his brows, “Who let you in?”


    Ellinor said, “It was Ms. Howard”