Chapter 2285


    Chapter 2285


    Mara could not help but seethe with jealousy as she watched Ivy, the neer, cozying up to Balfour.


    After all, Mara had been by Balfour’s side long before Ivy breezed into the picture. Before Mara’s sister


    had passed, Balfour had even promised her that he would always look after Mara-a promise that


    seemed to be slipping away as Alyssa tantly favored Ivy.


    As the years passed, Mara’s rtionship with Balfour was a series of hellos and goodbyes. His


    business ventures kept him rooted domestically, and he could not dedicate much time to her. Balfour


    was a simple man, driven by the desire to fulfill her sister’sst wish, so he had always gone out of his


    way for Mara.


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    But time had only solidified one thing: Mara had known Balfour longer than Ivy had. That was her sole


    advantage. And yet, it irked her to no end-how could Ivy swoop in and steal her ce by Balfour’s


    side?


    Now, Ivy was even Alyssa’s pick for the perfect bride, and Mara could only wonder what spell Ivy had


    cast to win over the notoriously critical olddy.


    At that moment, Dean strolled up leisurely, crossing his arms and casting a disapproving nce their


    way.


    “This isn’t some pic, Balfour. You can’t just drag Ms. Lewis along to the hospital. Get a grip!” Dean


    chided.


    Under the scrutiny of both grandparents, Balfour awkwardly rubbed his nose, regretting his earlier,


    unthought-out suggestion.


    He just wanted to keep Mara from getting bored, but he could not find the time to whisk her away on a


    proper getaway. It was ast-ditch effort on his part.


    In front of the elders, Mara put on a considerate facade. “Balfour, you don’t need to worry about me.


    I’ve just arrived, and I could use some time to rest and adjust to the time zone. By the time I’m settled,


    Ivy might be discharged and back home. Then we’ll all have plenty of time for fun.”


    She turned to Dean and Alyssa with a smile. “Besides, I’m quite the homebody, not one for gallivanting


    about. Staying in and spending quality time with you both sounds delightful. This way, you can rest


    easy knowing I’m not alone while you’re at the hospital, right?”


    Whether her words were genuine or not did not matter, as Alyssa smiled warmly, patting her hand, “It’s


    good to hear you think that way. We’re too old to be trotting around with you, dear. Once the young


    couple is back, they’ll keep youpany. Alright?”


    Mara forced a chuckle. “Sure.”


    Balfour, not overthinking it; rushed to instruct Althea to prepare Ivy’s favorite meals, as he was already


    runningte. He asked everyone to stay put while he headed back to the hospital.


    Once Balfour was gone, Mara excused herself to her room, leaving Alyssa’s smile to fade.


    Only her naive grandson failed to see Mara’s underlying intentions, but to Ivy, they could easily be


    misconstrued as something more.


    Watching his wife’s worried expression, Dean chimed in to ease her mind, “Maybe you’re overthinking


    it. It’s not like the Lewis girl is actually smitten with our Balfour. Though I must admit, our boy is quite a


    catch.”


    Alyssa looked at him. “Didn’t you see how Mara was fawning over Balfour before we came down? She


    knows he’s married now. Her behavior is simply inappropriate. I’ve always said we could repay the


    Lewis family’s kindness, but not at the expense of Balfour’s marriage. Now look at this mess-with Mara


    blurring lines, Balfour’s actions might be misinterpreted as affection.”


    Dean sighed in agreement. “You’re right. Now that Balfour and Ivy are married, certain. behaviors are


    just not fitting for Mara to disy.”