Chapter 2494


    Mara had been unwavering in her pursuit of him, so naturally she wasn’t about to let her friend harbor


    any untoward thoughts about Balfour.


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    Balfour simply nodded, not wanting to be rude during their first encounter. He extended his hand for a


    brief, polite shake before quickly letting go.


    But Olivia couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp of excitement, barely containing her thrill.


    Mara caught that and frowned slightly. Olivia, catching Mara’s eye, just pursed her lips dismissively.


    Balfour, with Ivy, started preparing some snacks. With guests at home, it would be unthinkable not to


    rustle up some hospitality.


    Once they were out of sight, Mara pulled Olivia aside. “What’s your game here?” she demanded.


    “What do you mean, ‘game’? I’m not ying any games,” Olivia replied innocently.


    Mara scoffed with contempt, “We’ve known each other for years, so do you really think can’t see


    through you? That little act was clearly an attempt to seduce Balfour.”


    Her voice wasn’t quiet, and even though Balfour’s house was spacious, there was always a chance


    they could overhear from the kitchen


    Olivia’s cheeks flushed with indignation, “How can you speak to me like that? Just because I’m your


    friend doesn’t give you the right to use me! And don’t forget why you brought me here today.”


    Mara’s expression darkened, “Of course I haven’t forgotten, but don’t you forget your ce either. We


    had an agreement that you wouldn’t make a move on my man.”


    With that, Mara left Olivia and joined Balfour and Ivy in the kitchen, while Olivia rolled her eyes


    dramatically.


    She thought to herself, ‘Great, Ie over to help out of the goodness of my heart, and I get a lecture.’


    But Balfour was indeed captivating. Despite the scolding, she didn’t regret reaching out her hand.


    “Balfour, need any help?” Mara asked, putting on her most innocent and endearing face as she


    addressed him.


    Ivy listened quietly to the conversation, finding Mara’s sudden sweetness somewhat amusing.


    “No, thanks. You and your friend are guests. Just make yourselvesfortable in the living room,”


    Balfour replied.


    Before arriving that day, Mara could never have pictured Balfour in the kitchen. It was a surprise to find


    out he’d cook for someone. He was a neat freak who detested greasiness, but cooking inevitably


    involved dealing with oil. To keep Ivy’s hands clean and dry, he had only asked her to rinse some


    lettuce leaves.


    Watching the seemingly unfair division ofbor between them, Mara couldn’t help but feel a hint of


    jealousy. Her remarks wereced with a tinge of sourness, “Ivy, dear, why don’t you give your husband


    a hand? Why just stand there while Balfour does all the work? Even if you are married, you go a bit far


    by bossing him around.”


    Ivy turned around with a serene smile, “He likes to do these things for me. My role is just to keep him


    company. If you don’t believe me, ask your friend Balfour.”


    Ivy had always been too easygoing in the past, which only encouraged Mara to push her around. But


    now, as Balfour’s rightfully wedded wife, she had no intention of ying the pushover any longer.


    Ivy rarely spoke so candidly. Balfour shot her a quick nce before smiling, “Actually, I wanted her to


    do even less, but she insisted on being with me and helping out, so she ended up washing the veggies.


    Why don’t you head back to the living room? The kitchen is full of cooking smells, and I know how


    much you hate that.”


    Mara’s face soured. There was a time when Balfour would always take her side no matter what. But at


    some point, he just no longer did.