Balfour gave her a nod. âThatâs right. Iâve asked a friend to arrange a time for me to fly over to M State to see her. I came here to ask if you want to come along.â
Without a second thought, Ellinor nodded. âYes!â
She paused, as if something sprang to mind, and she hesitated.
Balfour noticed her worry and patted her head gently. âWorried about the kids at home?â
Ellinor sighed and nodded. âTaking them along would be inconvenient, but leaving them behind is worrisome. And nowâ¦â
She trailed off, but Balfour knew why.
Because that man who disappeared for three years had resurfaced, she feared that she might miss him again if she left.
âIf youâre worried, stay here. Iâll go over and take a look. Perhaps sheâs not our mother.â Balfour comforted her as he patted her on the head.
Ellinor looked at Balfour. She undoubtedly wanted to go, regardless of the outcome; she wanted to meet that art teacher.
âCan we invite the art teacher to come here instead? I can cover her travel expenses.â
Balfour shook his head. âMy friend told me that she wouldnât agree to travel abroad or meet strangers.
If we want to arrange a meeting, we canât tell her in advance. Otherwise, she wouldnât show up.â
Ellinor frowned. âThenâ¦â
Balfour understood her dilemma. âAlright, if youâre torn, donât go. Iâll go first, and no matter the outcome, Iâll bring back a photo of her, okay?â
Ellinor considered this for a moment. âLet me think about it. When are you planning to leave for M State?â
âEarly, tomorrow.â
âIâll think about it and give you an answer before midnight.â
Balfour nodded. âAlright.â
âMr. Howard, regardless, thank you for telling me about this as soon as possible.â Ellinor said sincerely.
Balfour chuckled. âWhat are you saying? Weâre siblings. This matter is about our mother; of course, I would tell you immediately. Ellinor, when will you stop being so formal with me and start seeing me as your brother?â
Ellinor was too overwhelmed to consider acknowledging Balfour as her brother.
âI have some work to attend to. You should get going too, Mr. Howard. Iâll call you tonight once Iâve made up my mind.â
With a sigh, Balfour replied, âAlright, go. Iâll wait for your call.â
Ellinor got out of the car and walked back to the Blanchet Building with a thoughtful expression.
Quinton closed the car door and watched Ellinor enter the building safely before getting into the car himself.
âDo you think Ellinor will go to M State with you?â
Balfour shook his head. âNo.â
Quinton nodded. He didnât think she would either.
Ellinor had too many concerns. She definitely wouldnât feel comfortable leaving her three kids behind to travel abroad.
As a mother, she had to consider more things and couldnât just up and leave like the single Balfour.
âActually, your friend Ms. Karen meant that Lady Lotus is a recluse and might not agree to meet you.
Are you sure about leaving first thing in the morning?â
âWhether she agrees to meet me or not, I have to see her this time. After all these years, we need to know whether sheâs our mother or not. We need an answer!â