Chapter 1617: Chapter 1617

Her mom, her kids, and Theo… These were her true weaknesses.

From outside the room came a cacophony of noises, along with the pitter-patter of small feet and the chattering of children’s voices.

More visitors?

Balfour paid no mind to the commotion outside, simply holding Ellinor close and savoring his sister’s rare display of dependency.

In the past, Ellinor would have briskly pushed him away in situations like this. Her acceptance of his embrace at this moment was indeed a rare sight.

However, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered, as the door was forcefully pushed open.

“Ellinor, the kids and I came to visit. Ellinor…ah!! What are you doing?!”

Veronica’s scream startled Ellinor.

From Veronica’s angle, she couldn’t see Balfour’s face. All she saw was Ellinor in a man’s arms, which sent a wave of jealousy that completely engulfed her.

Although she wasn’t a man and she had no inappropriate thoughts about her sister-in-law, she was still her only sister-in-law. The fact that another man was touching her was unacceptable.

Even for her own brother’s sake, she wouldn’t stand by idly.

“Let’s see who this is. Who dares take advantage of my sister-in-law? Trying to make moves on her while my brother is absent, huh?”

She stormed over, ready to confront the man, but when she saw his face, she was taken aback. It was Balfour.

Veronica was already aware of the blood relation between Balfour and Ellinor, even though Ellinor had never explicitly acknowledged it.

But they were siblings.

A brother hugging his sister was the most normal thing in the world.

Realizing her overreaction, Veronica let out a nervous laugh. “Oh… It’s you, Balfour. Hahaha, I thought it was some no-good man trying to seduce my sister-in-law.”

Balfour shot Veronica a cold glance. “Whether she’s your sister-in-law or not is still uncertain. Just because it rolls off your tongue doesn’t mean she’s a part of the Blanchet family. Pardon my directness, but if she chooses to accept another man, it’s her business, not the Blanchet family’s.”

Veronica took offense to this. “If she’s not my sister-in-law, then who is? She bore my brother’s children. Balfour, just because you’re her brother doesn’t mean you Can meddle in the Blanchet family’s affairs. She’ll always be my sister-in-law, with or without my brother!”

Balfour scoffed. “Can you produce a marriage certificate to prove your point? The Blanchet family is always so self-centered, never considering others. How has your brother treated her, and how has she lived these past years? And you have the audacity to prevent her from accepting other men?”

Veronica’s face hardened. She was aware of the faults in her family, but she still insisted. “My…my brother didn’t mean for things to turn out like this… I saw how much he loved her. If it weren’t for his disappearance, he would’ve treated her well. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be waiting for him so faithfully.

She’s not foolish!”

Balfour frowned. He was disgusted by the Blanchet family’s selfishness, but before he could speak…

“Enough!” Ellinor interjected. “Mr. Howard, don’t argue with this young girl.”

Balfour pressed his lips together, choosing to heed his sister’s words.

Veronica, feeling victorious, sidled up to Ellinor. “Was I right? Did I make sense?”

Ellinor sighed. “Where are the kids?”

“They’re outside playing with Byran. They were thrilled at the prospect of going out. I was afraid you’d be overwhelmed looking after the three rascals, so I came to help.”