At this point, he could hardly dare call Ellinor his sister, worried it would trigger her wrath again, ââ¦Iâll remind you again when itâs dinner time.â
Ellinor responded politely, âAlright! Thanks a bunch, Mr. Howard. Iâm gonna take a break now, so could you please leave?â
Balfour gave her a deep look, then turned around. He picked up the broken music box and walked out, carefully closing the door behind him. The moment he stepped out of the room, Balfour felt the presence of Patricia, who was sneaking peeks from around the corner.
He frowned, walked up to her, and asked sternly, âWhy are you still hanging around here? Arenât you supposed to be watching the kid?â
Seeing Balfour approaching, Patricia meant to hide but couldnât find a suitable spot, so she was caught red-handed.
Busted, Patricia tried to play it cool, âBalfour, I was worried you might lose your temper with Ellinor because of the broken music box, so I didnât leaveâ¦
Balfour looked grave and said, âI wonât lose my temper at her; mind your own business and go watch the kid!â
Patricia frowned and asked again, âBalfour, why did you come out alone? Whereâs Ellinor?â
Balfour replied, âSheâs tired and taking a break inside. Donât go in there and bother her!â
Patriciaâs eyes widened in surprise, and she blurted, âBalfour, you let Ellinor rest in that room? Thatâs Pearlâs room; donât you hate it when people mess with Pearlâs stuff?â
Balfour frowned, keeping silent for a few seconds before saying, âShe saved Grandpaâs life; she deserves the best hospitality from the Howard family; and she has the right to rest in any room.â
Patricia still found it odd even after hearing his explanation.
Balfourâs attitude toward Ellinor was definitely off.
Ignoring Patricia, Balfour dialed a number on his phone, âQuinton, Iâm on the second floor; get up here now.â
Within a minute of hanging up, Quinton arrived.
Balfour ordered sternly, âQuinton, stand guard here. Ms. Mendoza is resting inside; donât let anyone disturb her.â
Quinton nodded in obedience, âYes, Mr. Howard!â
Balfour then handed him the broken music box, âGet this fixed! And there are some glass shards in the room; get someone to clean it up thoroughly. We canât have our guest getting hurt.â
Quinton took the music box and nodded again, âGot it.â
After giving instructions, Balfour went back to his room with a stone-faced expression.
He was in a bad mood and needed some alone time.
Patricia stayed put, staring blankly at Balfourâs retreating figure with confusion written all over her face.
What on earth was going on? It had only been a few days; why had Balfourâs attitude toward Ellinor changed so drastically?
After some thought, Patricia decided to go in and ask Ellinor what exactly had been said between her and Balfour.
However, Quinton stopped her from entering the room.
âMs. Howard, Ms. Mendoza is resting; you cannot enter.â
Patricia tried her best tactic, speaking in a sweet and gentle voice, âQuinton, I just want to keep Ellinor company. I wonât disturb her rest.â
Quinton responded sternly yet fairly, âMs. Howard, you heard Mr. Howardâs instructions just now.
Please donât put me in an awkward position.â