Chapter 1464
Prosperity Auction House.
Balfour picked up Ellinor from the Blanchet Villa first thing in the morning and brought her with him
to the auction.
Layla insisted on accompanying her mother, and Ellinor, unable to resist her daughter's coquettish
charm, decided to bring Baber and âAdrianâ along as well.
As they stepped into the auction house, the manager greeted them with respect. âMr. Howard,
welcome. Your box has been reserved. Let me show you the way.â
Balfour, cradling Layla in his arms, nodded slightly and followed the manager at a leisurely pace.
Ellinor and her two sons followed closely behind.
Their box was more secluded, and since they were on the second floor, they got a good view of the
packed auction hall below.
Before entering the box, Balfour glanced at the crowd below. âQuite a turnout for this auction.
Seems like there will be some interesting items to bid on.â
The auction house manager nodded with a smile. âIndeed. Most people here are interested in the
Blue River Estates. Many want to win it.â
Balfour entered the box, sat down with Layla in his arms, and instructed the manager on what to get
him. âNo coffee. Bring some kid-friendly beverages instead.â
The manager bowed. âOf course, Mr. Howard. I will arrange for snacks and drinks for the young
ones right away.â
Balfour, looking at the little one in his arms, spoke softly, âLayla, what would you like to eat today?
Let Uncle know, and once Uncle and Mommy are done with their work, we'll take you and your
brothers to eat.â
His voice was gentle. He acted like he was handling a delicate artifact.
Layla blinked her big, bright eyes and replied obediently, âUncle, you should ask Mommy. Whatever
Mommy wants to eat, that's what Layla wants to eat too!â
Balfour lightly pinched Laylaâs little nose. âSuch a small child, and yet so considerate? Are you always
thinking about what Mommy likes?"
Layla nodded seriously. âBecause Mommy is the best. Of course Layla has to please her.â
Balfour couldn't help but laugh at the cute little girl.
Ellinor first placed the older Baber on a chair by her side, and then, held the slightly unwell Adrian,
took a seat next to Balfour. She narrowed her eyes and looked at the crowd below. âEveryone seems
to have their eyes on that plot of land. The bidding is going to be fierce today.â
Balfour looked at his sister. âDon't worry, I'm here with you today. We will win whatever you want.â
Ellinor was determined to win the plot of land and didnât react much. But Adrian, in her arms, looked
surprised. His eyes widened, and his pupils were dilated.
Balfour noted the boy's strange reaction and followed his gaze. Through the partially open door of
their box, he saw a man in a wheelchair being pushed into a box across a large courtyard.
There was something familiar about the manâs silhouette, but he couldn't identify him before the
door was closed. Balfour decided not to mention it and turned to Adrian. âWhat did you see? Why
such a startled look?â
âAdrianâ looked a bit guilty. âI... I need to pee.â
Balfour patiently replied, âShould Uncle take you to the bathroom?â
âAdrianâ quickly shook his head. âI can go on my own. I saw the restroom sign earlier.â
With those words, the little guy wriggled out of Ellinor's arms, jumped onto the floor, and was ready
to rush to the restroom.
Ellinor grabbed him immediately, and her voice took on a stern tone. âHave you forgotten what
Mommy told you yesterday? Are you going to run off on your own again?â