Chapter 1918
âFoodborne illness?" Balfour turned his head and looked at Talia who stood beside him.
Talia had always been the caregiver for the elderly couple, managing their meals and tending to
their needs.
Feeling the weight of Balfour's scrutinizing gaze, Talia quickly stood up and waved her hands in
defense, âMr. Balfour, I swear I had no idea! I know how fragile Senior Mr. and Mrs. Howard's health
is. I've always been very careful with their diets, never letting them have any takeout or anything.
How could they possibly be poisoned?â
Talia was frantic, trying to clear her name, but without proof, all she could do was waving hands in
desperation.
âFood?â Ivy suddenly thought of herself. She had prepared breakfast that morning. Could Dean and
Alyssaâs current condition be because of her cooking?
Watching Talia's anxious demeanor, Ivy hesitated before standing up and speaking softly, âUm... I
was the one who made breakfast this morning, and last night's dinner too. It has nothing to do with
Talia.â
With his eyebrows raised, Balfour fixed his gaze on Ivy without saying a word for a moment.
He trusted Talia; after all, she'd been by Alyssaâs side for years, deeply bonded with the old couple. It
wasn't likely she'd poison them.
But Ivy, he couldn't be totally certain about her.
After entrusting the care of the elderly to Talia, Balfour led Ivy out of the sickroom and into the
hallway.
Leila was also there, having come to help with the elderly and waiting outside.
Ivy timidly followed behind Balfour. Once they had moved a bit away, she spoke up, âUm... Mr.
Howard, I know your family has staff for cooking, but I just arrived and wanted to fulfill our
agreement by being a considerate granddaughter-in-law, so I thought I'd cook a meal
for them.â
Balfour turned around and looked at her coldly, âSo, what exactly did you put in the breakfast?â
It seemed from Talia's account that there was nothing amiss after last night's dinner, so the problem
must have been with this morning's meal!
Ivy furrowed her brows, thinking hard, âI didn't add anything strange, just regular ingredients. Mr.
Howard, I know you suspect me, but I really didnât put anything that shouldn't be there.â
Balfour scrutinized her; she didn't seem to be lying and had no apparent motive to harm the
elderly.
â1... I think I saw something.â
At the voice, they both turned to see the maid, Leila, who had timidly approached.
Balfour addressed Leila, âWhat did you see?â
Leila glanced fearfully at Ivy, as if terrified, âI was there when Ms. Dunhill was making breakfast. I saw
her add some white powder to the oatmeal. I asked her what it was, and she said it was a special
ingredient in her secret recipe, so I didn't question further.â
Ivy was stunned, looking at Leila who was blatantly lying. She didn't know how to react, but one
thing was clear to her now.
This maid had disliked her from the start, harboring hostility; that was certain!
âLeila, what nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever add white powder to the oatmeal? I
have no quarrel with you, and why are you slandering me?