Chapter 2126
Dean scoffed, âNo matter how good something is, you just can't have it every day. Besides, the
meatloaf is too heavy. Ivy, don't just listen to everything your grandma says. You know, a classic
breakfast of milk and cereals is more like it. If you're hankering for a Mediterranean breakfast, just
tell the housekeeper to whip something up for you.â
Ivy nodded vigorously, âDonât worry, Grandpa. You and Grandma have been so kind to me already. I
totally get it.â
The old lady was preoccupied with her own concerns, barely registering her husband's teasing
remarks.
Alyssa spoke up with a furrowed brow after Ivy polished off a plate of meat loaves, âWhat exactly
happened yesterday? I tried asking Balfour, but he wouldn't spill the beans. I know you're all worried
about us old-timers fretting over you.
But keeping us in the dark only makes us worry more. We can't enjoy our meals or get a good
night's sleep, just fretting over you two.â
There was only care in the elderly woman's voice, not a hint of blame. Ivy felt a wave of warmth
wash over her.
It was a kind of warmth she had never felt from her own parents.
Setting down her fork, she looked at her grandmother, âGrandma, if Balfour didn't tell you, it's only
because it was such a trivial matter.
Everything was sorted out yesterday, and if we had told you last night, you would have just lost
sleep worrying, right?â
Alyssa sighed deeply, âAh, we're getting on in years and you all have your own minds now. You
don't want to bother us with your troubles.â
Ivy quickly explained herself, âThat's not it at all, Grandma! You and Grandpa are still young at heart!
If you went out among your peers, they wouldn't believe you're in your seventies. Sixties at most!â
Dean patted Alyssaâs hand, âNow, now, speak your mind. Look how you've rattled Ivy; she can barely
get her words out. Ivy, you just said we're still strong. So, what could be so bad that you can't tell
us?
Balfour's being secretive, and now you too? If it's all over, there's even less reason not to tell us.
Don't follow in Balfour's footsteps, dear.â
With the shrewdness of a pair who had weathered the storms of the business world, they cornered
Ivy into speaking her mind, leaving her no choice but to come clean.
"Alright, I'll start by saying that everything's been dealt with, so you two mustn't get agitated, okay?"
Ivy prepped them as a precaution.
Had it been her own folks, maybe she wouldn't have been so concerned about them worrying over
her.
But she knew for certain that the old couple would.
Alyssa placed a hand over her heart before nodding, âGo ahead, I'm braced for it.â
âWell, I had a sudden whim yesterday and didn't call for Balfour's car. On my way back from buying
books at the bookstore, I was snatched up by a trio of thugs.â
Both grandparents gasped in unison, completely blindsided by the peril she had faced the day
before.
They were only after money, nothing else. Look at me, I'm perfectly fine, not a hair out of place!â Ivy
said, standing up and doing a quick twirl to show she was unharmed.
Alyssa pulled her back down with a touch of heartache, urging Ivy to sit beside her.
âMy dear, you must have been terrified yesterday, weren't you?â
Even if those thugs were only after the money, the fact that Ivy had been kidnapped so suddenly, no
matter how calm she might have appeared or how intent the thugs were on their loot, must have
frightened her.
Moved by her grandmother's caring gaze, Ivy felt tears welling up in her eyes.
"Yeah..."
Alyssaâs heart went out to her; it was evident that Ivy had been through an ordeal.
âAnd Balfour, of all things, to not stay home with you after such an ordeal. What business could be
so important?â