Chapter 2303
Alyssaâs furrowed brow was a testament to her irritation, and it was clear that Balfour had likely
never witnessed such brazen behavior from Mara before.
âDo you
think I'm worried about you meddling in their relationship? I simply donât want their happy home to
be ruined by someone with ulterior motives. Have you ever considered, Ms. Lewis, that one day I
might spill the beans to Balfour?â
Mara was clearly taking advantage of her sister's goodwill, trying to cash in on the favors she was
owed.
Truth be told, the Howard family was indebted to her sister, a top-notch gal if there ever was one.
But as for Mara herself â she was nothing like her sister!
The difference in their characters was like night and day.
Mara had even begun to disregard the weight of Alyssa's words, which almost made Alyssa want to
chuckle.
Wiping away her tears, Mara put on a pitiful face as if she were being unjustly persecuted. âGo
ahead, tell Balfour. I don't mind if you share our conversation with him, but remember one thing-
Until Balfour tells me to leave, I'm not going anywhere, Alyssa.â
Mara was confident that even if Alyssa told Balfour everything, he would never send her packing.
After all, she really didn't have anyone else to rely on back home; Balfour was her only real
acquaintance.
She knew Balfour was a man of his word; he had promised her sister he would take good care of
her, and he wouldn't easily abandon her.
âYou're quite cunning, Ms. Lewis,â Alyssa remarked.
Mara's eyes widened in feigned innocence. âAlyssa, what are you talking about? I just want to spend
more time with you and Dean, to improve your opinion of me. It's also a way of showing my
gratitude to Balfour.â
Alyssa scoffed. âGratitude? What right do you have to speak of gratitude? We only acknowledge Ivy
as part of this family. I really can't believe it. When it comes down to it, who do you think Balfour will
choose between us?â
Mara pouted, âWhy must you make things difficult for Balfour, Alyssa? If you and Dean truly canât
accept me, that's fine, as long as I know I have a place in Balfour's heart.â
"You-"
The conversation ended abruptly, with Alyssa not anticipating how shameless Mara could be. No
matter what was said, Mara refused to leave.
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Chapter 2303
It seemed that gentle persuasion wouldn't work; Alyssa would have to think of something
else.
What Alyssa didnât expect was that as soon as she left the conservatory, Mara went straight to
Balfour, putting on a completely different face.
Balfour was surprised. He couldn't fathom why Mara, who had been living comfortably, would
suddenly suggest moving out.
Maraâs forced smile was tinged with sadness. âBalfour, I am, after all, an outsider. Staying at your
place indefinitely just isn't proper. Plus, with Ivy back, I canât help but feel my continued presence
might make her uncomfortable. If she misinterpreted our relationship, that would be a terrible
mistake on my part.â
Balfour furrowed his brow and said, âShe's never said anything of the sort. Don't jump to
conclusions.â
But Maraâs smile grew more melancholic. âBalfour, I know you two are close, yet I can't shake the
feeling that some people don't want me around. If I leave now, I can avoid misunderstandings,
instead of being the subject of gossip for not knowing my place.â
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