The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2302

"Alyssa, I'm at a total loss here! I didn't come back just to spend more time with Balfour, but for my own future, too. After years of living abroad all by myself, I know that place isn't really home. Only here in this city can I find where I belong. Alyssa, are you really going to take away that right?"

As Mara spoke, tears began to spill from her eyes, her voice quivering with vulnerability.

Alyssa frowned slightly when Mara mentioned being alone in her family home now.

"Look, the Howard family is mighty grateful to your sister for what she did back in the day. But I made my stance crystal clear: any debt to your family can be settled any which way you want, except tying it to Balfour's marriage. You agreed to that, remember? So why the change of heart now? For years, I've turned a blind eye to Balfour's annual trips abroad, just to avoid family drama. Remember, it was your sister who was his benefactor, not you. Don't try to cash in on that gratitude. I don't appreciate it, and neither does Balfour."

Mara blanched, shocked that her actions were being seen as opportunistic.

"Alyssa, what kind of person do you take me for? Balfour's not a child anymore, he can understand my feelings. He knows what kind of person I am! Besides, if he really had no feelings for me, why would he keep flying out to see me? We've known each other for years, all we've lacked is an opportunity to express our true feelings."

Alyssa could hardly stomach Mara's presumptuousness.

But Alyssa just gave a slight, dismissive smile. "I'm his grandmother, and our family doesn't mind Ivy's background. What's it to you? As long as Ivy has good character and makes Balfour happy, that's all that matters. Ms. Lewis, I'd advise you to leave sooner rather than later, lest I have to step in myself."

Hearing Alyssa so anxious to get herself out of the way only had Mara’s competitiveness fired up.

"Alyssa, if you truly believe Balfour has no feelings for me, why are you in such a rush to send me packing? I thought you didn't buy into the idea of our connection? Your urgency seems quite at odds with your words!"