The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2525

“Grandma was still in the hospital, her fate hanging by a thread, and we couldn't just sit around doing nothing."

Ivy's words snapped Balfour back to reality.

"You're right, Ivy. Grandma's always been sturdy as an old oak tree. It just doesn't add up that she'd take a tumble down the stairs."

Mara's heart went out to Balfour as she saw how haggard he looked, like a trapped animal frantically searching for an escape. She'd known him for years and had never seen him this distraught.

She stepped forward, wanting to offer some comfort, but hesitated upon hearing their conversation.

Finally mustering up the courage, she cautiously offered her perspective, "You know, Alyssa's not young anymore. Accidents can happen, as hard as that is to accept. But Balfour, you have to face the fact that they're both getting on in years. I'm not ruling out foul play, I'm just saying, even if she did fall by accident, you can't beat yourself up over it. She's lived a long life."

Mara's meandering words caught Olivia's attention. She silently shot her a glance. Ever since she learned of Mara's dark deed against her own sister, Mara had become a stranger to her, no longer the friend she thought she had known for so many years. Like now, Olivia couldn't quite grasp what Mara was really thinking.

Normally, Mara had no trouble speaking her mind around Balfour. So why the sudden caution? Deep down, Olivia couldn't shake the suspicion that Mara was somehow involved in the incident. But after thinking it over, she dismissed the idea as implausible.

First, Alyssa was Balfour's grandma, whom he adored. If Mara had hurt her, Balfour would be inconsolable. She knew Mara couldn't bear to see Balfour in pain, just as it tore her up inside to see him furrowing his brow in worry now.