âHmm. Iâm going to check on the kids.â
With that, Ellinor headed for the door, followed naturally by Veronica.
Balfour pinched the bridge of his nose and slowly followed.
As soon as Ellinor came out, she saw her three little ones crowding around Bryan, begging for treats.
There was no doubt that Bryan had bought them loads of snacks on the way.
âAll of you, hand them over! Iâm confiscating these. You canât have too many snacks.â
Upon hearing Ellinorâs voice, the three little ones immediately straightened up and turned to look at her.
In unison, Layla, Tristan, and Baber both screamed, âMommy!â
Ellinor walked up to her three children and gave each of them a light tap on the forehead. âHave you three forgotten what Mommyâs told you? No sneaking snacks without Mommyâs permission!â
The three little ones hung their heads with their lips pouting.
Bryan, feeling sorry for the kids, approached Ellinor with the snacks, ready to argue on their behalf.
âSis! They donât eat these every day. Once in a while wonât hurt. Weâre out for a fun day, so donât scare the kids.â
Ellinor shot him a dissatisfied glance. âIâm scaring them? Iâm their mother; why would scare them? Itâs you whoâs dangling snacks in front of them and risking upsetting their stomachs. Whoâs going to look after them if they get sick? You?â
Bryan seemed defiant. Sis, these snacks are all from a supermarket. Theyâre not poisonous. They wonât make the kids sick.
As their uncle, I promise you that if they get sick from these snacks, Iâll take responsibility and look after them.
So, sis, why not let them have a little fun today? Let them eat and play as they wish, okay?â
The kids, hearing their uncle championing for them, looked excitedly at their mother and tugged at her dress, hoping she would agree with their uncle.
Ellinor definitely couldnât agree. If she let them eat whatever they wanted, they would never stop. What if they got sick?
She frowned in thought, considering how to break the news to the kids without disappointing them.
Just then, Balfourâs deep, authoritative voice echoed. âWhy are you still here?â
âBro?!â Bryan was startled and hid behind Ellinor like a child, who was afraid of a ghost. âBro⦠when did you get here?â
Balfour narrowed his eyes, responding with another question. âAm I not welcome?â
Bryan forced a laugh. âOf course not. Iâm just surprised youâre here. I had no idea, hahahaâ¦â
His awkward laughter died as he jabbed at Ellinor. âSis, you couldâve told me that our brother arrived.
You gave me quite a fright.â
Ellinor rolled her eyes at him. âIf you have a clear conscience, why are you afraid of him?â
Bryan was at a loss for words.
He hadnât done anything wrong.
But he was afraid that his brother would interfere with his relationship with Ida, causing a rift between them and upsetting his woman.
After seeing Uncle Balfour, the three children ran over and hugged his leg affectionately.