Chapter 2235: Chapter 2235

As Balfour sat silently by Ivy’s bedside, watching her sleep, thirty minutes slipped away like sand through an hourglass.

Before leaving, he sought out the attending physician and the room nurse. They were outside the room, ready to attend to any patient’s need at a moment’s notice.

“Mr. Howard.”

Balfour nodded in acknowledgment. “I need to head home for a bit. I should be back…” He glanced at his watch, “within the hour. Please keep a close eye on Ivy for me. When she wakes up, just tell her I’ll be right back.”

They nodded, affirming what was already part of their duties.

With urgency, Balfour left the hospital and drove back to the Howard family estate.

“Master Balfour…”

He waved his hand to dismiss the formalities.

Bag in hand, he went straight to their bedroom to pack for Ivy. Seeing her in such a weakened state, he thought it best if she stayed in the hospital for a couple more days for observation.

Concerned that others might overlook something while packing Ivy’s belongings, Balfour decided to handle it personally. He packed generously to ensure Ivy’s comfort during her hospital stay.

However, as he was about to leave, his phone rang.

It was Mara.

“Hello?” Balfour answered.

He was worried Ivy would wake up and think he’d left her again.

Surprisingly, he heard a soft sobbing on the other end, “Balfour…”

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying? What happened?” Balfour asked, a frown creasing his brows.

But no matter how much he prodded, Mara remained silent on the specifics.

Checking the time, he noted there was still a while before he had to return to the hospital.

So, he took a seat in the living room.

“What’s going on? I’m tied up at the moment, so if there’s something you need to say, you better spill it.

Crying won’t fix anything.”

Mara was sniffling pitifully, wiping away tears haphazardly.

“Balfour, I… never mind, it’s no use telling you. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Impatient, Balfour pressed, “What do you mean I shouldn’t worry? If you’re in trouble or if something’s bothering you, you need to tell me so I can help.”

Then, to his surprise, her sobbing intensified.

“Oh, Balfour, I just can’t take it anymore. When will this all end?”

Balfour couldn’t pin down what Mara’s distress was about, but he could sense the heartbreak in her voice.

Unfortunately, Mara kept beating around the bush, sobbing instead of explaining.

Balfour, frustrated, demanded, “What’s going on?”

There was a pause on the other end, as if she was taken aback by his impatience, then resumed her sob story. “Balfour, are you angry with me? If I’m bothering you, I’ll just hang up. I didn’t mean to vent to you. You’ve got your own stuff to deal with, go on.”

Knowing Mara for years, Balfour quickly stopped her from hanging up, “Just tell me what’s wrong!”

Silence lingered on the other end, but the call didn’t disconnect; she seemed to be waiting for an apology.

“Sorry, I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so I might have been a bit abrupt. Now, what’s happened?”

Finally, Mara spoke, “Balfour, I know you. Your impatience speaks volume to me. Haven’t you noticed?

Ever since you met Ivy, you’ve become more on edge. Sometimes, I question if you still want to deal with me.”

Her feelings and apologies came through clearly, but Balfour was at a loss for words.

His mind was preoccupied with caring for Ivy, leaving little room for anything else.