Balfour was hunched over his phone, scrolling through documents, completely unprepared for how much chatter there was between Nolan and Ivy.
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Ivy glanced curiously towards the entrance, wondering why there were so many visitors today.
But the person who walked in wiped the smile right off her face.
âHey Ivy, sorry to barge in again, hope my dropping by isnât too much of a bother. Balfourâs going to give me a lift back, so I thought Iâd just swing by here to meet him.â
Ivy managed a polite, though faint, smile.
âGot it, no bother at all. Iâve just wrapped up my part anyway. Since you two are heading out, you might as well get going.â
Mara looked at Balfour, her eyes flirty with a hint of urgency.
But Nolan didnât look like he was in any hurry to leave, so Balfour certainly wasnât about to jet off.
âNo rush, itâs almost lunchtime. How about we all grab a bite together?â Balfour glanced at his watch.
âYeah, itâs about that time, isnât it?â Nolan chimed in.
The moment Nolan laid eyes on Mara, he was surprised. When had she returned?
But Mara showed no sign of surprise at seeing him there; she didnât recognize him.
âOh, and who might this gentleman be-â
Mara looked to Balfour for an introduction, and he obliged with a brief âMy cousin.â
âOh, Balfourâs cousin. Nice to meet you.â
Nolan reached out first to shake hands. âPleasure. Iâve heard about you, and how Balfour flies out to see you whenever he can spare a moment.â
âAs if Balfour has time with his busy schedule!â Mara blushed, looking at Balfour with a shy, timid gaze.
But Balfour cut in bluntly, âDonât talk nonsense.
Nolan nodded understandingly, âJust kidding. Letâs go grab some lunch. Itâs a bit of fate that weâve all met up here.â
Ivy just wanted to go back to her dorm for some alone time, away from these pretentious social dances.
âYou guys go ahead. Iâm a bit worn out. I think Iâll head back and rest up.â
Nolan immediately turned to her with concern, That wonât do. You havenât had lunch yet. No matter how tired, youâve got to eat something before resting. Donât want to keep losing weight now, do we?â
Balfour agreed, âIf youâre tired, I can just pick something up and bring it to your dorm.â
Suddenly, no one seemed to consider Maraâs wishes, and her expression soured.
Ivy really knew how to play the part, didnât she? Looking at Nolan, it was clear he was another man ensnared by a siren.
Useless, all of them.
âIf Ivyâs feeling tired, we could just order takeout, right? That way we donât have to wait around outside, and we can chat while we eat! Itâs not often we all get together, donât you want to hang out and talk with us?â
Ivy stayed quiet, unsure of what to say.
She really didnât want to talk to them, nor did she understand where Mara got the confidence to expect the answer she wanted to hear.
âIf youâre already tired, thereâs no need to stay for lunch. Wait here, Iâll take her back.â
Balfour moved to lift Ivy in his arms to carry her to her dorm, but Mara quickly grabbed his arm, desperate to keep him there.