Chapter 2550: Chapter 2550

Ivy couldn’t help but let out a sardonic chuckle.

Mara had been harping on about how well she knew Alyssa, but her every move and warmth in her demeanor only expression screamed a lack of respect for the old lady 5 surfaced when Balfour was around, casting her motives into a suspicious light.

“Oh, sure, you are not like me,” Mara drawled, “I grew up with Balfour. We’re like two peas in a pod.

And you? You’re just some girl he picked up from God knows where.

Boys will be boys. They love their toys, so I don’t fuss about it. But the longer he spends with you, the more he’ll come to appreciate what I have to offer. I’m betting it won’t be long until he comes running back to me.”

Ivy had to suppress a real laugh now. Mara’s confidence was something else.

“So, you’re that confident you’re more important to him than I am?” Ivy asked.

Mara dropped Alyssa’s hand and even whipped out a wet wipe as if she had touched something distasteful.

“It’s not about confidence; it’s an inevitable truth. What have you and he really been through? Compare that to the history Balfour and I share? Consider this a friendly piece of advice: don’t get too emotionally invested, or the breakup will hit you hard.”

Ivy shook her head, this time genuinely laughing. “Ms. Lewis, you might want to spend your time more wisely, like maybe picking up a book or two. There’s no need to fixate on Balfour and me. As for who holds more weight in his heart, if it makes you happy to think it’s you, then by all means.”

Ivy was the picture of nonchalance, Mara’s words sliding off her like water off a duck’s back.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mara’s voice had an edge of irritation.

“It means exactly what you think it does.”

After all this time apart, Ivy had become so brazen. Mara wondered if it was because she had been too kind. If she had decided to team up with Clara earlier, Ivy wouldn’t be so bold in front of her.

Did Ivy really think she mattered?

“It looks like you’re done putting on airs in front of me.” Mara sneered.

Ivy turned to face her. “When have I ever put on airs around you? I don’t need to reiterate how strong my relationship is with him; time will tell.”

With that, Ivy fell silent.

She was with Balfour now, and she had no desire to flaunt their relationship in front of Mara. In her mind, the one forced to step aside was the true loser.

No matter how deep the connection between Mara and Balfour had been in the past, it was Ivy who stood by his side now, and that was all that mattered.

Mara’s reaction was peculiar; she neither got angry nor retorted after Ivy’s statement but simply sat quietly as if she genuinely was there to visit Alyssa.

An hour passed, and Ivy stood up, mentioning she needed to use the restroom.

“Just keep an eye on things here for me, will you? No need to do anything else. If there’s an emergency, just ring for the nurse.”

Mara waved her off nonchalantly. “She’s Balfour’s grandma. I care about her well-being, too.”

As Ivy walked away, Mara didn’t even glance at her, only turning her head quickly once the door was shut to make sure she was alone before dialing Clara.

“She’s gone now, just me in the room. Make it snappy!”

“Got it.”

Meanwhile, Ivy was still puzzled. “Why doesn’t Mara just go directly to Balfour?”