Balfour squinted. âSo youâre saying Mom might still be alive?â
Ellinor took a deep breath. âI hope so, but Iâm not sure I havenât found any clues about Mom, just some of her paintings that she left behind.â Balfour sighed. Tve been looking for you and Mom all these years. Now that youâre back, Iâll have people keep looking for Mom.â
Ellinor nodded. âOkay, thanks a ton, Mr. Howard. If you find any clues, please let me knowâ
She was all for more people joining the search for her mother.
In fact, she was really worried that her mom might have been killed after entrusting her to Arnold Mendoza If Mom didnât feel danger was imminent, she believed her mom would never have left her in someone elseâs care.
Her mom must have had no other choice but to make this decision.
Balfour knew Ellinor must be thinking about their mom after noticing the look of despair on Ellinorâs face.
After all these years, his little sister had been alone without Momâs company. She must have gone through hell.
He ached for her and wanted to give her a big hug, but he didnât dare Balfour knew that Ellinor hadnât accepted him as her brother yet. The only reason she was sitting here talking to him was because of their mom.
Otherwise, she wouldnât keep calling him Mr. Howard, making their relationship seem so distant Balfour had enough patience. He planned to slowly win her acceptance. He couldnât rush things âEllinor, itâs okay if you donât want to acknowledge me. But could you promise me that you wonât disappear on me again?â
Ellinor gave him a small smile. Iâm with the Blanchet family. You can reach me anytime, Mr. Howard.
But please, only contact me if itâs about Mom. The Blanchets donât exactly roll out the red carpet for Howards With that, Ellinor got up to leave. âI should get going. Theoâs been waiting for meâ
Balfour didnât try to stop her, knowing it would be futile. He simply got up and reminded her, âTake care on your wayâ
Ellinor waved without looking back and headed for the parking lot.
Balfour watched her retreating figure, wanting to follow but fearing it would upset her Fortunately, the parking lot wasnât far, so he could still see her from where he stood.
It wasnât until he saw Ellinor reach Theo that he finally relaxed and picked up his coat, dusting it off.
As he prepared to leave he ran into his father, McNeil Howard Ever since his mother left, his relationship with his father had been strained McNeil asked. âBalfour, what were you and Ellinor talking about?â
Balfour replied nonchalantly, âNothing much I was just apologizing to the lady who saved Grandpaâs life. Todayâs events must have upset herâ
McNeil agreed and went on, âHow did that girl marry into the Blanchet family?
Balfour raised an eyebrow sarcastically, âAre you interested in her?â
McNeil responded frankly, âI think she looks a lot like your mother when she was young.â
Balfour laughed coldly, âYou still remember my mother? Forgive me for being blunt, but you should be embarrassed to even mention her!â