The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2302

“Alyssa, I’m at a total loss here! I didn’t come back just to spend more time with Balfour, but for my own future, too. After years of living abroad all by myself, I know that place isn’t really home. Only here in this city can I find where I belong. Alyssa, are you really going to take away that right?”

As Mara spoke, tears began to spill from her eyes, her voice quivering with vulnerability.

Alyssa frowned slightly when Mara mentioned being alone in her family home now.

“Look, the Howard family is mighty grateful to your sister for what she did back in the day. But I made my stance crystal clear: any debt to your family can be settled any which way you want, except tying it to Balfour’s marriage. You agreed to that, remember? So why the change of heart now? For years, I’ve turned a blind eye to Balfour’s annual trips abroad, just to avoid family drama. Remember, it was your sister who was his benefactor, not you. Don’t try to cash in on that gratitude. I don’t appreciate it, and neither does Balfour.”

Mara blanched, shocked that her actions were being seen as opportunistic.

“Alyssa, what kind of person do you take me for? Balfour’s not a child anymore, he can

would he keep flying out to see me? We’ve known each other for years, all we’ve lacked is an opportunity to express our true feelings.”

could hardly stomach

straight, Ms. Lewis. As you’ve said, Balfour’s not a child. He makes his own choices. If he had feelings for you, why hasn’t he declared them? Why wait until he’s married

gonna work.”

been advancing in years, but she stood firm,

stature and

couldn’t provide a clear explanation in the face of

with all due respect, if it wasn’t for you and Dean pressuring Balfour into marriage, why would he just settle for any woman? Ivy’s background, her family-none of it is a match for Balfour, is

tinged with frustration

has good character and makes Balfour happy, that’s all that