The Kiss that Sparked it All

Balfour’s eyes turned serious, like there was no room for negotiation.

Patricia, although she’d been spoiled since childhood, still got a little scared when Balfour got all stern.

“Balfour, you’ve gotta treat Ellinor well, okay? Don’t lose your cool just because she accidentally wandered into Pearl’s room and broke Pearl’s favorite music box. I’m off to check on Baber.”

After reminding Balfour, Patricia took off, but things didn’t turn out quite as she’d hoped.

Once Patricia left, Ellinor didn’t feel like sticking around either. She murmured, “Mr. Howard, I’m sorry for going where I shouldn’t have in your house. I’l show myself out, but I didn’t break that music box”

With that, she made to leave. But Balfour raised a hand to stop her.

Ellinor paused, frowning, “So, what’s the deal? You’re gonna punish me for trespassing?”

the door, preventing her from

room is indeed off-limits to outsiders in the Howard family. But you’re allowed in because this was your

out a sarcastic

music from the music box and the flashbacks, she’d sensed

music box

barely glanced at it, “Oh, really? Well, you keep

slightly, “I kept this room and everything in it exactly the way

“Nope.”

managed a bitter smile, “Well, that’s okay. Once you’re back, you’ll