Chapter 17

Mary didn't quite agree with Alexander on that. Something occurred to her, and she pointed to a lively boy playing not far away. "Ever since Blair arrived, James has become much more cheerful. I can tell she genuinely cares about him. We've had several groups of people come and go, but she's the only one who's stuck it out." Alexander thought of Blair's flushed face from earlier and smiled slightly, saying nothing. No longer in the mood to smoke, he casually tossed the cigarette into the ashtray. Mary glanced at it and clicked her tongue silently. Only he would throw away such expensive cigarettes so carelessly. … Blair had arranged to meet a client today to discuss the interior design for their home. The house was in the city center, where property prices were astronomical. A balding man in his 40s answered the door. Despite his bloated figure, his features still carried the distinctive depth typical of Minnea natives. Blair felt confused but asked politely, "Excuse me, sir. Is