"What's wrong with the O'Connors?" Manny asked his daughter.
"Back then, everybody wanted to marry a daughter from the O'Connor family. I don't think I did anything wrong. Besides, it was your grandfather who arranged it. I had no choice but to go with his decision."
"Pa, Louis is from your generation. He's almost ten years older than me," Roxy complained.
"Louis is only in his early thirties. How is that old? Besides, he's not part of our family, so what does being from the same generation matter? You're twenty-five. You're a perfect match for him.
"A man a few years older will know how to take care of his wife. Besides, the O'Connor family has an excellent reputation. Countless women would do anything for a chance to marry into that family."
Manny added, "If you weren't my daughter, I wouldn't even think about introducing you to Louis. If you really think Louis is too old, then consider Phillip. He's a little younger than his brother."
"He's only a year younger," Roxy replied. "How much difference does that make? Besides, Louis is the head of the family now, isn't he? If I'm getting married, I'm marrying the one in charge. Louis, it is then. Pa, do you think Louis has heard about how I pursued Laurence?"
“He's probably heard about it. But as long as you're sincere toward him, he won't care. That happened before you pursued him. Everyone has a past.”
Roxy pouted and asked, "Can't I make him pursue me instead? Why do I always have to be the one pursuing men?"
She had her pride, too.
No matter what, she was the eldest daughter of the Longbottom family. Even though her father was only the acting head of the family, she was respectable and attractive. If she wanted to get married, there would be no shortage of men lining up to propose to her.
Pursuing Laurence, however, was different. That had been a task assigned by her father. Everyone in Havenmill knew the Longbottom family had simply tried to use a honey trap on Laurence. Unfortunately for them, it did not work.
Now, with Louis, why should she have to pursue him, too?
Manny replied, "If you can make him pursue you, that's even better. Once he takes the initiative, it means he's genuinely interested in you. The O'Connor family has strong values. If he falls for you, he'll definitely marry you and treat you well for the rest of your life.
"As long as you become the future missus of the O'Connor family, we won't have to worry about the future anymore. It'll also leave a way out for you and your brother."
His parents had told him that the younger generation would be sent overseas and not to return.
The purpose was simple, to preserve their bloodline. If Laurence came back for revenge, they feared he might wipe out their family just as his own family had once been wiped out.
Manny did not believe he would lose. Still, it was better to devise a protection plan for the younger generation.
Roxy was already an adult and capable of helping the family, so she would not be among those sent abroad.
If he could find her a powerful husband, her protection in the future would be guaranteed.
After considering every possibility, Manny still believed the O'Connor family was the safest choice.
After all, Isabella's husband was a son of the powerful York family. The Yorks had connections in elite circles throughout the country. If his daughter could successfully marry into the O'Connor family, his children would be protected, not just Roxy.
"Pa, don't worry. As long as I'm alive, I'll protect my brothers."
Although she sometimes resented her parents for favoring her brothers, they were still her family, and she cared deeply about them.
If enemies came seeking revenge and she could protect herself, she would also protect her brothers.
Hearing that, Manny finally relaxed.
"That's good to hear. Marrying into the O'Connor family is the best path for both you and our family. Roxy, do your best. Win Louis over. I couldn't win over one of his sisters back in the day, so you must make me proud.”
"Give me all the information you have on Louis and the rest of the O'Connor family. I need to learn their preferences, habits, weaknesses-everything. I have to know your opponent before I can win."
Since she had decided to follow her father's advice and approach the eldest son of the O'Connor family, she needed to understand him first.
Manny opened a drawer and pulled out a document envelope.
Handing it to his daughter, he said, “I prepared this a long time ago."