The more Old Mr. Blackwood thought about it, the more he was convinced his idea was flawless.
He immediately scanned the young socialites and heiresses in the room. "Take a look around. If you see a girl you like, pursue her properly. Settle down and start a family sooner rather than later. It would save me from watching you waste your life away!"
These words struck a chord deep within Riley.
His eyes instantly lit up, and he grabbed Old Mr. Blackwood's arm, his voice trembling with excitement. “Grandfather, you really are my dear old granddad! You've read my mind! I actually do have a girl I'm interested in! It was love at first sight, and the more I see her, the more I'm sure she's the one! I can't live without her! My heart is racing, I'm totally smitten, and I want to marry her! Right now! Immediately! This very second!"
The excitement in his tone was unmistakable.
Old Mr. Blackwood was taken aback, squinting at him suspiciously.
This rascal... actually had someone he was interested in?
Could he be trying to pull a fast one on an old man?
But looking at Riley's fervent gaze, the excitement and thrill seemed genuine.
It really did seem like the boy had finally come to his senses.
Old Mr. Blackwood asked skeptically, "Oh? Which family's daughter has captured your attention so completely? If she's willing, your grandfather can make the arrangements and settle things today."
Riley's eyes grew even brighter, and he practically danced with joy. "Grandfather, you have no idea! This girl is an angel on earth! She's gorgeous, incredibly cool, and fierce. It feels like there's nothing in the world she can't do! I've never seen a woman with moves like that! I, Riley, have decided she's the one for me for the rest of my life!"
"Don't worry, Grandfather. I can definitely win her over! Even if she says no now, she'll eventually be moved by my sincere passion!"
As Old Mr. Blackwood listened to his description, he felt a strange sense of familiarity.
He asked tentatively, "Who is this girl, exactly?"
Riley excitedly raised his hand, about to point her out and show his grandfather just how excellent his taste was.
But as he turned his head, before his hand even went up, he saw that the fiery figure who had been surrounded by the Lancasters was gone.
He paused. "Huh? Where'd she go? She's gone? Grandfather, wait
here l go bring her over fort
seer i guarantee you'll be satisfied
1
With that, he forgot all about Old Mr. Blackwood and rushed off in a panic to find her.
***
At the same time Riley was being lectured by his grandfather-
Catherine held Serena's hand, her face beaming with pride and honor. A lump
formed in her throat as she looked at her daughter.
She couldn't imagine how Serena, living in such an environment, had managed to learn so many things.
Traditional medicine, scientific research, and piano.
How much hardship must she have endured?
Serena's excellence was something Isabella, despite being meticulously raised by
the Lancaster family, could never hope to achieve in her entire life.
Thinking of Isabella, Catherine couldn't help but sigh.
She glanced at her adopted
daughter, who was kneeling on the floor, her back a portrait of humiliation, not daring to fit her head. A complex mix of emotions filled her eyes.
"Isabella has always been arrogant. Today's blow to her pride is
immense. I hope
Sexperience will
teach her that there's always
someone better out there, and she'll
stop being so condescending."
She sighed and looked at Julian. “Julian, go check on Isabella. Make sure she
doesn't get stuck in her own head and do something rash."