Meanwhile, in the Jacobson residence, Rowena sat on the couch in the living

room while flipping through a stack of photographs. She mumbled to herself, “Ms. Harrington has good qualities, while Ms. Wellerson is as pretty as a fairy. There’s also Ms. Webb, who just graduated with a master’s degree from Jordanville University. She seems to be the studious type, I like her a lot.”

Rowena lifted her head and smiled at Stephen as she asked, “Look at these photos, Stephen. Which one do you like?”

Stephen’s gaze was dark, and he wasn’t paying attention to Rowena. When he locked gazes with Tessa in the garden earlier, he had seen how pale she looked. Her lips were drained of all color, making him wonder if she was sick.

“Earth to Stephen,” Rowena called while raising her voice, the smile on her face dimming a little. “I’m talking to you. What are you daydreaming about?”

Stephen reined in his thoughts and directed his gaze toward her. “What is it?” Unhappily, Rowena placed down the photos. She adjusted the silk shawl around her shoulders and said in a languid tone, “Jocelyn Webb just graduated with her master’s degree. I met her a few days ago. She’s pretty, and she has a gentle disposition. You should visit the Webbs with your mother and get to know her better.”

His gaze darkened even more as he sat on the couch. “I don’t have any free time.”

She was displeased. Her brow was furrowed as she glared at him. “You’re on holiday, yet you don’t have free time? You’ve been busy all year, so you should let yourself relax when you’re on break. Listen to me. Visit the Webbs with Sophia.”

Jacqueline felt annoyed after hearing how Rowena was trying to set Stephen up with another woman. It had taken her so much work to chase Tessa away, yet Rowena was trying to rush Stephen into another arranged marriage?

The Jacobsons had only broken off their arrangement with the Yates not too long ago.

She clung onto Rowena’s arm. Softening her voice, she cajoled, “Grandma, Stephen just broke off his engagement with Tessa. If news of him meeting Ms. Webb gets out, the people will start wagging their tongues behind our backs.”

To the side, Nancy supported Jacqueline’s words. “That’s right, Grandma, It’s not as if Stephen is lacking any suitors. All the eligible bachelorettes in Rivertown are tripping over themselves to get married to him. You don’t need to worry.”

“I’m not worried about him lacking suitors. I’m worried that he’s still yearning for someone he shouldn’t be yearning for,” Rowena replied, shooting a displeased glance at Stephen.

Nancy pursed her lips together as her gaze flitted between Rowena and Stephen. She didn’t know that Rowena never approved of Stephen and Tessa being together. She thought it was strange since Tessa was from a prestigious family. Tessa was also beautiful and had a

good personality, making Nancy

wonder why Rowena disapproved of

Tessa.

Stephen’s mouth was set in a tight line. Rising to his feet, he declared, “I’m going

to check on Grandpa in the study, Grandma.”

“Wait a moment. Can you at least take my words to heart? Stop trying to escape from reality. You’ve already broken off your engagement with her, so stop thinking about that Yates girl. Which part of her is better than Ms. Webb or Ms. Harrington?”

Stephen halted his footsteps to look back at Rowena. His eyes were as dark as ink, and he had a careless smile. “If you like them so much, why don’t you marry them? As for me, I’m not interested in any of them.”

Nancy secretly gave him a thumbs-up while her eyes sparkled with approval. He was truly a brave man.

Rowena’s temper flared as her expression turned stony. “Do you even hear yourself? You’ve never spoken so disrespectfully to your elders in the past. Why are you being so rebellious now?”

Stephen’s indifferent tone was obviously meant to anger whoever he was speaking to. “Grandma, I suggest that you stop sticking your nose in my business. Your heart is weak, so you should worry about yourself more.”

Rowena was beyond furious. Her chest heaved, and she found it difficult to breathe.