Charlotte beamed with joy.
At this point, there was only one thing left on her mind—finding a way to smooth things over with Ryan.
After Noah and Charlotte left, Maxwell suddenly remembered something. "Has Ryan agreed to handle the birthday celebration?"
The butler replied, "He still hasn’t come to pick up the event funds."
Maxwell looked up at the sky, worry flickering in his eyes. "I’m afraid Rose is the one holding things up."
The butler said, "A girl from such a modest background probably doesn’t have the confidence to handle an event like this."
Back at Fairwind Manor, Charlotte couldn’t hide her excitement. Wrapping her arms around Noah’s neck, she said happily, "Honey, now you can finally relax. You used to be so worried Ryan would marry some rich heiress and gain power through her family, which could’ve threatened your position. But now he’s married a girl with no background or influence. She’s no threat to you at all."
Noah grinned. "Funny, isn’t it? Ryan’s been dead set on going against me. I thought he was too smart to pass up the chance to strengthen his position through marriage. I never imagined he’d end up with Rose."
Charlotte sighed. "It’s such a shame he didn’t marry my cousin Claire. Just think—if Claire had become our daughter-in-law, she’d be completely loyal to us. She could’ve helped smooth things over between you and Ryan."
Noah narrowed his eyes, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Maybe that’s exactly why Ryan chose to marry a girl from a modest family—to avoid the matches we’d planned. He’s no fool."
Charlotte huffed. "A man like Ryan marrying some nobody? What a waste."
Noah glanced at Charlotte, an idea forming. "Since Rose is Ryan’s wife now, don’t give her a hard time. Quite the opposite—you should win her over. If she truly comes to respect us as her in-laws, she could be as useful to us as Claire would’ve been."
Charlotte frowned. "That girl’s stubborn. You really think she’ll play along?"
Noah chuckled, looking supremely confident. "A girl from a poor family? Give her some nice gifts—expensive clothes, handbags—and you’ll see. Won’t take a month before she’s treating you with the utmost respect."
Charlotte tilted her chin. "Don’t worry, honey. I’ll handle it. I’ll make sure to get along with her."
Morning sunlight streamed through the window.
Rose lay curled up in bed, making no move to get up.
Houston watched her. Her fair face looked even more delicate against her dark hair. Her usually striking features had softened in sleep, making her all the more enchanting.
Unable to help himself, he gently brushed her cheek with his fingers and asked softly, "Not working today?"
Rose nodded.
"If you get bored," Houston said, "why don’t you come with me to the countryside?"
Rose blinked. Men really do think differently.
I’ve always just been myself.
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