She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 169

The Ford family had gone all out for this private lunch, making it an exceptionally grand affair.

A magnificent spread of steaming, gourmet dishes covered the table. Jonathan and Tabitha eagerly offered food to Rowan, their voices dripping with hospitality. "Eat up, Rowan. Please, make yourself at home."

Jasmine had been the one to extend the invitation, hardly expecting him to actually agree.

Jonathan had never been happier in his entire life. Over lunch, he bragged, "Our Jasmine has always been fiercely competitive and set her standards sky-high. Knowing she's with you puts my mind entirely at ease, Rowan. You'll just have to keep her in line. An ordinary man wouldn't stand a chance, but you're exactly the kind of man who can handle her!"

"Of course, Jonathan." Rowan tightened his grip on Jasmine's hand. "Though, honestly, I could never bring myself to be too tough on her."

Laughter rippled around the table.

A delicate blush crept up Jasmine's cheeks, and her heart soared.

Even her younger brother, Finn, who was closer to her than anyone, had never seen her act so lovestruck. His typically aloof, composed, and unshakeable sister was now practically melting with a shy, delicate sweetness, stripping away her usual untouchable aura.

Tabitha and Mrs. Townsend exchanged a triumphant look, barely able to contain their glee.

Elara was already spiraling into a daydream. Once her cousin's marriage was locked in, she'd practically be Rowan's sister-in-law. Her entire social standing would skyrocket. Even if things didn't work out with Lucas, dozens of other billionaires would be lining up at her door.

If Lucas wanted a date with her then, he'd have to get in line. She wouldn't be an easy catch anymore.

By the time Elara snapped back to reality, Jonathan and Thomas were deep into a business discussion, specifically bringing up Arthur Fairchild.

The name meant nothing to her, but the second they mentioned Fairchild Holdings, everything clicked.

She knew all about Fairchild Holdings—that was where Lyra worked.

Why were they even talking about them? Weren't they just a bunch of losers getting crushed by the Jameson Group?

Grandma Ford chimed in with a warm, wrinkly smile. "Yes, Rowan, please eat."

The entire Ford family orbited around him, radiating an eager desperation to please.

Just then, Rowan's phone buzzed. His eyes darkened as he picked it up, excusing himself to stand by the window before answering. "Speak."

Listening to the report on the other end, an unprecedented look of sheer absurdity fractured his composure. "Are you telling me... it's Lyra?"

"Not Caleb?"

The mastermind who had perfectly hijacked his strategies and predicted his every move.

It was Lyra?