Seeing Elsie’s subtle head shake, Owen quickly regained his composure. Asking Paul to fake his age had been impulsive; Paul was rebellious by nature: pushing him too hard would only backfire. At most, they would have to wait another six months. As Elsie’s other guardian, I can keep a closer eye on Paul until then.

Nevertheless, Paul stormed off, leaving both parties in an awkward silence. The joy with which Elsie and her family had arrived was now replaced by disappointment when they returned home. Owen, in particular, blamed himself for overlooking such a crucial detail and missing this golden opportunity.

My original plan had been simple: let Elsie and Paul register their marriage first, then reveal it to Jackson. The old man would be furious, but with Yunice’s debt of gratitude, she could plead Elsie’s case, forcing the Powells to accept the marriage. Even with this setback, the plan wasn’t completely ruined; Yunice’s favor with the Powells hadn’t expired.

As Owen drove back home, Giana rushed out, her plump body jiggling with excitement. “Madam Lily, Mr. Owen, Ms. Elsie!” she beamed. “The Powells are here! They say they have good news and insisted on waiting for you to return!”

Owen and Elsie exchanged looks. The Powells prided themselves on their elite status. Despite their involvement with the Saunders, they had never visited in person. What was going on?

As they entered the living room, the Powell family butler greeted them politely. “Mr. Owen, Madam Lily, Ms. Elsie.” The title “Ms. Elsie” soured Elsie’s mood. Even though I had taken Yunice’s place, the Powells still refused to acknowledge me as a Saunders. Owen and Lily, however, noticed the lavish gifts piled in the room, far more than was necessary.

Sitting on the sofa, Linda turned to them with a smile. “You’re back? We’ve been waiting.” Though Landa was only Jensen’s second wife, she was their elder. Owen spoke respectfully. “Madam Linda, what brings you here?” His gaze lingered on the gifts, already suspecting their purpose.

The open jewelry box on the table confirmed it: a set of bridal accessories of pure gold. Lily’s eyes sparkled with joy as she discreetly squeezed Elsie’s hand in excitement.

Sure enough, Linda smiled warmly. “Mr. Owen, I’m sure you can guess. I’m here with a proposal of marriage.” She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with shy joy. Linda noticed her reaction and smiled knowingly.

Lily naturally assumed that the proposal was for Elsie and playfully scolded, “Why didn’t Paul mention this before? Such a tease…” Elsie sweetly defended him. “Mom, don’t blame Paul. He probably just wanted to surprise us.” Lily chuckled. “Look at you, taking his side before the wedding.”

Elsie looked shyly at Linda. “Mom, Madam Linda will laugh at me.” Linda rested her arm on the sofa and smiled without comment.

Meanwhile, Owen, after his initial excitement, adopted a stern tone. “Madam Linda, my father died early, so as Elsie’s brother, I am in charge of her marital affairs. I hope Mr. Jensen doesn’t mind?” Linda replied smoothly. “Not just Mr. Jensen; even Jackson has given his approval.”

Owen remained cautious. “Mr. Jensen was against this marriage before. Why the sudden change?” Even Elsie sensed something was wrong. Should Owen be happy about the proposal? Why was he being so confrontational?

Before she could intervene, Lily pulled her aside and whispered, “A bride’s family must hold their head high, while the groom’s family must lower theirs. Your brother is asserting dominance so the Powells won’t bully you later.” Elsie hesitated. “Our family asserting dominance over the Powells?” Wasn’t that reckless? What if the deal fell through?

Lily added, “Your brother is upset. Traditionally, the groom’s parents should come in person to show their sincerity. Even if Jackson didn’t come, at least Jensen and Paul should have. What is Linda’s status?” At best, she was a second wife; at worst, just a mistress. Sending her to propose was a slap in the face to the Saunders.

Hearing this, Elsie’s gaze turned icy on Linda.