Chapter 25

“The Stewart family is visiting for the first time, Elizabeth, why are you wearing that?!”

“Ellie, we need more fruit. Get on it!”

“Elizabeth, hurry up! Those jeans are awful. Put on a skirt!”

Rose was all over the place, and Elizabeth’s white tee and jeans were a problem.

“Listen to your mom,” Declan nudged Elizabeth, hinting she should change. Her outfit was totally wrong for the occasion.

Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror, pouting at her reflection. She thought she looked awesome; with her figure, anything looked good!

Just as she was about to head upstairs to change, someone outside called, “Mrs. Percy, the Stewarts are here!”

Rose grabbed Elizabeth’s arm. “Don’t change. They’re here.”

Elizabeth got dragged outside by Rose, feeling helpless. Her parents were way too nervous; they never acted like this with guests before. The Stewarts’ visit seemed to mean something different this time.

Do they think Joseph and I hit it off yesterday, and now they’re here to propose? she wondered.

“Mom, they’re just here to thank me for saving their lives,” Elizabeth reminded Rose.

“That’s just an excuse, silly girl!” Rose glared at her.

“Mom, seriously, they’re just here to thank me,” Elizabeth insisted.

Rose, too tired to argue, said as she opened the door, “That’s just an excuse; Joseph likes you!”

The door swung open. Joseph and Landon stood tall at the entrance. Behind them, their butler and two assistants held gifts.

“Landon!” Declan stepped forward, hugging Landon.

Elizabeth nodded at Joseph. “Mr. Joseph Stewart.”

Joseph, eyeing Elizabeth, was impressed. “Your outfit’s different today.”

Usually, Elizabeth wore formal dresses and skirts. Today, she looked like a college student—clean and pure.

“Mom, look! Mr. Stewart likes my outfit!” Elizabeth boasted to Rose.

Chapter 25

Rose sighed, eyeing Landon. “Can’t you tell he’s just being polite?”

“Mrs. Percy, it’s not just politeness. I genuinely think Ms. Percy looks lovely, and it suits her. Clothes should be comfortable, right?” Joseph said, smiling.

Rose couldn’t help but smile back. Quite the charmer, she thought.

“Alright, come on in!” Rose gestured inside.

Declan ushered Landon in, with him following. Elizabeth walked beside Joseph, smiling.

Joseph raised an eyebrow. “No problem.”

“Declan, sorry for dropping by unannounced,” Landon said, a bit sheepish. “Elizabeth saved my life at the banquet a few days ago. Had to come and say thanks.”

Their butler and assistants set down the gifts and left.

“Landon, you’re too kind,” Declan said, giving Landon a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Elizabeth poured water for Landon and Joseph, then stood next to Rose.

“Landon Stewart, like I told Mr. Joseph Stewart, it was no big deal. You really don’t need to be so formal,” Elizabeth said.

Landon pointed at Elizabeth. “You’re something else! In that situation, you had the guts to act!”

Elizabeth knew he was talking about the pen incident.

“She’s got guts,” Declan said, with pride evident in his eyes as he glanced at Elizabeth.

“Bravery’s a good trait in a girl,” Landon kept praising her.

“We’ve reserved a private room for dinner tonight?” Landon suggested.

Declan promptly responded. “No, you’re the guest. I can’t let you pay. I’ve already made arrangements!”

“No, no, I insist this time!”

“Well, since we have some free time, how about a round of golf?” Declan suddenly proposed.

Landon nodded right away. “Sounds awesome!”