Chapter 43

Elysia turned to the group on the couch, immediately spotting Robert. Scott introduced her: "This is my younger daughter, Elysia." He then turned to Elysia, adding, "Elysia, this is Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Say hello."

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Davis," Elysia replied.

Matthew grinned. "I envy you, Scott, such a beautiful daughter!"

Rachel offered a faint smile, her attitude starkly different from the one she'd shown Emma. Emma would be her ideal daughter-in-law. Despite Elysia's beauty, Rachel couldn't forget Elysia's small-town upbringing. She felt Elysia wasn't a suitable match for Robert. The Davis family considered many factors in their children's marriages. However, if Elysia offered the family some benefit, Rachel would suppress her discomfort.

Elysia observed the room, finally focusing on Robert. He seemed unhappy. She scoffed inwardly, Why would I care if he's happy or not?

Matthew noticed Elysia's expression. "To be honest, Scott, we're here about something else. Now that the children are grown, shouldn't we discuss their marriages?"

Scott chuckled. "I was thinking the same, Matthew." He'd been waiting for this. The Davis family, though not wealthy, were well-established in Sivro and could greatly benefit the Rosewoods. However, he wouldn't have broached the subject if the Davis family hadn't.

Emma's face flushed at the mention of marriage. She liked Justin, but he didn't reciprocate, and the Jenkins family lacked the Davis family's influence in Sivro. Marrying Robert and becoming the young mistress of the Davis family was her only way to maintain her position, especially once Elysia's background was revealed.

Elysia observed Emma's reddening face and understood: the Davis family were there to discuss Robert and Emma's marriage. She thought, Why does Robert still look so unhappy?

Bella said, "Robert's a good boy. He and Emma are childhood sweethearts. I've hoped they'd be together for years." Matthew frowned. Do the Rosewoods expect a foster daughter to marry into our family? How dismissive! Do they think anyone can be welcomed by the Davis family?

He said, "Mrs. Rosewood, there's a misunderstanding. We're here to discuss the marriage of Ms. Elysia Rosewood and Robert."

Bella was stunned. "Elysia?"

Matthew continued, "Indeed. We know you've been searching for her. Now that she's returned, we're here to discuss their marriage. Do you think the Davis family would accept your foster daughter?"

Emma was speechless, her heart sinking. Matthew's blunt mention of her foster daughter status felt like a sharp jab. Is it because I'm a foster daughter that I'm treated with such disdain? It's all Elysia's fault! Why does she have to compete with me? She's taken my identity, and now my fiancé!

Elysia finally understood Robert's unhappiness. He wasn't engaged to Emma, but to her. Am I really that annoying? Look at his unhappy expression! Does he think I've been dreaming of becoming his fiancée?

Elysia quickly said, "Mr. Davis, I think Emma and Robert are better suited. They're childhood sweethearts. I grew up in a small town; I'm a wild girl. The Davis family isn't the right fit for me."

Robert stared, disbelieving. She doesn't want to marry me? Who does she think she is?

Emma's face darkened. She didn't understand Elysia's words.

"Ms. Elysia Rosewood, you're overthinking," Matthew said, smiling. "You're graceful and well-mannered—exactly the kind of daughter-in-law I'd dream of." He looked at Scott. "What do you think?"

Scott, snapping out of his daze, realized the Davis family wanted Elysia. He hesitated. "Matthew's right. Kids should listen to their parents. You can't object, can you?"

Elysia frowned. "You're so conservative! It's the 21st century; it's about free will. If you force a fiancé on me, I won't accept it."

Robert frowned. Is she despising me?

"Stop talking nonsense, Elysia!" Scott glared. If she ruined this, he wouldn't forgive her.

Emma felt a surge of pleasure. If Elysia angered the Davis family, she might become Robert's new choice.

Rachel was furious. She'd never liked Elysia, and this only intensified her dislike. However, since Matthew hadn't spoken, she remained silent.

Bella's expression darkened. Elysia stole Emma's fiancé, and now she's being picky, humiliating us. Does she think anyone else would want her?

"How can you speak like that, Elysia?" Bella scolded sharply. Turning to Rachel, she added, "She's just a child. Please don't take offense."

Rachel frowned. Is this typical Elysia? The Davis family wouldn't tolerate such a daughter-in-law.

Matthew wondered if he'd overestimated Elysia.

"Matthew, what do you think?" Scott asked.

Matthew met Scott's gaze and coughed. "Since Elysia doesn't want it, we should reconsider."

Rachel agreed. "Exactly. Marriage is serious, not something to be rushed."

Scott's face darkened, but he nodded.

Robert was stunned. His carefully avoided engagement had failed because of Elysia's resistance. He felt a mixture of relief and disappointment.