Chapter 448

It was precisely because of this that Grace grew even more wary of Julian.

So, he hadn’t come just to visit her? He had an agenda?

Grace couldn’t stand people with ulterior motives, and her expression instantly turned cold. Julian noticed the shift in her demeanor. His smile faltered for just a moment, but he quickly composed himself.

“Madam Grace, there’s actually something important I wanted to talk to you about.” He looked at Tessa with deep emotion, the affection in his eyes impossible to miss. “I came here today to formally ask for your blessing to marry Tessa.”

Tessa’s expression said it all. So, this was what he was really after. Grace, on the other hand, was visibly surprised. Hadn’t both families agreed to discuss this next year? Why bring it up now?

Tessa stared at Julian, suspicion churning in her chest. She was convinced that his whole family had something up their sleeve. Why else would they be in such a rush? Even Grace sensed something was off.

Still, she kept her tone calm as she asked, “Julian, why the sudden urgency? Didn’t we all agree to talk about this next year?”

Julian’s smile froze slightly. He hadn’t expected his supposedly supportive mother-in-law to echo Tessa’s thoughts. No wonder Tessa kept stalling on the marriage—it was all because of her mother.

Tessa had originally thought Grace might give in. But hearing her mother voice the same concerns made her breathe a silent sigh of relief.

But Julian had a different perspective. He quickly offered an explanation.

“Madam Grace, it’s mainly because my parents are getting older—you know that I’m their only child. So, it’s natural for them to be a little anxious. I hope you can understand where we’re coming from. I’ll be the one managing our family’s business and estate in the future.”

Still, Grace hesitated. After all, this was a matter between the two children, and her daughter wasn’t a little girl anymore. She couldn’t just impose her own decisions on her—that wouldn’t be right.

“I understand what you’re saying,” Grace replied evenly. “But I still think it’s better to wait a little longer.” She shifted the conversation with practiced ease. “Besides, you’re already engaged. What’s the rush?”

She took a sip of tea, composed and unfazed. Tessa, meanwhile, let out a silent sigh of relief and, out of Julian’s line of sight, gave Grace a quick, frantic nod of approval. Her mother had nailed it. That was exactly what she’d hoped for. She wasn’t ready for marriage, not yet. She hadn’t even had her fill of fun. There was still so much youth ahead of her. Getting married so early would just be foolish.

Grace had clearly picked up on her daughter’s signals—that hesitation earlier must have been about this very issue.

Still unwilling to give up, Julian tried once more. “Madam Grace, I really do understand, but my parents…”

“Then let your parents come and speak to me directly,” Grace interrupted, her tone growing colder. “If you don’t have anything else to say, you should go. I need to rest.”

With that, Julian had no choice but to leave, feeling too awkward to stay any longer.