Chapter 44: Attempt to Mediate

Upon hearing this, Rosalie's eyes instantly filled with tears. Her nose reddened; she was prone to crying. Overwhelmed, she couldn't speak. Tears welled in her eyes, her lips quivering.

Isabella thought, What a disaster! I can't bear to see Rosie cry. Alexander has been far too harsh.

Alexander thought, I merely offered a suggestion, calmly.

Isabella thought, I've already seen two Quirk family members crying today.

David and Alexander thought, Who else cried?

Christopher coughed awkwardly.

Isabella thought, Do all their family members cry so easily? And always over matters of the heart?

Rosalie was on the verge of tears. Christopher and Evian averted their gazes.

David and Selena thought, No, absolutely not, we never… Well, perhaps… sometimes.

David nudged Selena, giving her a pitiful look. "You made me cry when we were young."

Selena glared. "You upset me first."

Alexander, the only Quirk man never to cry over love, sat proudly.

Isabella thought, Perhaps Alexander has cried. He's been dumped before, hasn't he? Ah, I missed it! I wanted to see this extraordinary man cry. It must be hilarious. If he ever cries again, I'll capture it! The more Isabella thought about it, the happier she became.

Alexander's expression darkened. Using Rosalie's situation, he continued, "If you disagree, voice your opinion. Control your emotions. Don't cry. I haven't cried since I was six. Learn from me. Don't be like Chris, who cries at the drop of a hat over love."

Christopher thought, Hey! What did I do? Why am I being attacked?

Rosalie thought, I want to cry, but Bella's chaotic thoughts and Alex's reprimand have scrambled my emotions. The tears won't come.

Isabella twitched her mouth. Has he lost his mind? Why would a sweet young girl want to emulate him?

Rosalie thought, Mmm-hmm, Bella's right.

Alexander thought, No, I just want to emphasize that I've never cried for another woman. Pay attention! And if you hope to see me cry, it'll never happen.

The sudden shift lightened the mood. Rosalie sniffled, managing not to cry. "Since our family doesn't look down on him, what's the problem?"

Alexander, serious, replied, "Your values are different. You value relationships over status, but he emphasized this point as soon as he started dating you. Didn't he know about your differences before pursuing you?"

Rosalie asked, "Is he insecure, due to an inferiority complex?"

"He might be, but if he truly cherished you, he wouldn't have brought it up. This behavior only creates conflict. It's like you defending him before we even spoke," Alexander said with conviction.

This was likely due to Evian and Christopher's past relationship troubles. Being the only family member unswayed by emotion, he finally abandoned his non-interference policy.

Rosalie was taken aback. She seemed to understand, yet felt the urge to retort. She fell into deep thought.

"Alex, Dom isn't as exceptional or intelligent as you. How can you expect him to meet your standards?"

Alexander was momentarily stumped by his sister's innocent question.

Everyone agreed with her. Even someone from a poor background shouldn't be dismissed if they work hard and strive for improvement. Values can change.

Isabella thought, Who knew she had such a sharp tongue? It's rare to see Alexander speechless, haha.

Rosalie was pleased by the compliment.

Alexander, helpless, looked at Isabella. How can she not support me?

Isabella blinked innocently. Alexander, are you out of options with Rosalie and turning to me? You must be desperate. From what I've observed, that young man seems to be subconsciously pitting himself against the Quirk family.

The Quirks were shocked. Rosalie was flustered. No way, why would Dom do that?

Isabella wouldn't speak recklessly, but her thoughts weren't restrained. It was unclear whether Dominic did it intentionally. Rosalie only wanted to tell her family about him, but he said her family treated her like a child, which isn't typical. He implied this prevented her from doing things common for her age: smoking, dyeing her hair, fighting, going to internet cafes, or bars

Rosalie was stunned, realizing his words were an attempt to sow discord.

Rosalie said, "But Dom said that to protect me. And what he said isn't wrong. I haven't done those things. Even Maddie said I haven't lived my youth to the fullest."

Isabella thought, Many twenty-year-old female university students haven't experienced all that, have they?

Rosalie froze. Is… is that so?

Isabella thought, Why must Rosalie have the same experiences as him to be normal? Using the same logic, wouldn't it be abnormal for his family to not let him go to high school?

Rosalie was stunned, speechless.

Isabella thought, Could his insecurities be leading him to condemn her to boost his own confidence? Isabella's thoughts continued, leaving Rosalie in a daze.

Isabella noticed the silence. Is everyone waiting for me to speak?

She attempted to mediate. "Well, since we don't know Rosalie's boyfriend, let's not judge. Let's arrange a meeting. That should clear things up."

Rosalie, wavering, stood. "I… I'm tired. I'm going to rest."

Isabella wondered, Wasn't she bravely confronting Alexander a moment ago?

Rosalie left quickly. Everyone dispersed. David patted Isabella's shoulder with satisfaction. Isabella was puzzled. Selena, Evian, and Christopher followed suit. Isabella checked her shoulder for dirt, then looked at Alexander. He patted her shoulder. "Well said."

Isabella was confused. What did I say? I was just trying to find common ground.

Confused, Isabella returned to her room. Passing Rosalie's room, she heard a conversation. Ah, first love. It won't be easy to end it.

Christopher and David went to Alexander's study. When Rosalie chose to live on campus, Alexander had discreetly investigated her roommate, Madeline, ensuring her family was ordinary and had no criminal record. He wouldn't pry into others' privacy; Rosalie needed to learn to judge for herself. But her partner required closer examination.

After discussion, the Quirk men devised a solution.

The next morning, Christopher stopped Rosalie at breakfast. "Why are you running away?"

"I'd prefer to eat in my room," Rosalie said. She wasn't as emotional, but preferred to be alone.

Alexander's expression dimmed.

David said, "Ahem, we won't force a breakup. Since he's jobless, let's have him join our company. Alex can get to know your boyfriend."

Rosalie looked at Alexander in disbelief. "R-Really?"

Alexander nodded. "Bella made a good point. We need to understand the situation before advising you."

Rosalie's face lit up. "Alright, I'll speak to him. If he's willing, when should he start?" The Quirk brothers were unsettled by her enthusiasm.

"He can start today. I'll notify HR," Alexander said, leaving. Rosalie happily called her boyfriend.

At brunch, Isabella learned of the event and received thanks from Rosalie. Isabella's comment was casual, but Alexander's approach was good.

By noon, intense sobbing came from Rosalie's art studio. Selena and Isabella rushed in to find Rosalie in her mother's arms, crying.

"Mom, Dom broke up with me! Because Alex insulted him, he said he doesn't deserve me…" she sobbed.