Chapter 617

Carissa laughed. "What's the rush? Your godbrother will be here soon. Someone's interested in him—someone he's already rejected. Now they want him to clarify whether he's truly uninterested or just not ready to marry."

Violet's eyes widened, and she hurried inside. "Really? Which girl has such good taste? Tell me!"

"Mr. Young's granddaughter, Rosalind," Carissa whispered. "Don't spread this around. It might not go anywhere."

Violet leaped from her seat, shock evident on her face. "It's her? Is my godbrother out of his mind? Rosalind Young! Why would he refuse? She's a catch—gracious, loyal, talented, and stunning! Families would be fighting over her!"

"Keep it down," Carissa snapped, glaring at her.

Violet sat back down, grinning. "I'm so excited! But does Ms. Young really like him? It's not just a fleeting fancy, is it?"

"That's what worries me. I suspect your godbrother" Carissa paused. "By the way, you haven't made things official with Thomas's mother, yet you call him 'godbrother.' Isn't that inappropriate?"

Violet waved her hand dismissively. "In the martial world, there's no such thing as inappropriate! We're just waiting for the right moment. I've even paid my respects to my godmother. You should have seen her face—she was thrilled to have me as her goddaughter!"

"But you already have brothers. Why insist on calling Thomas your godbrother?" Carissa was puzzled. Violet had always had high standards and rarely showed interest in anyone. Their bond stemmed from their shared childhood.

Violet swung her feet. "It's about finding a connection." She wouldn't admit she longed for the kind of respectful brothers Carissa had—one or many would suffice.

Before long, Thomas arrived. His efficiency was well-known; he rarely lingered on business matters. He hadn't anticipated Rafael summoning him about marriage, however. He had no immediate plans to wed, preferring to let things settle. He stated his intentions clearly, hoping to dissuade Violet.

Violet remarked, "But as long as you don't marry, she won't give up hope." Thomas replied, "Yes, but she already visited my family. I had the maid send a message; she understands now and won't bother me further. My marriage plans can wait."

"Right. She caused a scene at the estate, thinking I spilled the beans," Carissa said.

Thomas froze. "How could she think it was you?"

Carissa explained the situation. When she finished, Thomas's brow remained furrowed. He stared blankly for a long moment.

"I can't believe she'd act like this. She's pregnant! Even if she doesn't think of herself, she should consider her child," he said.

"Let's not talk about her," Violet said, looking at Thomas. "Thomas, Ms. Young is a good woman, worth your consideration. You can't avoid marriage forever. My godmother's counting on you to settle down."

Thomas smiled. "You don't need to worry about my marriage. Ms. Young is good, but too good for me. I don't deserve her."

Carissa chimed in, "Whether you're worthy is for others to decide. If she believes you're a match, that's all that matters. But it's hard to tell if it's a passing fancy or genuine. If she truly meant it, would you consider it?"

Thomas said, "Mr. Young already sent a matchmaker. Mom was ecstatic. She was ready to sign the contracts and pick a date. I had to stop her."

Violet chuckled. "Any family would react the same."

Rafael remained quiet. He believed one should marry for love. Since discovering Carissa's engagement, he hadn't considered marriage at all. These matters couldn't be forced. He felt impatient.

"Why don't you come up with a better excuse? It would be easier for me to explain things to Mr. Young. He said Ms. Young wouldn't cling to you if she got an acceptable answer," he suggested.