Matthew had already decided to leave. Martin felt awkward. He forced a smile. "Why don't you come inside?"

Matthew was unfazed. Martin's earlier harshness couldn't be so easily dismissed. "Forget that I'm not from Rhornwood. I'll just head back to my village," he said. Martin couldn't afford to let Matthew leave. He didn't know what Fred had planned with this marriage arrangement, but it clearly had to be important. Swallowing his pride, Martin blushed and said, "Matthew, I misspoke earlier. Whether or not you're from Kholtwood doesn't matter. I wasn't referring to that. I see that you carry yourself well and have excellent manners. I believe you're the perfect match for my daughter. You and Rachel are a match made in heaven." Despite this, Matthew still had some reservations.

Rachel approached Matthew with a bright smile and took his arm, leading him toward the house. "Matthew, come on, let's go in!"

Martin was taken aback. Rachel was usually reserved and distant; her unusual affection confirmed his suspicion that Matthew must be exceptional if Fred and Rachel were treating him this way. Hence, Martin became even more enthusiastic. "Matthew, you must be thirsty. Come in and rest. I'll make you some…"

Brandon stood there, bewildered. Why had Martin's demeanor shifted so drastically? How could this be?

In the distance, Quinn was equally stunned. They had just kicked Matthew out, and now they were welcoming him back in? Just as he was struggling to comprehend this perplexing turn of events, he received a call from Logan.

"Have you found out everything?" Quinn asked.

Logan replied, "Yes, everything. Matthew is a farmer from Silverbrook Village in the Brackenridge district of Lambda City. His parents are farmers. He was imprisoned three years ago and just got out recently. His wife divorced him and took over the company they started together, Evergreen Groep. Now, he's a divorced man with a child, plus an ex-convict with no job or income."

Quinn's jaw dropped.

Despite his resentment toward Rachel for being Wealthwave Group's president, he had to admit she was one of Kholtwood's top beauties and a successful entrepreneur. Her suitors were all wealthy and distinguished young men. It was shocking that she had chosen a divorced ex-convict with no income.

But then again, Quinn saw this as an opportunity to undermine Rachel and reclaim the presidency. Matthew's criminal record could be powerful leverage. In the living room, Martin and Yvonne were chatting with Matthew.

"Matthew, you came at the perfect time. The day after tomorrow is Yvonne's birthday. Lots of our friends and relatives will be at the party."

"As Rachel's boyfriend, you'll be the most important guest, so be sure to make a good impression."

A birthday party? Matthew hadn't expected such a coincidence. Just as he was about to respond, Rachel spoke up.

"Dad, I've just taken over our company, but my uncles and cousins don't respect me at all. They're likely to unite against me during the party. What should I do?" Martin's gaze sharpened at her words. "Dad was the one who appointed you as president. Who would dare to oppose his decision? I've been ridiculed for over twenty years because I have no sons. Now that you're successful, it's time for you to shine. Go and invite them all to the birthday party!"