Chapter 53

Seeing what was about to happen, Rosetta immediately stood up to block her daughter’s path.

“What now? Didn’t I just talk to you about this a couple of days ago?” she chided. “You can’t keep picking fights with him. Men need to be handled gently–keep throwing tantrums, and you’ll only push him away. Do you understand?”

Emma was quick-tempered and far too sensitive. Her mother’s words made her pause and finally cool down a little.

Just then, Micah got out of the car and walked over, greeting Rosetta. She nodded in return, then turned directly to her future son-in-law.

“So, Micah, when are you planning to reschedule the engagement party?”

Micah froze for a second, glancing at Emma, clearly hesitant. Emma shot him a sharp, warning look, making her intentions painfully clear.

He had no choice but to hurry and reply, “Whenever you and Mr. Windsor decide, I’m ready.”

That was exactly what Rosetta wanted to hear. She worried that her youngest daughter’s dramatic streak would scare off such a catch sooner or later. The sooner they locked in the wedding, the better.

The Windsor family’s business had been on the decline these past few years. All their hopes now rested on this alliance with the Shepherds, praying it would bring the family back to its former glory.

“Alright, I checked the calendar yesterday–this Saturday looks perfect,” Rosetta said, glancing at the couple. “How does that sound to you both?”

Emma pouted in silence, but after a nudge from her mother’s gaze, she finally nodded. “Saturday’s fine.”

Micah could only agree. “Sure… Saturday it is.”

That evening, Micah stayed for dinner at the Windsors’ to iron out details for the engagement. With the ruby necklace broken, Micah made an impressive gesture, offering to buy Emma a new car.

Emma, who’d been sulking all night, suddenly brightened. She jumped at the offer. “There’s a Bentley I’ve had my eye on–about half a million. We can go test drive it tomorrow.”

Both Adkins and Baillie looked over in surprise. Even the cars they drove only cost around three hundred thousand. Yet Emma didn’t hesitate to ask for something pricier.

The rest of the Windsor clan looked at Micah, their expressions a mixture of hope and awkwardness.

Micah hesitated, uncertain. “Half a million… don’t you think that’s a bit much? I think something around a hundred thousand is more than enough.”

“You lent my sister a hundred thousand without blinking, but now that we’re engaged, you’re being stingy about a car?” Emma’s face fell instantly, her tone accusatory.

Micah gritted his teeth. To avoid another argument, he gave in. “Alright, fine–we’ll go take a look tomorrow.”

“You’re the best, Micah.” Emma beamed, immediately looping her arm through his, all smiles once again.

The other Windsors visibly relaxed, joining in with forced laughter and praise. “No one spoils you like Micah does. You’d better appreciate him—there aren’t many men like him left.”

Emma gazed at her fiancé with mock sincerity. “Of course, Micah and I are solid as a rock.”

After dinner, Micah glanced out the window several times, wondering why Ivy still hadn’t come home.

“Micah, what are you looking at?” Emma noticed how distracted he was, concern coloring her voice.

“Oh, nothing. I should get going–need to tell my parents about the engagement date,” Micah said quickly, careful not to mention anything about waiting for Ivy.

“You’re right. Drive safe, okay?”

Once Micah had left, the Windsors gathered for a family meeting.

“Mom,” Emma started, “since the engagement party’s on Saturday, shouldn’t we ask Ivy to stay away for a while? Otherwise, who’d feel comfortable coming here as a guest?”

Emma had dreamed of getting Ivy out of the house for ages and seized every opportunity to bring it up.

Rosetta sighed, her brow creased in worry. “That depends on whether she’ll actually agree to it.”

Adkins suddenly spoke up. “She went to the station this morning and still isn’t back?”

Rosetta answered, “She came back at noon. Edna said she grabbed her car keys and left again.”

Baillie frowned in confusion. “She’s out all the time–what on earth is she doing? Don’t tell me she’s actually mixed up in something shady.”

Adkins‘ face darkened, but he said nothing.