Chapter 919
Elio loaded the car with all the engagement gifts and drove away from the villa.
Josie supported Michaela as they walked to the entrance, her expression troubled as she watched the car disappear into the distance.
Michaela remained silent while Josie’s eyes blazed with barely contained anger. She spoke softly, “Mrs. Hoffis, although Candice is a spoiled little princess and may not be suitable for Leo, if he loves her, let him marry her. Please don’t worry about my feelings. I’m fine with it.”
Josie’s approach was strategic, hoping to elicit sympathy from Michaela and gain more support.
Unexpectedly, Michaela sighed lightly and said, “It’s Elio who isn’t suitable for that young lady from the Morrison family.”
Stunned, Josie stared at Michaela in disbelief.
Michaela continued in a soft voice, “That young lady is like a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse, pure as a blank sheet of paper. She deserves someone as innocent as her, not my son.”
Her implication was clear. Elio needed a partner who matched his status, personality, and capabilities.
Josie finally understood why Michaela liked Candice but didn’t want her as a daughter-in-law.
Michaela was looking for a partner who could be a valuable ally for Elio. To put it bluntly, she wanted someone who could be mutually beneficial to him in terms of interests and support.
A wave of anxiety swept over Josie. Was Michaela, a shrewd woman, considering Josie as a potential daughter-in-law simply because of her complex thoughts, formidable tactics, and the influence she wielded?
As Josie wondered about it, Michaela turned to her and said, “I’ll take care of your wedding arrangements. The rest is on you.”
Feigning confusion, Josie asked, “Mrs. Hoffis, what do you mean?”
Michaela gave her a knowing smile, one that clearly said, “You’re smart-you understand.”
Without another word, Michaela left, with Josie hurrying to follow.
Josie fully grasped the situation. With the wedding preparations already underway, she only needed to disrupt Elio and Candice’s relationship to take her place.
At that moment, Josie realized she was merely a tool in Michaela’s eyes, someone to support Elio without being genuinely cared for.
The Morrisons were in shock. It was
only yesterday that Elio had
mentioned sending engagement
gifts, and they had expected it to et
take a few days. To their surprise, within a single day, he had prepared everything and filled their living room with lavish gifts.
Every item required by Norvania traditions was there, from jewelry and antiques to bedding and clothing, even fruits. All of them
were meticulously prepared
The
extravagance left both the married and unmarried members of the
Morrison family speechless.
A maid offered Elio some tea. Glancing around, he felt a pang of emptiness as he noticed Candice’s absence.
The Morrison elders sat in the living
room, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Florence spoke up, “Elio, you didn’t
1.n
have to go to such lengths. Our generation isn’t as bound by old customs as our ancestors were. We can simplify things.”
Elio replied firmly, “This is my sincere wish to marry Candice. Some things cannot be simplified.”
He pulled an envelope from his pocket, stood up, and respectfully handed it to Sienna. Nervous, Sienna quickly stood and accepted it with both hands.
“Aunt Sienna, this is my formal proposal. I earnestly hope you will consent.”
Sienna, having never seen a formal proposal, looked uncertainly at her in-laws. Gary and Florence were increasingly impressed by Elio’s sincerity and dedication. “What should I do?” Sienna asked, looking unsure.
Florence, smiling warmly, said, “You don’t need to do anything. Just accept his proposal for Candice. If you don’t agree, you can return it to him.”