Chapter 18 Believe in Himself
Now that the engagement was called off, there wasn’t much point in staying in Pinecrest any longer.
Finished
“We’re not going back Myrtle shook her head firmly. “Cloudhaven is a great place, full of outstanding young women. I’m going to find Caleb a beautiful wife right here, someone truly exceptional. Then we’ll return to Pinecrest in style and show the Moores that our Quade family’s granddaughter–in–law is leagues above Ruby
Myrtle had deep roots in Cloudhaven. She was born and raised there, and her ancestral ties to the place ran deep. While the debutantes of Pinecrest were undeniably beautiful, they always seemed to lack something.
When it came to finding a granddaughter–in–law, a local girl from Cloudhaven would feel much more fitting.
You’re right! Let’s find Caleb the perfect wile here in Cloudhaven and head back to Pinecrest with pride! Teresa said enthusiastically, beaming. Mom. I’m fully on board with your plan!”
A sudden thought seemed to strike Myrtle, and she turned to Teresa. “By the way, was it you who spread the rumor about our family being in a financial crisis?”
“No.” Teresa replied, shaking her head with a puzzled expression. “Mom, I thought it was you trying to test the Moores!”
If it hadn’t been for that false rumor, they wouldn’t have had the chance to see the Moores true colors.
“It wasn’t me!” Myrtle said firmly.
Teresa frowned, her expression tinged with confusion. “If it wasn’t you or me, then who was it?”
“It was me
The voice came from the doorway. A tall figure entered the room, dressed in a traditional long robe, fingers idly twirling at watch. The small mole at the corner of his eye added a touch of mysterious charm to his strikingly elegant features–features. more exquisite than those of most women.
“Caleb’s back! Teresa exclaimed, her face lighting up as she turned to him.
The resemblance between mother and son was undeniable. With Teresa’s flawless upkeep, they looked more like siblings than parent and child.
“Caleb, did you just say you were the one who spread the rumor about the financial crisis?” Myrtle asked, her sharp eyes fixed on him.
Caleb gave a slight nod, his watch still moving between his fingers. “What was the Moores reaction?”
Teresa’s expression darkened with anger. “They looked down on us! The moment they heard about the supposed financial crisis, they immediately cut ties with us. They even threw 30,000 dollars our way as an insult!”
Despite her words, Caleb’s face remained calm, serene even, as though everything had unfolded exactly as he’d expected.
“Caleb, how can you be so indifferent?” Teresa fumed. “Your grandmother and I endured so much humiliation for your sake!”
Caleb turned to her, his tone measured. “Getting worked up over people like that only lowers your standing. Besides, I’ve said before–Ruby was never a good match. It was you and Grandma who insisted on this.”
“We insisted because of you! You’re so ungrateful Teresa snapped, her frustration spilling over.
Caleb pressed his lips into a thin line, a faint look of exasperation crossing his face. Next to him, Teresa’s outburst made her seem almost childlike in her indignation.
“Caleb,” Myrtle said, her voice softer now as she turned to him. “Be honest with me. Do you have someone in your heart? If you do, I won’t worry so much. I’m tired of fretting every day…
Myrtle was genuinely concerned. The Quades had only one male heir per generation. Although Caleb was the fifth child, the first four were all daughters. To make matters worse, Caleb spent most of his days immersed in religious pursuits. Myrtle
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Chapter 18 Believe in Himpelf
“Truly no
Finished
Myrtle sighed, then added, “Your mom and I aren’t unreasonable. Our family’s position in Wynsteria is secure–we don’t need to rely on a marriage alliance to strengthen anything Calch, if there’s someone in your heart, you have to tell me, okay! I won’t ask for much. Even if she has flaws, it’s fine! As long as she has the sense to come inside when it rains”
She’il even resign herself to him marrying someone less capable if it came to that. Her standards were already that low.
But Caleb? At 20 years old, he still showed no signs of settling down. How much more time could he afford to waste
I
Teresa nodded in agreement. Just tell us who she is, and Mom and I will immediately go and propose on your behalf! We’ll fully support you!”
Instead of answering, Caleb countered, “Mom, Grandma, do you think the meaning of life is to get married, have children, and then watch them repeat the cycle until the end?”
To him, such a routine existence felt utterly meaningless.
Rather than believing in love, Caleb preferred in believe in himself.
At least he knew he could build his empire.
Standing at the top, with everything under his control, was the only way Caleb knew how to live.
