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I kind of feel bad for Stefan. He was probably dragged here by his mother.

Stefan shifts in his seat. “That’s, uh, that’s great sir. A good decision and important to have—”

“Yes. Connor Milton is completely self-made. Started his own company in his early twenties and built it up from nothing.”

“Milton… is he related to Elijah Milton, by any chance?” Mrs. van der Fall asks.

“Yes, Elijah’s cousin,” my father says.

My mother frowns. “I remember seeing him at a function once. So many tattoos. He looked like a thug.”

“Nonsense. He’s extremely professional, intelligent, and capable. Appearances can be deceiving. His work speaks for itself,” my father says.

I had always assumed that my father would disapprove of someone so unconventional, but it seems I was wrong. Could it be that my father is more open-minded than I thought? Or perhaps he sees something in Connor that I don’t?

My mother pats my father’s hand. “Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with being fresh out of school. Stefan has so much potential. I’m sure Mary would love to get to know him better. Why don’t you take her to dinner this week, Stefan?”

Stefan glances at me. “Oh, uh, sure. If you’d like?”

I open my mouth, about to politely decline, but my mother speaks first. “Wonderful! It’s settled then.”

As dinner continues, my father keeps bringing the conversation back to Connor, and I can tell he’s impressed with Connor’s work. Sometimes, it’s like he’s not only trying to undermine Stefan but also trying to impress me.

With the plates cleared and the dessert finished, Stefan and his mother stand up, signaling that it’s time for them to leave.

“Thank you for having us. It was lovely to see you again,” Mrs. van der Fall says to my mother as we all walk back into the hall to say goodbye.

“Yes, let’s do it again soon.” My mother holds the door open. “Have a safe journey back home.”

“Thank you.” Stefan and his mother shuffle out, the former looking thoroughly relieved to be leaving.

Ella follows shortly after, throwing me an apologetic glance before my mother closes the door.

Guess I’m not allowed to leave yet.

“So, what did you think of Stefan?” My mother turns to me.

My father scoffs. “Horrible match. If you’re going to set her up, it should be with someone more like Connor Milton. Why don’t you invite him next time?”

I raise my eyebrows at my dad. That’s a new level of approval. “You seem to be quite the fan of Connor these days.”

My father coughs. “Yes, well, he’s not only talented but also incredibly dedicated and resourceful.”

“Honestly, Richard, if you love this man so much, why don’t you just marry him yourself?”

“I think we’ve had enough matchmaking for one night,” I say.

Dad chuckles. “I’m just saying, the boy seemed a bit… green.”

“Richard!” Mom swats his arm.

“What? It’s the truth.” He shrugs unapologetically.

I hold back a laugh. Leave it to Dad to be brutally honest, even if it means offending potential suitors.

“In any case, I’m perfectly happy as I am.” I glare at both of them. “No more blind dates, please.”

“Oh, Mary, when will you learn? A woman of your age and status simply cannot afford to be so… picky.”

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