or course, we would be agreeable to it, Mrs. Howard. We're progressive parents who only want the best for our daughter. If she wishes to marry the man she loves, sho are we to stop her Westley said sycophantically. Spencer Coup's future would be secured if they became in-laws with the deputy mayor, Westley would be the city's most reputable businessman and father with boch his daughters married into the Howard family! As the thought crossed his mind, he added enthusiastically, "Besides, we trust that you and Mr. Howard are good, honest people who will look after stella's best

Madelyn took a few sips of her exper

her expensive coffee and handed the cup to her housekeeper. A wry smile curled her lips as she said, "Well, of course. After all, our amilies have known each other for some time, and your eldest daughter is engaged to Damian, Naturally, my husband and I see Stella as our own. Westley and Rebeca could have keeled over with excitement when they heard this. Stella and Noel's engagement was practically set in stone at this rate.

"shall we take a look at the groom?" Madelyn asked suddenly, raising her hand as it in signalnoveldrama

Westley thought Noel might have shown up, and even Reberra was prering out the entryway in anticipation of his arrival.

However, the housekeeper beside Madelyn merely handed the woman a photograph. "This is a distant nephew of mine who owns a restaurant. He's talented as

sandsome. I believe he and Stella would make a good match."

the set the photo down on the table, continuing, "I came to propose an engagement on his behalf. Everyone in the family has been worded that he would not meet a suitable young lady. After some consideration, Ickon Stella would be a wonderful match for him. We'd feel better if Stella married someone close to the family,

The sides on Wesley's and Rebecca's faces froze After a while, the latter stammered, "I-is stella not going to marry your son?⚫

Madelyn feigned great surprise. The smile she offered the bewildered couple was derisive. "Oh, goodness, Noel? You must be mistaken. Why would we set him up

"But the photos on the Internet —".

"Are merely photos to amuse the public with plenty of young women are after out Noel, but we'd be silly to take any of them secily," Madelyn interrupted,

(laugh escaped her.

Rebecca would fune argued it Wesley hadn't silenced her with a warning look. Authings were, he understood Madelyn hadn't come to propose on Noel's be was lete for a controlation

In other wodda, she did not think Stella was good enough for Noel.

vallowing bus Botterorss, Westley pointed at the photo and asked, "Your nephew's family business is in the food and beverage industry? They could not risk offending the Howards, and Madelyn was a more formidable force than she let on Westley was a smart man, and he knew it was invoking Madelyn's wrath to defend Wella.

14 not worth

oned to marry at some point. Surely the Spencers could make the best of a worthwhile suitor, especially if they could still be related to Madelyn,

riyn stook her harad with a sharp, "No, the business is nothing as grand as Spencer Cup. Hemely as a restaurant, but I heard the With a ship breath, Reberc early collapsed before Westley could even speak up