Alexander Westwood drummed his fingers on the couch, looking utterly unbothered.

“I’m not really interested; I have no intention of getting married.”

“How can you say that?!” Xu Zhaosen was furious, slamming his hand on the table. “Your marriage has been decided long ago; you can’t just say you don’t want to!”

Aunt Chen chimed in calmly, “That’s right... you’re both not getting any younger; it’s time to consider settling down. Uncle Ding’s family thinks that with the two companies working together, it’s a good opportunity to announce the engagement.”

Making the announcement under such circumstances would benefit both companies.

Today’s visit from Ding Yuan was intended to gauge Alexander's feelings on the matter.

She glanced at her son, who was silent, then turned to Ding Yuan. “Yuan Yuan, what do you think?”

Ding Yuan looked up, her face flushed. “Well... I like Wei Yan; Auntie, you all know that. It’s why I’ve waited for him. As for the marriage, I... I’ll listen to my dad.”

Jane couldn’t help but arch an eyebrow, her expression darkening.

Such an evasive remark.

Everyone knew she liked him, so they should be together, right?

And listening to her dad meant... he wanted them to get married quickly.

Xu Zhaosen seemed to calm a bit, snorting, “What Uncle Ding says is right!”

“Besides, you two will get married sooner or later. Are you really planning to wait until your mother and I are too old to move before making your move?!”

He understood that his son typically loathed being told what to do, but this matter was not open for discussion!

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Xu Zhi attempted to lighten the mood, smirking, “Dad, shouldn’t you let my brother and future sister-in-law get to know each other a bit better? They’re practically strangers at this point; everyone would think they’ve been dating for a while!”

This time, Aunt Chen lost patience. “Little Zhi!”

“I got it, Mom.” He decided to shut his mouth.

Xu Zhi lazily leaned back against the couch, now acting indifferent.

With all eyes on Alexander, everyone seemed to be waiting for him to deliver a final verdict on the marriage.

The man in question appeared uninterested. He crossed his long legs, the fabric of his trousers taut and well-fitted, propping his hand on the armrest, fingers tapping against his jaw. His dark eyes, hidden behind glasses, were inscrutable—he seemed lost in thought.

Perhaps it was his natural commanding aura that made others hesitant to interrupt the silence.

But silence was often the hardest experience to endure.

Jane was the first to crack; her nimble fingers crept toward him from behind, teasingly slipping beneath the edge of his jacket, lightly touching and prodding.

Not far away, Xu Zhi was initially prepared for an entertaining spectacle.

However, he was taken aback by the unexpected scene he encountered.

His older brother, known for his stoicism… was doing nothing to stop it?!

Xu Zhi stiffened, turning his gaze away in shock, his mind racing with thoughts: would his brother show leniency due to their blood relation now that he had uncovered such a secret?

Xu Zhaosen and Aunt Chen remained blissfully unaware, exchanging glances as if sharing a silent understanding.

“Speak up!”

“Do you want me to speak?” Alexander finally lifted his gaze, a half-smile playing on his lips. “I thought you were trying to find a bride for the Xu family. Does this matter still require my opinion?”

“You…!” Xu Zhaosen was about ready to explode from frustration!

Years ago, Alexander had insisted on enlisting in the military, causing them years of worry! Now that he was back, he wouldn’t even listen to them! What had they done to deserve such rebellious sons?

Ding Yuan looked at Alexander with big, teary eyes, a picture of helplessness, akin to an abandoned damsel. Aunt Chen hurriedly tried to comfort her.

Xu Zhaosen took a deep breath, “Alexander, I’m telling you, you must marry her! You can’t let Yuan Yuan down!”

“Oh, really?”

Alexander’s smile turned enigmatic, his expression suddenly chilling. “I don’t remember wronging anyone.”

His gaze turned piercing, his voice crisp and clear like winter ice. “If you’re so eager for me to marry her, then come up with a legitimate reason for it. Otherwise, don’t even think about it.”

He knew his father and the Ding family had made some sort of deal.

If he couldn’t find out the details, it was undoubtedly something they’d prefer to keep hidden.

Everyone present was taken aback by the normally mild-mannered Alexander revealing such a side of himself—perhaps this was his true self, with suppressed anger only surfacing in front of family.

After a moment of stunned silence, Xu Zhaosen’s face turned a tumult of emotions as he exclaimed, “You’ve really gone too far this time!”

Alexander had no intention of playing this game any longer. He stood up, preparing to leave.

“Wei Yan!”

Ding Yuan rushed over, gripping his hand. Her tear-streaked face was heart-wrenching. “I... I thought you at least cared about me…”