Chapter 246
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On the couch in the Jasper estate’s living room, Mrs. Jasper Sr. sat flipping through a stack of glossy photos, murmuring to herself as she went.
“The Ziegler girl has such grace. The Wrights‘ second daughter has a sweet face too. And the Wilson girl–just finished her master’s at Stanton University. I like that academic air about her.”
She looked up at her grandson with a warm smile.
“Sean, take a look at these. See if anyone catches your eye.”
But Sean’s gaze had drifted elsewhere, dark and distant.
He was still caught on that brief moment in the garden–Charlotte’s pale face, the way she looked like she hadn’t recovered from being sick. Her lips were completely drained of color.
“Is she still unwell?” he wondered.
“Sean!” his grandmother raised her voice, her smile vanishing. “I’m talking to you. What are you staring off at?”
He blinked, snapping back to the present.
“Sorry–what?”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. let out a breath and set the photos aside, clearly displeased. She adjusted her silk shawl and spoke in a calm but pointed tone.
“I just saw that Wilson girl the other day. She’s sweet, well–mannered, very pretty. You and your mother should stop by their place in two days. Make an appearance, get to know her a little.”
Sean leaned back into the sofa, his expression unreadable.
“I’m not interested.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s brows pinched in irritation.
“You’re not free during the holidays?”
“I’ve worked nonstop all year. I’d like a few days to myself.”
Vivian, seated nearby, couldn’t help the sour feeling rising in her chest. She had just managed to get Charlotte out of the picture, and now Mrs. Jasper Sr. was already lining up someone new. It had only been a few days since the engagement was called off.
She looped her arm through Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s and said sweetly, “Grandina, wouldn’t it look a little rushed? People might talk, considering the breakup was so
recent.”
Lucinda chimed in as well, her voice light.
“Exactly! Sean’s one of the most eligible men in the city. There are plenty of wornen dying to marry him. You really don’t have to worry.”
But Mrs. Jasper Sr. gave Sean a sideways glance full of suspicion.
“I’m not worried about if soineone wants him. I’m worried about who he still wants.”
Lucinda’s lips twitched. Her eyes flicked between Mrs. Jasper Sr. and Sean.
“So Grandma Jasper doesn’t approve of Charlotte after all? That’s surprising. Charlotte comes from an excellent family, looks the part, and has a spotless reputation. What’s there not to like?” Lucinda wondered.
Sean’s mouth tightened.
“I’m going to the study to check on Grandpa.”
He stood up to leave, but his grandmother wasn’t done.
“Don’t ignore what I said. You’ve broken things off with that girl–stop hanging onto the past. Any of these women I’ve picked out would be better for you than her.”
Sean paused, then slowly turned his head, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
If you like them so much, why don’t you marry them yourself? I’m not interested.”
Lucinda nearly gave him a standing ovation, flashing a proud thumbs–up behind her grandmother’s back.
Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s face froze, her expression growing sharp.
Listen to yourself! You never spoke to your elders like this before. What’s gotten into you?”
Sean’s tone was light, but there was steel beneath it.
“Grandina, maybe spend less time worrying about my love life and more on your own health. You’ve got a weak heart, remember?”
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Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s chest rose and fell in anger. Her voice trembled.
“Sean, you never used to talk back to me like this. Has that Charlotte girl been putting things in your head again?” Mrs. Jasper Sr. snapped. “Every time her name comes up, you turn into someone I barely recognize.”
