Granger Harden would love nothing more than the opportunity to introduce her to everyone.


    However...


    "I''m still trying to win her over," he replied simply. "Once I seed, you''ll be the first to know."


    With that, he nodded to the group. "I have things to handle, so I''ll see you allter." Moran Albright also had other ns for the evening, so he waved goodbye to Vesta and Corinne, hopped into his car, and drove off.


    Corinne wasn''t getting any younger, and the Lancaster family was incredibly anxious to find her a suitable match. The very night she arrived home, her family informed her they had already arranged a blind date for her the following day.


    Corinne was instinctively resistant to her family''s matchmaking efforts, but the next day, she showed up to the appointment anyway.


    When she pushed open the doors to the agreed venue and saw the man sitting at the table, she froze in surprise.


    Spotting her, York Watson stood up. "Ms. Lancaster?"


    Corinne nodded and took a seat opposite him. "Hello."


    "Hello," York said politely. "What would you like to drink?"


    "I can manage, thank you."


    They exchanged a few brief pleasantries. Once the coffee arrived, York cut straight to the chase. "Ms. Lancaster, I have to apologize. I already have someone I care for deeply. I only agreed toe today because my aunt arranged it at thest minute. She''s been close friends with your mother for years, and it was difficult for me to refuse her... So, I am truly sorry."


    Corinne''s polite smile faltered for a fraction of a second.


    When her family pitched this blind date yesterday, they had raved about his impressive career, exceptional manners, striking looks, and honorable family background. She hadpletely dismissed it, assuming they were just heavily exaggerating.


    Seeing him in person, she realized York Watson truly was impably mannered and strikingly handsome. He was exactly her type.


    Except...


    She set her coffee cup down, unable to hold back her frustration. "Every single one of you already has someone you like. It seems I really dide back toote."


    Her family had constantly bragged that Starfall City was overflowing with brilliant young bachelors her age.


    Stewart Ferguson and Granger Harden had originally been on the shortlist of potential matches her family scouted for her.


    But Stewart was alreadypletely devoted to Charlene Ross.


    That was a universally known fact.


    As for Granger, her family only found out he was off the market when she mentioned him after getting homest night.


    Her rtives had sighed,ining she should have moved back two years earlier.


    When they said itst night, she hadn''t thought much of it. But sitting here right now, she was genuinely beginning to feel the sting.


    York had no interest in dissecting what she meant by ''every single one of you.''


    He maintained his gentlemanly


    demeanor. "You are exceptionally


    beautiful and talented, Ms.


    Langaster. I''m certain you won''t


    have any trouble finding someone perfectly suited for you."


    Corinne didn''t respond to the titude.


    She knew she was a catch, and finding a decent match wouldn''t necessarily be hard. But finding someone who ticked every single box the way York or Granger did was incredibly difficult.


    Instead of agreeing, she asked, "I''m curious, Mr. Watson. What kind of woman is it that you like?"


    York remained perfectly polite. "I''m sorry, but that''s a personal matter. I''d rather not discuss it, and I hope you can understand."


    Corinne paused.


    In that moment, looking into York''s eyes, she saw the exact same tranquil, unshakable expression she had seen on Granger''s face the night before.


    It was a look of absolute conviction.


    Both men were resolutely and unshakably devoted to the women in their hearts.


    Realizing this, she decided not to humiliate herself by pushing further. "My apologies. I crossed a line."


    "It''s perfectly fine."


    York exchanged a few more polite words with Corinne before taking the initiative to stand. "I have some


    business to attend to soil be taking my leave. Did you drive here, Ms. Lancaster? Would you like me to drop you off on my way?"


    Corinne wasn''t foolish enough to mistake his polite gesture for genuine interest.


    "No, thank you," she replied smoothly.