possessed.


    It was only natural they were in awe of Jonathan. After all, the man was the heir of the Finch family. Each family present might have eligible sons of marriageable age, but even if theybined all their assets, they wouldn''te close to a fraction of what Jonathan Aparison would be futile, for there simply wasn''t apetition.


    Exchanging furtive nces, the crowd couldn''t help but specte that Eleanor''s hospitality toward Rose was likely paving the way for Jonathan.


    They weren''t entirely wrong. Eleanor was indeedying the groundwork, but not for Jonathan.


    As Rose followed Eleanor into the main hall, she was immediately taken to a disy case on one of the walls showcasing an evening gown.


    Unlike the previous encounter, the damaged gown was not tucked away in a corner but proudly disyed at the center of the case, its imperfection prominently on show.


    "This is actually my favorite gown, but..." Eleanormented, her gaze fixated on the damaged section. She then turned to Rose, her eyes filled with anticipation. "Rosie, please, only you can fix it. If you can restore it, I will grant you any request." She intentionally mentioned "any request" with an ulterior motive in mind.


    From Eleanor''s perspective, Jonathan had taken a liking to Rose, so Rose must have felt the same way about him.


    After all, her grandson was one of Regalia''s most outstanding young talents-unmatched in appearance, family background, and ability. Many admired him, and Rose was surely no exception.


    Eleanor believed that by offering this deal, Rose would want to please her to secure a marriage with Jonathan.


    With a smile on her lips, she studied Rose''s face for a long moment, waiting for a hint of excitement to appear.


    Yet, Rose''s expression remained unchanged. Eleanor was at a loss for words.


    "Have I not been clear enough?" she wondered.


    Noticing Rose''s attention on the evening gown, she emphasized again, "Rosie, if you have any requests, I''ll fulfill them right away."


    "Go on. Bring up your rtionship with Jonathan and ask for my blessing!" Eleanor thought. Her face lit up with a warm smile as hope rekindled in her eyes.


    Rose shifted her gaze back to Eleanor from the damaged evening gown, her expression polite, yet distant. "Thank you, Mrs. Finch Senior, but you''re too kind. I have no requests."


    With that, she returned her attention to the tear in the fabric, carefully examining it.


    Eleanor''s smile froze. "No requests? How could there be no requests?" she thought.


    She believed there should be a request from Rose as this was the perfect opportunity for her to ask for eptance into the Finch family.


    Rose could be Jonathan''s wife, joining their prestigious lineage. It was puzzling to Eleanor that Rose wasn''t seizing this chance.


    She nearly blurted out, "I approve of you and Jonathan being together," before barely managing to stop herself.


    A hint of doubt and uncertainty clouded Eleanor''s gaze as she studied Rose''s face. She began to consider that Rose might not be interested in Jonathan at all.


    The information she had received indicated that Jonathan had fallen for Rose during his time in Aquastead. There was no doubt about that.


    But now, she questioned if Jonathan''s feelings were unrequited. Perhaps his passion for Rose was entirely one-sided.


    As Eleanor reflected on the day Jonathan brought Rose to the Finch Manor, it only seemed to confirm her suspicions.


    While Jonathan had treated Rose like she was the most precious person in the world, Rose''s demeanor had remainedposed and indifferent throughout the entire visit.


    "I guess Jonathan is the only one burning with passion. Rose is simply uninterested," she thought. Disappointment washed over her face as the reality of the situation sank in.


    As Rose turned to face Eleanor, she was met with a look of disappointment on the older woman''s face. Puzzled, she assumed that Eleanor was worried about the gown''s repair. "Don''t worry, Mrs. Finch Senior, I can fix the damaged area," Rose assured her.


    "Oh. Right," Eleanor replied absentmindedly,cking the enthusiasm Rose had expected.


    Upon noticing her reaction, Rose carefully considered the situation.


    Eleanor had asked her to return in ten days to examine the gown, and upon her arrival, she had overheard mention of a birthday. It appeared that someone in the Finch family was celebrating their special day, though whose birthday it was remained a mystery to her.


    It suddenly dawned on Rose why she had been invited to the manor. ncing at Eleanor knowingly, she said, "Mrs Finch Senior, with so


    many people here today and the


    specific materials needed, perhaps it would be better if I returned home


    first to gather what ed"


    "Go back?" Eleanor thought. She couldn''t let that happen. It had been a challenge to bring Rose here, and there was absolutely no way she would let her leave so easily.


    Quickly snapping out of her disappointment, she caught Rose''s wrist before Rose could finish her sentence.


    "Rosie, your help means a lot to me, and I want to show my appreciation. I have something to give you."


    She had just realized that Rose might not have the same feelings for Jonathan, or at least not feel them as strongly as Jonathan''s feelings for her. Overwhelmed with urgency, Eleanor guided Rose upstairs without waiting for her response. This was Rose''s second time entering Eleanor''s study. Unlike her first visit, where curiosity led her to take in every detail of the room, this time, Rose''s eyes remained fixed on Eleanor as she was led to the couch.


    Eleanor quickly hurried to the safe hidden behind the bookshelf, retrieving a box.


    The box itself was a work of art, and whatevery inside was bound to be extraordinary. As Eleanor opened it in front of Rose, a breathtaking ne adorned with top-quality emeralds was revealed, causing


    Rose''s eyes to widen in surprise.


    "I acquired this at an auction years ago," Eleanor exined. "In terms of color and size, there''s nothing else quite like it in the world. Here, Rosie, try it on."


    Before Rose could object, Eleanor had already removed the ne from the box and was now fastening it around her neck.


    "No, no, I can''t-" Rose began to protest, taken aback by the extravagant gift.


    "Stay still." Eleanor''s tone carried themanding force of a woman who had once ruled the business world, and Rose found herself hesitating just long enough for Eleanor to secure the ne in ce. Despite her casual attire a simple blouse and jeans-Rose''s beauty was undeniable. The luxurious emerald ne perfectlyplemented her elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Eleanor studied Rose''s appearance and couldn''t help but exim, "Wonderful! Simply wonderful!"


    It was perfect. Eleanor couldn''t help but silentlymend her grandson''s taste. "It''s only natural for Jonathan to be captivated by someone like this. Not only is she beautiful, but she alsoes from a distinguished family..." she mused. She was beyond pleased, her face beaming with delight that she could barely contain.


    Rose felt increasingly uneasy under Eleanor''s gaze as if she was sitting on pins and needles. Standing up, she tried to remove the ne, but Eleanor quickly stopped her.


    "No, don''t take it off! It looks perfect on you as if it were tailor-made for you. Even when I wore it in my youth, it didn''t look as good as it does on you. Clearly, it was meant to be yours.


    "We''ve known each other for quite some time, and I''ve never given you a proper gift. So, consider this ne a token of our meeting. You must ept it!"