Rachel’s brows furrowed in disgust.


    “What are you doing here?”


    “For something important, of course,” Howard said with a wicked sneer.


    Rachel instinctively turned to nce at Sasha and Gerald.


    Did she have anything to do with Howard’s appearance here?


    There was a tension in the air as Sasha stepped forward, trying to smooth things over.


    “Rachel, since you’re back, why don’t you eat something before you leave? We still need to talk about your


    dad.”


    Rachel’s face grew cold, clearly unwilling to stay any longer. “We can talk about my dad another day.”


    She made a move to leave.


    However, Sasha hurriedly held her back.


    “Rachel, you know that your dad is in a worse condition than we all thought. We’re the only ones left in


    the family now. No matter how much you dislike us, we should really talk things through regarding your


    father.”


    Rachel was hesitant. She didn’t want to see Howard, but she also knew that the more she avoided him,


    the more he would stick around like an annoying, unwanted piece of gum.


    She took a deep breath before sitting back down.


    She cut straight to the chase, not willing to waste a moment more. “How do you want to deal with Dad’s


    situation?”


    Gerald cleared his throat before greeting Howard. “Mr. Ziegler, have a seat.”


    Howard stuck his hands in his pockets and sat on a chair. A servant soon appeared, serving him a cup of hot tea.


    Gerald knew Rachel’s temperament and decided not to beat around the bush.


    “You know your dad’s condition. We were thinking of having a celebration and lifting everyone’s mood. His health might just take a turn for the better.”


    Rachel pondered his suggestion and agreed. “My birthday is around the corner. Are you thinking of celebrating my birthday, Grandpa?”


    Gerald sat stunned for a moment, not expecting Rachel to phrase her question so directly.


    2/11/2


    He smiled stiffly and went on, “You’re not getting any younger, you see. Your dad mentioned that


    although you and William are divorced, it’s not good for ady to remain single. You should find another man to be with for the rest of your life.”


    Rachel was starting to realize where Gerald was going. Instead of panicking, she crossed her legs and


    leaned leisurely back on the chair she was sitting on, sipping on her tea.


    “Isn’t Yvette still single? You should be worried about her instead. There’s no rush for a woman like me,


    who’s been married once.”


    Sasha put on a good–natured smile and said, “We’ve already found her a suitable partner. We initially wanted to introduce her to Mr. West, but he preferred you. I also discussed it with your grandfather, and


    we agreed that it was a bad idea for Yvette to marry a middle–aged man when she’s still so young.


    “She was willing to, for the sake of the family business. But you saw for yourself how Mr. West simply


    didn’t fancy her. We had topromise and consider Mr. West’s younger brother instead.”


    Rachel put her tea cup down with an arched brow.


    “Oh, so you want to talk to me about Yvette’s marriage. Sure, I don’t have a problem with that. Just invite me to her wedding and I’ll make time for it.”


    She dusted off her hands and stood up.


    “Rachel…” Sasha began.


    Unable to hold it back any longer, Gerald blurted out, “Your sister’s marriage arrangements are set in stone, but we want to talk about you. I’ve discussed it with your stepmother, and we’ve betrothed you to


    Mr. Ziegler.”