Rose gave a distracted "mm-hmm," only half paying attention as she made small talk with Carolyn.

She could see right through Carolyn''s feelings for Joshua.

But honestly, the idea of her son ending up with Carolyn didn''t sit well with Rose at all. In her mind, Allie was the only one who belonged in their family.

Just thinking about the mess between Joshua and Allie made her chest feel tight. Now that Chris and Lillian were both behind bars, and Grandma Emily was gone, there was no one left in the family to stand in their way. Except, of course, for Javier-he''d be tough to win over. And Allie herself Rose could only guess what that girl was thinking these days.

If only Joshua and Allie could patch things up. How great would that be?

It had actually been a while since Rosest saw Allie, now that she thought about

it. The thought made her sigh deeply.

Carolyn caught the sigh and shot her a worried look. "Rose, is something bothering you?"

Rose forced a smile, but ended up sighing again. “Oh, I''m just stressing about Joshua. He and Allie broke up and haven''t made up, and I keep hoping they''ll get back together. I dream about the day Allie finally marries into our family and gives me a grandbaby. Joshua''s already thirty and still single-I can''t help but worry..."

Carolyn''s smile froze, her lips tightening just a bit.

Rose pretended not to notice. She took a sip of tea and, with her best nosy-aunt energy, asked, “Luna, are you seeing anyone these days?"

Carolyn shook her head. "Not yet, Aunt Rose."

"How old are you now?"

"I''ll be twenty-seven soon."

"My goodness, you''re not getting any younger! Why aren''t you dating?" Rose sighed in a mock-exasperated way. "How about I introduce you to some eligible guys? My friend''s son is a year older than you-he just moved back from overseas. Want me to set something up?"

Carolyn felt her heart sink.

She understood perfectly: in Rose''s mind, Allie was the only possible daughter-in-w. No matter how aplished Carolyn was, Rose was never going to root for her and Joshua.

"That''s okay, Rose. I already have someone I like," Carolyn replied, forcing a light smile. "He''s the only one I want."

Rose pretended to be surprised. "Oh? Who is he? Do I know him?"

Carolyn yed along, smiling. "You know him very well, actually."

Rose grinned. "Then bring him over next time and let me check him out for you." "Sure, I will," Carolyn said.

About ten minutester, Joshua finally came downstairs, two men in tow.

One was his assistant, John. The other, someone Carolyn didn''t recognize.

After the unfamiliar man left, Carolyn asked, "Joshua, who was that just now?" Joshua sank into the sofa, ignoring her question. "Why are you here?"

Carolyn paused. "Didn''t you say yesterday we''d talk about the, partnership, another day? I'' discuss the project."

Joshua''s tone was chilly. "Did you bring the proposal?"

"Yeah." Carolyn pulled out a sh drive and handed it over. "It''s all on here."

Joshua didn''t even move to take it.

John stepped in, taking the drive

from Carolyn and plugging it into his

Joshua.

ongs to

Joshua skimmed through the documents fast-barely ncing at each page.

When he was done, he shook his head. "No."

Carolyn froze.

"If you want to work with me, bring

something

said, bis voice cold all Don''t

better next time," Joshet

waste my time with this

agam."

With that, he stood up and walked away, not even ncing back at her.