CHAPTER 192: CHAPTER 192: YOU SHOULD SETTLE DOWN TOO

Shannon Quinn didn’t know how long she could keep up these pretenses, nor did she know if, once Leo got older and understood things, he could remain as carefree and happy as he was now.

She didn’t want the child to mature too early and face the unpleasant realities of life. At least during his childhood, she wanted him to be as carefree as other children.

Rhodes Family.

On the balcony of the third floor, the cold wind howled outside, while inside the glass room was filled with warmth.

You could easily see the surrounding scenery through the glass, and the expansive view wouldn’t leave anyone feeling oppressed.

Simon Rhodes and Vincent Rhodes sat opposite Shane Royale, who held a teacup, lifted the lid, blew on it, took a small sip, and then put down the cup saying, "The tea is good."

Simon chimed in, "Grandpa, calling Vincent and me here today isn’t just to drink tea, right?"

Shane glanced at Vincent and said, "Quinn rarely has time, and it’s hard for him to sit down and have a good chat with you brothers."

"What does Grandpa want to talk about?"

Shane looked at Vincent, who hadn’t spoken, and said, "Quinn, it’s been some time since your divorce. Are you planning to find another suitable girl?"

Vincent’s eyes steadied as he looked at Shane and replied, "Grandpa, didn’t you say not to engage in romantic affairs before retirement?"

"But you didn’t listen to me, did you? You’ve already been divorced once, so another time wouldn’t matter, besides..."

Before Shane could finish, Vincent made his stance clear, "I have no such plans now, Grandpa, so you don’t have to trouble yourself."

Shane glared at him, "Are you still not over that woman?! Such a useless person! Even after a divorce, she won’t let you see your child, and you still think of her!"

Vincent remained silent, implicitly agreeing with Shane’s comment.

He perhaps could watch Shannon remarry, but he couldn’t bring himself to marry any woman other than her.

Shane looked at Vincent with a mixture of disappointment and exasperation, took a deep breath, and still patiently said, "It’s my old comrade’s precious granddaughter, she’s twenty-five this year, just returned from studying abroad, well-educated and refined, quite suitable as my granddaughter-in-law. You two discuss it, and tomorrow one of you can accompany me to meet her."

Simon and Vincent exchanged a look; Simon naturally knew Vincent’s thoughts, and he himself was also a prime target for the family’s marriage pressure, but when it came to marriage, the image of Susan Wilde flashed in his mind, alas, the lady already had someone...

"Grandpa, it’s not like the old days; these days, everyone marries for love..."

"If it’s love you’re after, why don’t you find someone to love! Just talking about you makes me mad!" Shane harshly interrupted Simon, then glared at Vincent, "You two are both nothing but trouble!"

The brothers said nothing, but it was clear neither wanted to be part of this arranged marriage.

Shane, thinking Vincent wasn’t in the right position to marry now, turned his focus to Simon and said, "You’re almost thirty, look at your classmates, their kids are already in elementary school, and you’re still showing no signs, just working all the time!"

Simon: "..."

"As the elder brother, you should set an example for your younger brother. If you’d listened to me earlier, you’d have several kids by now! You two brothers are determined to drive me to my grave! I’ve entrusted the whole family business to you, and you still wish for my early demise! I’m afraid I won’t see any great-grandchildren in my lifetime!"

Seeing the old man getting more worked up, Simon reluctantly relented, "Alright, Grandpa, I’ll go with you tomorrow."

As soon as he heard this, the old man immediately changed his demeanor, leaned on his cane to get up, muttering, "That’s more like it."

As he walked to the door, he reminded, "Tomorrow morning at nine, make sure to clean yourself up."

As he left, he muttered again, "Though my precious grandson looks handsome whether he’s tidy or not."

Finally sending the old man off, the brothers breathed a sigh of relief.

"Brother, you should also settle down."

Simon smiled, turning his head to Vincent, "Without you back, how can I focus on marriage?"

"Whether I return or not, you still have to live your life."

"Stop that nonsense, we’ve made it through all these years, another two or three years isn’t much."

Vincent smiled and said, "It’s just that I can’t let go of her and the child."

"That’s why you have to live well, as Shannon hasn’t remarried yet, you still have a chance."

"I don’t hold any hopes; if there’s a man who can take care of them for me, it’s good, or else she’d have too tough a time on her own."

"That’s not like you."

The Vincent in their impression was always someone who never let go of his target, now he knew how to allow others to achieve happiness.

"It’s rare to be back, and with New Year approaching, do you want to see Shannon?"

Vincent remained silent for a while before saying, "No need, as long as she’s fine."

"She’ll be attending the Lowe Family’s gathering next week, you can go and see her, whether you meet or not is up to you."

Vincent was taken aback, asking, "Why would she be invited to the Lowe Family’s gathering?"

"Her current boss, Liam Sterling, has connections with the Lowe Family. The Lowe Family’s hosting this gathering mainly for company promotion, and since Shannon is the design director, she’ll definitely attend."

Upon learning this, Vincent hesitated for a long time, but even seeing her from afar would be good...

"Go." He said after a long while.

The next morning, Simon went out with Shane to his old comrade’s house.

The girl for the matchmaking was named Rhea Fawcett; he had seen her when they were kids and had some impression but not a deep one, and only recalled upon hearing her name.

Rhea sat next to her parents, looking gentle and cultured, and her polite and gracious manner won Shane’s favor.

Simon didn’t say much, but basic politeness was present; he politely smiled and responded when the elders of the Yates Family asked questions but interacted little with Rhea.

The elders of the two families seemed to be getting along very well, and it was clear Rhea was satisfied with Simon and knew how to make Shane happy.

Simon’s mind instinctively compared her with Susan Wilde; compared to this kind of well-bred lady, he seemed to prefer someone like Susan, who felt more comfortable to be with.

"We old folks are having a pleasant chat here, but we don’t know what the young ones think. Rhea, Simon, how do you feel about each other?" The elder Yates asked.

Simon collected his thoughts, looked at Rhea, but before he could express himself, Rhea cleverly defused the situation by saying, "Grandpa, although Simon and I met as kids, it’s been many years, and we are still strangers to each other. I think it’s better to spend some time getting to know each other first."

"That’s good, you young people take your time. Since Rhea has just returned from abroad, Simon, take her out for a spin, while I play chess with your grandfather, and you bring Rhea back for dinner in the evening before you go back with your grandfather."