As he watched, Anton Wallace suddenly found that Rachel Bailey also possessed a kind of enduring charm. At first glance, she seemed quite ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one would discover her captivating aspects, such as her lively eyes and her expressive confidence, which were both enchanting.

"Since she is the person Big Cousin likes, Auntie, by asking me to step in, aren't you just asking for my life?" Anton Wallace withdrew his gaze from Rachel Bailey, pulling a long face as he spoke.

Even Auntie, such a formidable person, had no way of dealing with Big Cousin, let alone him. His gallery business had just started to pick up recently, and he certainly didn't want Big Cousin to destroy it with a mere flick of a finger.

That Big Cousin of his was ruthless. He'd be grinning and laughing with you one moment, yet behind your back, he'd destroy everything you cared about, leaving you to cry to the heavens without response and pray to the earth without solace. When Big Cousin first came to T City to make his mark, he caused a huge ruckus—a fact well known by many.

"They are both unmarried. If you pretend to fancy Rachel Bailey and court her, would your Big Cousin really dare to eat you alive? There's freedom in love, isn't there?" Mrs. Alwin Ruiz glared at Anton Wallace. Useless fellow, already thinking of retreating before even taking the field!

"Auntie, if there's freedom to love, then why would you obstruct Big Cousin? At thirty-five, he's an old man already and should have gotten married a long time ago. It's rare for someone to move his heart. Let's be honest, this Rachel Bailey might not look all that, but I always feel like she won't be simple in the future; she might be as formidable as you, Auntie. Be generous and let Big Cousin have his own way. Anyway, you can't control Big Cousin's life either. He isn't like my second or third cousins, whom you can steer to your will..."

Anton Wallace hadn't finished his persuasive speech when Mrs. Alwin Ruiz casually picked up something from the coffee table and threw it at him.

Anton Wallace dodged his aunt's attacks while crying out, "Auntie, I'm telling the truth. Breaking up a pair of lovers is a sin that could send you to Hell. Auntie, I want you to go to Heaven and be an angel."

Be an angel? Mrs. Alwin Ruiz's face darkened. She wanted to be a witch!

"Stop!"

With a loud shout from Mrs. Alwin Ruiz, Anton Wallace quickly ceased his evasive maneuvers and resignedly sat up straight, facing his domineering aunt with a grimace.

"Do you agree or not?" Mrs. Alwin Ruiz began to press him.

"Auntie, could you reconsider, please?" Anton Wallace felt his scalp go numb.

How could he be so unlucky? Was being so kind to women usually a crime? And now he had to be oppressed by one?

No wonder his aunt was secretly called the Empress Dowager behind her back. His uncle was truly pitiful. As for his second and third cousins, one was Emperor Tongzhi and the other Emperor Guangxu—both poor puppets.

Fortunately, Big Cousin was the most powerful. He would back Big Cousin, back him all the way!

"I've thought it through very clearly. I've already found a perfect fiancée for your Big Cousin. All that's left is for you to complete your task, and then we can celebrate his wedding. The daughter-in-law I've chosen comes from a good family and is beautiful. She has the figure, the looks, and the family background. Moreover, her temperament is as gentle as water; she's truly the model of a good daughter-in-law. That Rachel Bailey, on the other hand, has too sharp a tongue and is too bold—she even dared to argue with me! I would never accept such a horrid woman as my daughter-in-law. Why would I bring trouble upon myself?"

So Auntie had already approached her. But that little farm girl was formidable too; she hadn't let Auntie gain any advantage.

No wonder Auntie insisted on his help. Ultimately, it was her domineering nature at play, wanting another submissive daughter-in-law who would continue to obey her, the old Empress Dowager.

"If you don't agree, I'll persuade your dad to have you take over the Wallace Family business."

"Auntie, you can't force people like this," Anton Wallace became anxious upon hearing this.

He was a natural painter; the mere sight of business matters, documents, and the like made his head throb. Besides, the Wallace Family had a history of involvement in shady dealings. Although they were no longer directly involved, they still occasionally got caught up in unsavory affairs. He wasn't a fighter, so how could he dare take over the Wallace Family business? He'd not only ruin the family enterprise but also likely get beaten half to death!

Auntie, you're too ruthless!

Just like Big Cousin!

Truly mother and son!

Anton Wallace complained endlessly in his heart.

What could he do now? He would offend someone no matter what.

However, it seemed offending Big Cousin might be a bit better. As long as he prepared his approach well and Big Cousin couldn't see through him, he probably wouldn't do anything to him. After all, with both of them unmarried, anyone could still explore new options.

"Auntie just loves pressuring you like this. So what? If you have what it takes, then learn from your Big Cousin," Mrs. Alwin Ruiz pressed aggressively.

Anton Wallace looked tormented.

"Anton, listen to Auntie. Help Auntie out this once. After it's done, how about Auntie invests in your gallery? We can split the profits seventy-thirty, with you getting the larger share. How about that? Anton, Auntie knows you're the best. Just agree, please," Mrs. Alwin Ruiz suddenly switched to a pleading tone.

"Auntie, can you give me one day to consider it?" Anton Wallace sighed as he spoke.

He was already sitting here; if he didn't agree, he probably wouldn't be able to leave.

"One day is a bit long; I'll give you half a day. Tomorrow, you have to give Auntie an answer so I can make arrangements. Someone, take the young master upstairs to rest."

Mrs. Alwin Ruiz decisively and forcefully ended the conversation between aunt and nephew.

「Night fell, bringing an end to the day. Tomorrow would be Saturday, a day of rest.」

James Horne finished his day's work and, in the late afternoon, hurried back to the Horne Family Mansion for dinner.

Today, Julia Bluen's pregnancy was confirmed by Dr. Lei, and the Horne family spent the entire day immersed in happiness.

The Bluen family also found out eventually. Chris Bluen wanted Julia Bluen to return to their home for dinner, especially since she was now practically a figure of National Treasure Level. Naturally, the Horne family was unwilling to let her go. Left with no choice, Julia Bluen had to gently inform her father that she would find time to visit, assuring him she was fine and well, and that he needn't worry.

After dinner, Glades Horne and Julia Bluen returned to their room to enjoy their private world.

The others also went off to find their own entertainment.