Meanwhile, in the study.


    When Idris arrived, he caught Ronald clutching a cigar between his fingers and draped in a dark robe that seemed to addyers to his alreadyplex persona.


    Idris stepped forward, "Mr. Quarry wishes to meet with you."


    As Ronald heard this, his eyes flickered slightly.


    He cast a nce at Idris, his gaze deep, "Yorick?"


    Idris nodded, "He''s likely here for our mine. It seems the Quarry family has be rather picky with the Larkin family''s foster daughter and biological daughter, likely due to the Larkins mine running low these past two years." Ronald took another drag from his cigar, a sardonic smile slowly creeping across his lips, "Picky, you say?"


    Caught off guard by the response, Idris hesitated before nodding, "Indeed."


    "And since when did they earn the right to be choosy?"


    Idris remained silent, realizing he had broached a sensitive topic. It was clear that Yorick''s hopes for a partnership were slim.


    The air in the study grew colder as Ronald''s demeanor chilled further.


    Idris, attempting to alleviate the tension, added, "The marriage arrangement was seemingly decided secretly by the Larkins and the Quarries, without Ms. Quinn''s knowledge."


    This revtion only served to deepen the frost in the room.


    Idris, remembering something, mentioned, "Also, Mr. Quarry''s assistant has been in talks with our security team, wanting to purchase Wave Residence."


    "Purchase this ce?" Ronald uttered.


    "Yes, for the Larkin family''s foster daughter''s recuperation. They''ve intended to rent the cest time, sounding quite urgent."


    Ronald''sugh was coldly scornful.


    "Eager to spend a fortune right after the wedding was canceled, all for a foster daughter''s health?"


    Idris scratched his head, realizing every step Yorick took seemed to provoke Ronald further, dancing dangerously on hisst nerve. "Their desperation for an alternative to the dwindling mine supply must be serious."


    Ronald flicked ash from his cigar.


    Idris asked, "Shall we meet him?"


    "Tell him I''m currently tied up, to wait for now," Ronald replied.


    To wait?"


    Idris cast a puzzled nce at Ronald, who usually detested ambiguous responses. In those years, anyone who gave him the simr answer would be taken by him as a trick.  en


    It seemed this time, he intended to keep Yorick in suspense.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Ronald swept Idris an impassive look for Idris''s unresponsiveness.


    Idris quicklyposed himself, "I''ll handle it right away."


    If ying games was the n, then so be it.


    The Larkin family had failed to take good care of Ms. Quinn, and Yorick had insulted her enough. It was just a light payback; their hard days had yet toe.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Ste groggily picked up Tabitha''s call, being reminded of a crucial meeting in the morning. It was about time!


    Ste checked the time, almost nine.


    As she hung up, another call came through.


    She picked it up, "Hello?"


    Swnos


    "Isn''t your rent due today?" Cloudia''s voice came from the other end.


    Ste was speechless.


    Who on earth told them that the house at Silk-River Residences was rented by her? "What?"


    Asking about her rent now surely meant no good intentions.


    "Do you want your card to be unblocked?" Cloudia probed.


    Ste replied, "What if I say yes, or what would happen if say no?"


    Cloudia said, "You don''t want it?"


    "Cut the crap!" Ste''s patience was thinning. "If this is about Tegan, you can forget about it."