Caleb was the next to speak up. “This is a small gesture from our family. Please accept it.”

As he spoke, he handed over a bank card to Samuel.

With Ralph having already set the tone, even if Samuel still harbored some resentment toward the Jacobson family, he had no choice but to remain composed.

Samuel smiled and accepted the card. “I’ll accept it, then. Thank you.”

“There’s no need for such formalities,” Caleb replied.

After seeing Samuel accept the money, Ralph continued, “Samuel, there’s another reason why I came back to Rivertown.”

Samuel had a rough idea of what was coming. He composed himself and listened in silence.

“You must already know that this incident wasn’t just an accident. Stephen has likely mentioned something to you about Caleb’s-”

Ralph paused. He was just about to say “illegitimate son”, but the words felt too harsh.

After a brief hesitation, he rephrased, “Caleb’s other son, James.”

Samuel’s expression darkened slightly as he nodded.

Ralph continued, “James wants to punish the Jacobson family. You got caught up

in this mess because of Tessa’s engagement to Stephen. After much deliberation, we’ve decided to call off the engagement.”

Marianne, who was standing to the side, looked over in surprise.

Samuel had already confided in her the night before about wanting to break off the engagement, but he hadn’t dared to bring it up himself, wary of Ralph’s influence.

They hadn’t expected Ralph to bring the entire Jacobson family to call off the engagement.

It wasn’t appropriate for the Yates family to bring up the matter first, so it was naturally better for the Jacobson family to take the lead.

When Ralph and the Jacobson family pushed the door open and walked in, Samuel had already mentally prepared himself. He wasn’t particularly surprised to hear Ralph’s words.

He nodded slightly, “Okay. Since you’ve brought it up, I’ll be frank. To be honest, I’ve been thinking about this matter as well. Please don’t blame me. The Yates family

paid too high a price for this happine

marriage arrangement.”

Ralph looked apologetic. “I understand.”

Caleb chimed in. “The Jacobson family has failed your family. So, we’ll let the Yates family publicly

announce the cancellation of then et

engagement. We’ve prepared the press release draft. The Jacobsons will take full responsibility

Sophia handed a document to Samuel and said, “This is the draft statement we’ve prepared for the engagement cancellation. Please take a look and let us know if there’s anything you’d like to add or change.”

Samuel took the document and began reading through it. After a moment, he closed the folder. “There’s nothing to add. This will do.”

Sophia nodded. “Alright. Please release it as soon as possible. Every day we delay this puts the Yates family at greater risk.”

Samuel nodded, then turned to look at Stephen. “Have you discussed this with Tessa?”

“I have.” Stephen’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke. “I told Tessa I had a change of heart so that she would give up on me. Please cooperate with me and don’t tell her the truth.”

Samuel responded with a solemn nod.

“Samuel, you should rest now. We won’t disturb you any longer,” Ralph said.

“Okay. Take care.” Samuel glanced at Marianne and continued, “Please see them out.”

Marianne nodded. “Of course.”

Tessa hadn’t slept well the previous night, so she took a nap in the afternoon. She hadn’t been asleep for long when her phone started ringing incessantly.

Exhausted, Tessa opened her eyes and picked up the phone. “Hello?”

Naomi’s voice came through, loud and frantic. “Oh my God! Tessa, have you seen TikTok? Stephen is caught up in a scandal with some actress! It’s already trending!”

Tessa’s heart sank.