Jocelyn’s expression turned awkward. She had been looking forward to this date for so long, but now it felt like it was slipping away.

As they spoke, Stephen was already coming downstairs with a folder in hand. He ignored everyone in the hall and headed straight for the door.

Rowena said sternly, “Stephen, stop right there.”

Stephen turned back and held up his folder. “Grandma, you got the call too. I’m not lying, and I’m really busy.”

Rowena’s tone sharpened. “Don’t think I don’t know you arranged that call yourself. Stop playing dumb and stay for dinner!”

Stephen stood still and looked at Rowena. He said calmly, “Alright, I won’t play dumb.”

Then, he turned to Jocelyn. His tone was flat and cold as he said, “Hello, I’m Stephen. I’m sorry, but I have no interest in dating you. I had no clue they set this up, and I have no plans for a relationship or marriage. So please, don’t waste your time on me.”

Jocelyn’s face went pale in an instant.

Without a care for their reactions, Stephen turned and kept heading for the door. Rowena shouted furiously. “Stop right there! Stephen!”

But Stephen didn’t hesitate for a second. Before long, he disappeared through the door.

The Webb family was livid.

Thomas was so furious that his breathing turned ragged. “I get that your family is powerful, but that doesn’t excuse this level of disrespect! It’s not like Jocelyn doesn’t have other options.

“You were the ones who invited us over and suggested this date. Why does it suddenly seem like we’re the ones desperate to marry into your family?”

Rowena’s growing annoyance had completely undone her previous calm.

Sophia apologized. “This is all Stephen’s fault. We’re truly sorry. Please don’t be upset.”

The Webbs kept lashing out at the Jacobsons, and the whole situation spiraled into chaos. In the end, Rowena had to pay them a hefty sum just to calm them down.

But honestly, she didn’t actually care about the Webb family’s feelings. What mattered to her was her reputation.

The Jacobsons were clearly in the wrong this time. For the sake of her reputation, Rowena had no choice but to apologize. If word got out, it would be a huge embarrassment to her.

She had tricked Stephen into coming back just so he wouldn’t have an excuse to ditch the date with Jocelyn. However, she never expected him to outright reject everything.

After managing to see the Webb family out, Rowena went to Ralph to complain.

She snapped, “Stephen was totally out of line! There were so many people there today, and he didn’t even bother to spare me some dignity!”

Ralph was currently reading the newspaper at his desk. He didn’t even glance up as he said, “Stephen just broke off his engagement with that Yates girl. I told you not to rush into setting him up with someone, but you never listen.”

Rowena replied, “How can I not feel rushed? He’s turning 29 soon, and people his

age already have kids running around!”

Ralph calmly flipped his newspaper. “Is that so? His best friends, Henry and

Quentin, aren’t married yet either.”

Rowena rolled her eyes in

frustration. “You always compare

him to the worst examples. Look at

the Lynch and Zeller

families-they’re already enjoying their time with their grandkids!”

Ralph gave a helpless smile. “Don’t worry about it. Stephen has his own plans. I still think he and that Yates girl make a good match. Hopefully, once he’s done handling James, they find their way back to each other.”

Rowena shook her head. “No, I don’t like her. She’s a sharp-tongued lawyer. She has been rude to me multiple times now. She doesn’t have any respect for her elders.”

Ralph shot her a cold glance. “I’m not trying to criticize you, but you’re the older one here. Why are you even letting this get to you?”

Rowena immediately started arguing with him.

Ralph was annoyed, but there was no getting rid of her. So, he stood up and walked away instead.