Chapter 5

"I'm really sorry about today. Had I known Algernon would behave like this, I wouldn't have brought him at all!" Mason sighed.

He had thought Algernon was a sensible person, never expecting things to turn out this way.

"I know a bit about your family situation. How about this—let's postpone the engagement for now and let them get to know each other. Things might improve," Mason suggested after some consideration.

He genuinely liked Priscilla. Though she didn't appear as vivacious as Quinlan and seemed somewhat timid, everything about her manner was pleasant and comfortable.

Most importantly, Priscilla maintained perfect poise with everyone she encountered.

Who wouldn't appreciate someone with such good manners and a sense of propriety?

In contrast, while Quinlan had a lively personality, her behavior created a distinct sense of discomfort.

Mason prided himself on his ability to read people after years of navigating the business world.

Chase didn't immediately agree to Mason's proposal.

"We'll see. You witnessed today's scene yourself—who knows how things will develop," Chase said with a dismissive wave.

"Besides, what man wouldn't be good enough for my granddaughter? Why should she wait around for Algernon?" His tone sharpened with the latter comment.

Mason detected the displeasure in his words and offered an awkward smile. "Of course! If I come across any suitable men, I'll introduce them to you right away!"

This finally appeased Chase.

The garden behind the Medici Manor wasn't particularly large, and the two men had already completed a full circuit.

Quinlan couldn't take her eyes off the tall, handsome Algernon walking beside her.

She chattered away, though it wasn't clear what she was saying.

Algernon actually disliked people babbling beside him, and his face showed traces of impatience.

Seeing Algernon's expression from a distance, Mason knew it was time to wrap things up.

He stood and patted Chase's arm beside him.

"Rest assured, I'll have a serious talk with Algernon. Passing up someone as wonderful as Priscilla—what kind of person is he interested in instead?" In front of Chase, Mason did not attempt to hide his dislike for Quinlan.

Chase waved his hand dismissively without saying a word.

Even Mason might not be able to persuade Algernon.

He didn't harbor much hope about it.

After the two men left, Quinlan excitedly returned to her room.

She grabbed her phone and opened a group chat.

[I have huge news—I'm getting engaged!]

The group quickly responded.

[So soon? Didn't Preston just get engaged to your recently returned sister?]

[Wow, Quinlan, I can't believe you won Preston over so quickly! We need to learn your secrets!]

Messages flooded in from everyone.

After letting everyone have their say, Quinlan unhurriedly added the second part.

[Who said anything about getting engaged to Preston? My fiancé is Algernon.]

The moment this name dropped, the group chat exploded.

[Are you serious? Algernon is famous for avoiding women. I heard many families tried to arrange marriages with him but failed. How did you manage it?]

[Yeah, years ago someone tried to arrange a match with him and got thrown out before even getting through the door. It was a complete humiliation in high society.]

Faced with these questions, Quinlan calmly posted two photos.

They were candid shots she'd taken in the garden earlier.

Algernon was undeniably handsome from any angle—even just his profile was captivating enough.

The photos immediately drew exclamations from everyone.

Several people recognized the backdrop as the Medici Manor garden.

Some still expressed mild skepticism.

[Fine, I know you don't believe me. I'll arrange a get-together and invite him along,] Quinlan said smugly.

She quickly set a date.

Meanwhile, Priscilla had just finished organizing her documents for traveling abroad.

Just as she was about to leave on an errand, Quinlan intercepted her.

"Priscilla, where are you rushing off to?" Quinlan leaned against the doorframe, dressed in a perfectly tailored dress with a glass of red wine in hand.

Seeing Quinlan's posture, Priscilla instinctively stepped back to create distance.

"There's a soirée tonight. Come with me?" Quinlan asked, lifting her chin slightly in a haughty manner.

Priscilla's instinct was to refuse.

Anticipating rejection, Quinlan stepped forward and lightly traced Priscilla's collar.

"Grandfather always hoped we'd get along. Won't you at least pretend for his sake?" Quinlan drawled.

At the mention of Chase, Priscilla lowered her head and remained silent for a moment. "Fine, I'll go."

She had no other motive—she simply didn't want Chase to worry.

The evening event was held at an estate, another Medici family property.

Upon entering, Priscilla immediately encountered Algernon.

He wore a dark blue suit, his expression blank, even slightly annoyed.

Surprised to see Priscilla at the entrance, Algernon looked her up and down.

She wore a simple plaid dress that made her look fresh and youthful, standing out from the flashily dressed girls around her.

After exchanging brief greetings, Priscilla found a seat by the pool.

She was only here for appearances anyway—just to convince Chase that her relationship with Quinlan wasn't that bad.

However, someone approached Priscilla almost immediately.

"So you're the Medici heiress they just found? This dowdy outfit proves you're from the countryside." The speaker was Pearl Parker, Quinlan's little follower.

As soon as Pearl finished speaking, she noticed Priscilla's icy stare.

"What are you glaring at? I'm warning you—if you ever make things difficult for our Quinlan, I'll—" Despite her threats, Pearl's confidence seemed to waver.

"You'll what?" Priscilla hadn't wanted trouble, but she wouldn't tolerate someone deliberately provoking her.

"Well, look who we have here! Just a country bumpkin. Pearl, I can't believe you're letting someone from the sticks get under your skin. How embarrassing for us." Several friends gathered around to support their troubled companion.

Priscilla's expression grew colder. "If I'm from the countryside, what does that make Quinlan? Beneath even that?"

"Before you start throwing insults, you should know who the real Medici heiress is!"

Chase's blood ran through her veins, and she would never allow anyone to insult her.

Seeing the swimming pool nearby and unable to win the argument, Pearl angrily pushed Priscilla from behind.

After shoving her, Pearl fearfully shouted, "It wasn't me! She fell in by herself!"

The splash of Priscilla falling into the water, combined with Pearl's shout, immediately drew everyone's attention.