Chapter 4

Everyone was stunned.

A hint of bitterness rose in Priscilla's heart, followed by an indescribable sense of relief.

It was better that he hadn't chosen her. If he had actually agreed, she wouldn't have been able to bring herself to refuse.

Quinlan, who had been singled out, was momentarily taken aback before a wave of wild excitement surged through her.

That was Algernon!

Not only the wealthiest man in the country, but young and handsome enough to rival any male actor.

Marrying Algernon would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Chase hadn't expected Algernon would be interested in Quinlan, and his expression noticeably darkened.

"Algernon!" Mason, his longtime comrade-in-arms, immediately recognized Chase's displeasure and interrupted.

"Grandfather, I believe I've mentioned that my future wife will be my own choice," Algernon said, his tone firm.

In truth, within the entire Visconti family, Mason was the only person he truly cared about.

Quinlan barely contained her excitement, casting a half-smug glance toward Priscilla.

The atmosphere descended into an awkward silence.

"Well, today was just meant for introductions. We wouldn't rush into an engagement so hastily," Mason said, his voice slightly stern. "Algernon, you're being discourteous."

Algernon merely glanced at Mason without responding.

"Since this is your first visit, it hardly seems right to just stand around. Let's go inside!" Bianca said eagerly.

She had initially been displeased at the prospect of Algernon becoming Priscilla's fiancé, but now that he had shown interest in Quinlan instead...

Bianca couldn't have been more delighted!

After all, compared to Preston, Algernon was infinitely more exceptional!

"Yes, let's head inside. Finn, escort everyone to the back garden," Chase said, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Mason shot an exasperated glare at Algernon before following Finn toward the garden.

"Mr. Algernon Visconti, please allow me to show you around the garden," Quinlan stepped forward, her voice tinged with bashfulness.

Algernon paid little attention to Quinlan's obvious flirtation.

Chase, concerned about Priscilla, took advantage of the distraction to lead her into the study.

"Priscilla, don't be upset. If Algernon lacks the vision to see your worth, that's his problem. I'll find you several better candidates to choose from!" Chase said, patting his chest confidently.

Priscilla, who had been feeling somewhat downcast, couldn't help but smile.

"Grandpa," she paused, taking Chase's hand. "It's actually better that he's not interested in me. To be honest, I don't want to get married anyway."

Hearing this, Chase grew even more concerned.

"Just because he's not interested doesn't mean there aren't plenty who would be! Marriage is a major life decision—how can you just decide not to marry?"

He fumed, "Had I known Algernon would behave so rudely, I would never have allowed him to come!"

That jerk!

Seeing that Chase had misunderstood, Priscilla didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Grandpa, given the Visconti family's situation, even if he had chosen me, I wouldn't want to marry into that family. He's not my type," Priscilla said earnestly.

"Really?"

"Really!"

Seeing Priscilla's sincerity, Chase relaxed slightly.

Thank goodness she hadn't been affected too deeply.

"That's fine then. If not Algernon, there are plenty of others. If there's one thing I don't lack, it's connections," Chase said confidently.

On this point, Priscilla had no doubt.

Chase had navigated the business world for years; his network was no joke.

If he wanted to, he could find numerous eligible young men.

"Grandpa, I might be going abroad soon," Priscilla added after some consideration, feeling she should inform Chase first.

Going abroad?

Chase was puzzled. "Why would you need to go abroad when everything is fine here?"

If it were because of those confused family members, he wouldn't hesitate to clean house!

If they couldn't even distinguish right from wrong, how could they hope to manage the company?

Seeing Chase about to get angry again, Priscilla quickly explained, "Grandpa, I want to take my brother to see some specialists."

Brother?

It took Chase a moment to recall which brother Priscilla was referring to.

He frowned slightly. "If it's for medical treatment, I can find doctors here in the country. No need to travel so far."

Medical standards domestically were quite good now, and if necessary, they could consult with global experts online. There was no need to go abroad.

"I've found a treatment method overseas that might really benefit Kieran's condition. Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll be back soon," Priscilla assured him.

Hearing that she would return, Chase reluctantly agreed.

"Then we'll postpone the matchmaking until you come back," he said.

With that settled, Chase needed to return to his guests.

Priscilla, not wanting to join them, excused herself and returned to her room.

In the back garden: Since entering the garden, Algernon had been distracted.

Mason, noticing his demeanor, felt increasingly irritated.

Taking advantage of a private moment, he pulled Algernon aside.

"You agreed to come, yet you've been cold and distant the entire time. Have you no manners left?"

He found it strange, as Algernon wasn't typically so impolite.

Algernon refocused his attention and looked up at Mason. "I know what I'm doing."

"I certainly hope so!" Mason replied, dissatisfied.

Quinlan walked ahead, enthusiastically introducing Algernon to every feature of the garden.

Ultimately, they were just flowers and plants—things Algernon had seen plenty of before.

He had little interest in Quinlan's tour.

Almost as if guided by an unseen force, Algernon instinctively looked up toward the upper floor.

A graceful silhouette appeared behind one of the second-floor windows, and Algernon couldn't help but stare.

It was Priscilla—he recognized her.

"Mr. Visconti, is something wrong?" Quinlan turned and noticed Algernon standing motionless, automatically following his gaze.

But the window was now empty.

"Nothing," Algernon frowned and looked away, inwardly displeased with himself.

This was the second time today he had acted inappropriately—completely unacceptable.

Upstairs, Priscilla remained oblivious to the situation below.

Upon returning to her room, she immediately began preparing documents.

Going abroad wasn't simple. Until recently, without legal guardianship, she couldn't even apply for a passport.

Now that she finally had her passport, there were still various visa materials to prepare.

Kieran's young age meant even more paperwork, which had required considerable effort from Priscilla.

As for the commotion downstairs, Priscilla neither cared nor wanted to care.

Priscilla thought of something and bowed her head with guilt—she had lied to Chase. Once she left the country, she had no intention of ever returning.

At that moment, the completely unsuspecting Chase had just reached the bottom of the stairs, where he encountered Mason.

Watching Quinlan and Algernon's interaction from a distance, both men felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Just then, Mason turned to Chase with an apologetic expression.