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    The girl was chatting with Madison and her friends when she saw Jordan’s gesture. She smiled and


    said, “Grandma, excuse me.” Madison smiled and nodded. As the girl turned, a sh of displeasure


    crossed her eyes but quickly returned to a smile.


    Evelyn couldn’t help but ask, “Is Ray really nning to set Annabelle up with Connor? The Mullins


    family owns 3% of Passos Corporation.”


    Holly chimed in, “Yeah, isn’t Dad being a bit biased? Sam is also pursuing Annabelle.”


    Madison sighed lightly, “Love can’t be forced. I think Annabelle and Connor are quite a match; both


    kids are great.”


    Madison stood up and said, “I’ll go check on dinner,” then left the room.


    Evelyn scoffed, “Only she would be so generous. If it were me, I wouldn’t have the heart to agree to


    bring Peter back to the Passos family.”


    Holly gritted her teeth, “Ray’s favoritism towards Connor is no small matter. Despite Dad not giving


    Peter any shares in Passos, he gave Connor 1% of the shares. My two sons have been working in


    the group for so long and got nothing.”


    Evelyn nced at her, “Just keep it down here. Don’t let the wrong ears hear that.”


    Holly nodded.


    ***


    Annabelle, in a light purple dress, stood tall and elegant, her demeanor exuding a unique


    gentleness without being shy.


    She sat politely next to Jordan, her smile slight as she nodded gently to everyone. This simple


    gesture conveyed a sense of poise and confidence.


    Jordan looked at her affectionately and introduced her to Connor, “This is my granddaughter


    Annabelle, just back from studying


    abroad.”


    Connor nodded slightly, greeting her politely, “Ms. Annabelle, nice to meet you.” His voice was deep


    and charismatic, yet carried a subtle distance.


    Jordan, admiringly, said to Connor, “Connor, you’re so young yet so capable. I have high hopes for


    you.”


    Connor humbly replied, “Mr. Jordan, you tter me. I still have much to learn from you.”


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Jordanughed, “Ah, that’s the spirit a young man should have.”


    Connor sat among the elders without any difort, naturally conversing with them.


    Madison came out of the kitchen, announcing, “Dinner is ready, everyone please take your seats.”


    The group rose and followed Madison to the dining room.


    Avish dinner wasid out, a feast for the eyes.


    Once everyone was seated, the conversation between Connor and Annabelle became the focus of


    attention.


    Sam clenched his fork, almost losing his temper on the spot. His father pressed his thigh, signaling


    him not to upset Ray in such a


    setting.


    Emily, quite dissatisfied, whispered to Peter, “Why did Ray set up a blind date for Connor?”


    “It’s not exactly a setup,” Peter exined. “Mr. Jordan took Annabelle to inspect the harbor today


    and Dad happened to meet them, so he invited them over for dinner.”


    Emily sighed, ncing at Annabelle, “Though Annabelle seems sweet, I think there’s more to her


    than meets the eye.”


    “Growing up in such a prominent family, how could she not be shrewd?” Peter, holding her hand,


    smiled, “Connor isn’t a pushover either. He won’t just be manipted. Rx.”