"That brat! How dare he hide a relationship from us!"

"A relationship?" Aria Joyce’s elegant brows furrowed deeply. Then she recalled the scene she’d witnessed at the birthday banquet a few days ago, and the corners of her lips curved up slightly. "Dad," she said with a smile, "I was wondering what you were so angry about. I’ve met that young lady. She’s a very pure and obedient girl. I think she’s a great match for our Leo. I like her a lot."

"You like her a lot?" Julian Joyce looked at his daughter, puzzled. If his own daughter approved of the girl and was even speaking up for her, then this was no small matter.

Aria Joyce walked over to Julian Joyce’s side and began to massage his shoulders, smiling placatingly. "Yes, Dad. Before, when you didn’t want our Leo to get involved with that little tyrant from the Avery Family, I didn’t object. I didn’t like her either. She was rude and had no manners. But this Tiana is different. She’s a very pure and quiet girl. I was even thinking that if our Leo wasn’t interested in her, I’d help things along. After all, in this day and age, it’s not easy to find a sweet and obedient wife."

"Hahaha, Aria, you’re getting carried away. Our Leo has to marry someone from a family of equal standing." Hearing his daughter praise the girl from the Grayson family like this, Julian Joyce wasn’t quite as angry anymore. Still, the fact remained that their families were not a suitable match.

At his words, Aria’s expression soured. She feigned anger and said, "Dad, with the Joyce Family’s status today, we don’t need any family alliances or business marriages. Don’t even think about pulling that stunt on my brother and me. I’m telling you, Leo’s marriage must be his own decision. Otherwise, I’ll go on strike right now and stop working for you."

"Alright, alright! I won’t interfere, I won’t interfere! You’re all grown up now, your wings have grown strong. Your mother and I can’t control you anymore."

"Exactly. The Joyce Family has never needed to use marriage to secure its position, so this whole idea of a ’suitable match’ is irrelevant."

Persuaded by his daughter, Julian Joyce found himself agreeing. "Mm, you’re right. The Joyce Family certainly doesn’t need any marriage alliances."

"So, Dad, you should call Leo right now and apologize. Otherwise, you know his temper. He probably won’t come back to see you for a year or more."

"He’d dare!" Hearing this, Julian Joyce angrily slammed his hand on the table again.

Aria’s face was grim as she nodded. "Leo really would dare!"

Julian Joyce’s expression was incredibly dark. But when he thought about how fiercely he had argued with that brat, he just couldn’t swallow his pride and call to apologize. Besides, that wasn’t something a father should have to do.

With that thought, he turned his attention to his daughter. "That little rascal, has he completely rebelled? Aria, you call him. Tell him to bring that young lady home to meet us the day after tomorrow. Otherwise, he can forget about me and your mother ever approving of them being together!"

Aria suppressed a smile and nodded.

*****

After leaving the house, Leo Joyce sped toward the highway.

His mind was flooded with memories of everything that had happened over the past two years. ’Honestly, even I don’t know how things ended up like this. I’ve always just protected Tiana like a little sister.’

’But now, I’ve actually crossed a line...’

’I’m starting to find it unbearable when other men get close to Tiana...’

’And I can’t stand to see her sad or crying. What in the world is wrong with me?’

’Could it be... that I’m really planning to forget my little pampered miss?’