Brenda's calm shattered. The Rhodes family was overstepping, trying to intervene in her family affairs.

Dropping the watering can, she hurried back to the main house.

In the living room, Tracy, clad in an elegant dark blue dress, exuded a mix of nobility and shrewdness. Beside her, Laura, dressed in a white gown, portrayed the image of an innocent gentlewoman from a prestigious family.

Richard, aware of the mother and daughter's intentions for the visit, chose not to respond directly but instead welcomed them for coffee, a diplomatic gesture.

Tracy, with a knowing smile, was confident the Harris family wouldn't dismiss Laura.

She had groomed Laura herself, making her stand out in their social circle since childhood. Moreover, Laura had a significant feather in her cap-she had saved Gerard's life.

In Tracy's eyes, Lilah was nothing more than a temporary distraction.

She firmly believed that overlooking Laura as a marriage prospect for Gerard would be a grave oversight by the Harris family.

“Richard, think of the advantages our families could reap from announcing a marital union. Our companies' boards are also anticipating a merger through the marriage," Tracy proposed confidently.

Richard chose to fiddle with his cup instead of replying.

"I wonder which kind of board of directors expect their chairperson's daughter to sabotage someone else's relationship," a female voice jeered.

Everyone in the room glanced at the door and saw Brenda striding into the room, a determined glint in her eyes.

Tracy's gaze narrowed and she replied calmly, "Brenda, our two families are well matched. But the Phillips family... Lilah is not worthy of Gerard and you know it. I understand that he is fascinated by that woman for now, but as parents, we must be pragmatic and think of their future!"

"What do you mean? Are you trying to imply that Laura is better than Lilah? The Phillips family may not be as influential as us, but Lilah is an outstanding woman. She deserves my son," Brenda retorted firmly.

Tracy was a bit taken aback by Brenda's assertiveness. How could she hold Lilah in such high regard? Brenda was so blind!

But Tracy knew better than to let her true emotions reflect on her face. Smiling slightly, she tried to persuade Brenda. “Brenda, you like Lilah, so you think highly of her. However, other people, especially the board of directors of the Harris Group, won't share your opinion. They won't accept a woman like her."

“My son has the right to decide who he wants to marry. No one else can make the decision for him." Brenda hated this kind of reasoning the most.

Tracy was rendered speechless and she suddenly realized that she wouldn't be able to change Brenda's mind, so she shifted her gaze to Richard.

She believed men were always realistic, and Richard wouldn't accept a daughter-in-law like Lilah.

“Richard, I can guarantee that once our families unite by marriage, the Harris family will upgrade to another level. Moreover, I will give 10% of the Rhodes Group's shares as Laura's wedding gift," Tracy said.

Her offer was very generous, so she didn't think the Harris family would reject it.

Finally, Richard replied, “If this had happened in the past, we would have accepted your proposal and united the two families by marriage.

However, Gerard already has a girlfriend whom he loves. We cannot force him to accept someone else."

Tracy was undeterred. "Gerard is too young to resist outside temptation. As parents, it's our duty to help our children make the best choice. Richard, I don't think there is any girl out there that can suit Gerard better than Laura," she stated firmly.