It was evident that he was filled with resentment when his father insisted he get married.

The elders all claimed it was destiny, suggesting that when the time was right, he wouldn’t need to search; the right girl who could help him become a normal man would simply appear in his life.

His father, growing impatient, argued that if he didn’t take action and waited for divine intervention, when would he ever find someone? What if God took a break and forgot about him—would he be single forever?

Julian remained unconvinced.

How could he possibly be considered old?

Weren’t they in their thirties?

At thirty, he was still in the prime of life—very young, in fact.

Given that people now live longer, and considering his good health, Julian felt confident that reaching a hundred wouldn’t be an issue for him.

Thus, being single in his thirties didn’t concern him.

Clive couldn’t help but laugh, remarking, “I think Grandma York was so frustrated with your father that she had no choice but to send a master to appease him.”

As a result, no one could have anticipated what followed.

Who would have thought that the powerful Patriarch Bucham would actually push for marriage, sending shivers down people’s spines?

It’s no surprise that other young people in the Bucham family, once they reached marriageable age without a partner, would either go on business trips or travel abroad, avoiding Wiltspoon altogether.

They feared that Patriarch Bucham might focus his attention on them.

Seeing the young master being pressured to marry like that made even the bodyguards of young Master Bucham uneasy, worried that their master might address their personal lives as well.

This situation is distressing for me. I haven’t even touched the gift you gave me. Since you’re here today, why not take it all back?” Elisa complained that Julian was struggling and preventing others from enjoying themselves.

Elisa continued, “I’ve wanted to return it for a long time, but I was afraid your father would find out, so I never dared to do so.”

Julian replied indifferently, “If you don’t like it, you can give it to someone else or throw it away. Just don’t bring it back to my house. Let my dad find out. I can’t predict how he’ll react.”

“Ms. Stone, Mr. Johnson, you don’t need to worry about what I do. You two can fall in love if you want and break up if you choose. I don’t care,” he added.

Elisa and Remy were taken aback.

“Julian, if I’ve offended you in some way, please let me know so I can find peace,” Elisa said, feeling overwhelmed.

She realized she had made a mistake and could face legal consequences, so why should Julian continue to torment her?

Julian responded, “You haven’t offended me; I just find you… somewhat pleasing to the eye.”

There was likely some truth to Julian’s last statement.

Julian continued, “I used to think you were capricious and barbaric. Everyone said you were a bad woman, and I never took the time to get to know you. I genuinely believed you were that kind of person, especially since so many people labeled you as bad. Now that I understand you better, I feel those people were just envious of you and smeared your reputation because you live life on your own terms.”

Elisa thought to herself: I don’t seek your approval or praise; I just want you to leave me alone!