Tristan listened quietly, his face unreadable. Then he let out a soft laugh. "So, Grandpa, it's not really Emily you have a problem with. You just don't like the Lane and Austin families, is that it?"

Steven stared at him, lost for words. "You! Are you even paying attention to what I'm saying?"

Tristan ran his fingers along his chin. “I am. I'm just thinking about what to do next."

Steven could tell Tristan wasn't taking any of this seriously. He let out a long sigh. "I'm getting old. The Davis family's future depends on you now. You have to figure out what you truly want. Emily is on her own, she doesn't have any family behind her, and now she's managed to offend the Austins. Who knows how long she'll last? The Rivera family, though, they're solid. They've got history, money, connections. Emily can't compete with that. We know Cynthia, we can trust her. She's the right choice for you. Do you understand?"

Tristan didn't seem to hear a word. He kept rubbing his chin, deep in thought. "So, if I can take care of the Lane and Austin families, you'll let me be with Emily?"

Steven nearly lost his temper right there.

The butler looked worried, gently patting Steven's back. “Tristan, maybe say a little less. The chairman isn't well. Please, don't upset him.”

Tristan pressed his lips together and fell silent.

Steven needed a moment, breathing in and out, before he could speak again. His hand shook as he pointed at Tristan. “Go on, then. Tell me. How exactly do you plan

to handle the Lane and Austin families?"

Tristan just rubbed his nose and kept quiet.

"Answer me," Steven said, his voice low.

Tristan stepped closer, grabbed the blanket draped over the side of the sofa, and gently placed it over Steven's legs. "Grandpa, you're not young anymore. You shouldn't stress yourself out worrying about my life. It's not good for you. I'm an adult. I know how to handle things Honestly, have I ever really caused any trouble for you? I always listen to you. You told me to come back and take over the family business, so I quit my job and did exactly what you asked."

His voice softened, patient and calm. “See? I've always done what you told me. Just this once, can't I decide something for myself?"

Steven's tone cooled, though he seemed a bit calmer. "You're causing trouble right

now. Listen to me. End things with Emily Blair, and do it soon. It's better for both of you. There's no point wasting time."

Tristan kept his head down, carefully

tucking the blanket around Steven. "I

know whatever I say, you won't believe me or agree with me. But I'm not going to break up with Emily, no matter what Since geither of us is going to budge..."

He straightened up, slid a hand into his pocket, and shrugged. "Let's just not talk about it anymore, for your health, okay?"

Steven shut his eyes, breathing deeply. After a moment, he waved him away. "Go on, get out of here. You never listen. One day you'll regret this."

Tristan looked at his grandfather for a long moment and sighed. "I'll leave in a bit. But first, let me take you to the hospital for a check-up."

The butler spoke up. "Tristan, the chairman already went to the hospital this morning. There's nothing serious just some high blood pressure. That can be

dangerous at his age. So please, just try to go along with him when you can."

Steven gave a gruff snort. "This boy just wants to drive me crazy."

Tristan was quiet for a second. “Grandpa, why don't you go upstairs and get some

rest? Try not to worry about anything else right now."