Mrs. Davis nodded. “Alright. I just didn't want to say this with your grandfather around, but I want you to know-your father and I support whatever decision you make. If you don't want to go on blind dates with Cynthia or any other girl, then don't. If you want to pursue the girl you like, then go for it. If you win her over, bring her home so we can meet her. As long as you love her, we'll love her too."

Tristan listened quietly.

“We even looked up Emily Blair online just now," Mrs. Davis continued. "We read a lot about her. Tristan, we didn't expect the girl you like to be so remarkable. No wonder you're so taken with her. Don't let this chance slip by your father and I are behind you all the way."

"Thank you, Mom," Tristan murmured.

Mrs. Davis smiled warmly. "You know, your father and I have always been busy. We missed so many important moments in your life, and we've always felt guilty about it. We've been searching for a way to make it up to you, and now we finally have the chance."

"When it comes to marriage, we'll talk to your grandfather for you. Just focus on pursuing the one you love. We'll have your back."

A faint, grateful smile curved Tristan's lips. "Alright. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."

"No need to thank us," Mrs. Davis replied, still smiling. "That's all I wanted to say. I'll let you go drive safe, alright?"

Tristan was about to reply when he heard a bit of background commotion on the other end.

"Wait, don't hang up yet. I want to say something too..."

It was his father's voice.

"Dad?" Tristan ventured.

"Yes, I'm here."

After some static, Mr. Davis took the phone. "Tristan, I just want to remind you-—if you ever run into trouble, call me or your mother. Even though we're living overseas now, we can still help you. You don't have to carry everything on your own. Out there in the world, remember you have your parents and your grandfather behind you."

Tristan raised an eyebrow, a wry smile on his face. “Alright, I'll remember.”

"That's good. Go on, get back to driving," Mr. Davis said, then added with a chuckle, “One last thing—I've talked to my business partners about Emily Blair. She's a very impressive young woman. If you want to pursue her, you have my full support."

There was no denying that the whole ordeal with the blind date had really soured Tristan's mood earlier. But after his parents' call, he felt a lot lighter. On the drive home, he couldn't help but smile to himself.

When he got back to his townhouse, the first thing he did was head over to Emily Blair's place.

He opened the front door and saw Emily sitting on the couch, frowning in frustration as she typed furiously on her laptop. Every now and then she'd mutter under her breath, clearly struggling with something.

Tristan walked over. "What's going on?"

Emily had already heard him come in, but she didn't look up when he spoke.

"This stupid thing just crashed and won't turn back on."

There was an urgent issue at Vertex International tonight, and as soon as Emily tried to power up her laptop to deal with it, the screen had gone black.

She knew a thing or two about fixing computers and could tell it wasn't a lost cause; her files would be safe. But she needed her laptop for work right now and didn't have a backup, so she was understandably anxious.

After explaining the situation, Emily glanced at Tristan and asked, perfectly matter- of-fact, “Can I use your laptop for work?"

Tristan arched an eyebrow. "I'd be honored. I'll go grab it for you."

Emily tossed her laptop aside, leaned back on the couch like a queen, and waved him off. "Go on, then. I'm waiting."