Next, accompanied by Mr. Warren, Jason Brooks engaged in some idle, meaningless chatter. As they talked, Mr. Warren suddenly said, “Ethan, you are a talented young man, renowned throughout Jiangzhou. May I ask if you are currently married?”

Jason Brooks deflected, replying, “My family is poor—what woman would take a liking to me?”

Mr. Warren’s eyes lit up. He said, “I have a daughter, just fifteen, in the prime of her youth, and still unmarried. If you don’t mind, why not let her be betrothed to Ethan?”

Startled, Jason Brooks quickly declined, “This is a serious matter and must be decided by my mother. I cannot make the decision myself.”

—In fact, ever since he passed the scholar’s exam, a dozen matchmakers had already come to the The Brooks Family within a few months, nearly wearing out the threshold. But none were truly suitable, and Olivia Morgan was not satisfied. He hadn’t expected that this visit to the The Warren Family would stir up such a situation out of nowhere.

Mr. Warren chuckled and said, “No matter. Why don’t I have my daughter come out and meet Ethan? If you both feel a connection, it won’t be too late to inform your elders.”

Without waiting for a response, he ordered a maid to invite the young lady out.

The matter was already set in motion, and Jason Brooks couldn’t say much—after all, just taking a look wouldn’t hurt.

Before long, the sound of tinkling ornaments and a waft of fragrance filled the air. Jason Brooks looked up and nearly spat out the sip of fragrant tea in his mouth—

Damn it, is this the transmigrated version of Sister Feng possessed…? No, that’s not right. That face, that waist—how much food does it take to raise so much fat?

He thought a glance would be harmless, but never imagined that a single look would cause such trouble. Especially when the young lady appeared, her big watery eyes fixed on him like nails, shining brightly, and her plump lips even drooled…

In that instant, Jason Brooks almost bolted for the door.

Mr. Warren stroked his beard and smiled, “Ethan, my daughter may not be a peerless beauty, but she has a dignified appearance and a prosperous look. A fortune-teller once said she would bring great luck to her husband.”

Jason Brooks broke out in a cold sweat—at least two hundred pounds of “prosperity,” who could handle that? Clever as he was, he didn’t know what to say at this moment.

Fortunately, in the midst of this awkwardness, the servant Arthur returned just in time.

Arthur came to Mr. Warren’s side, whispered a few words in his ear, and Mr. Warren erupted, slapping the table: “What, he’s not coming back!”

Seeing this, Jason Brooks felt a jolt: Something must have changed!

Chapter Thirteen: Unexpected Events

Mr. Warren grew more and more fond of Jason Brooks the longer he looked—handsome, talented, mature beyond his years, with boundless prospects… Such a son-in-law was hard to find even with a lantern. He was extremely eager for his daughter to marry into the The Brooks Family. As for what his daughter was really like, he was well aware.

At this moment, Franklin Warren’s role was crucial—how could he not be present?

So he slapped the table and ordered Arthur, “Arthur, go again. If you see the young master, tell him that if he doesn’t come back immediately, he can forget about his monthly allowance from now on.”

Arthur received the order and hurried off once more.

Jason Brooks’s expression was uncertain—he had come to visit, and by all reason, Franklin Warren should have rushed back at once, unless something truly unavoidable had happened.

But what could possibly keep Franklin Warren away?

To put it bluntly, isn’t he just lost in pleasure, unwilling to return? Could it be that the influence of that peach blossom is at play, and she doesn’t want to let Franklin Warren come back?

If so, Franklin Warren’s situation is extremely dangerous…

Jason Brooks fell into deep thought. He wasn’t particularly anxious—if Franklin Warren lost his life because of this, he could only blame himself for being infatuated with beauty. Jason Brooks had neither the obligation nor the need to rush into Jiangzhou; that would only disrupt his plans and put himself in danger, possibly even costing his own life.

And as for the power and effect of the magical bell from Reverend Calvin, it had never been demonstrated—how could Jason Brooks know what it would actually do?

Not knowing himself or the enemy, he had to proceed with caution and must not act rashly.

…

“Hmph, this is simply outrageous!”

Mr. Warren was still fuming, but Jason Brooks could tell his anger was somewhat feigned. Franklin Warren’s status in the The Warren Family was like a precious treasure; Mr. Warren would never truly punish him.

Miss Warren had already returned to her boudoir, but before leaving, she threw a flirtatious glance at Jason Brooks, making Ethan Brooks break out in goosebumps and shiver with disgust.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was a bit tense. Jason Brooks ate pastries and drank tea without tasting them, already planning that if Franklin Warren didn’t return soon, he would leave the The Warren Family immediately and wash his hands of the whole affair.

After about half an hour, voices sounded outside the hall, and Franklin Warren finally returned.

Soon, the listless Franklin Warren entered the hall, first greeting his father, then sitting beside Jason Brooks and saying, “Ethan, you’re here.”

It had only been one night, but he was visibly thinner, his eyelids swollen and drooping, with a faint bluish tinge. Sitting in the chair, he seemed to have lost all his bones, limp and lifeless.

Mr. Warren glared at his son. He still didn’t know about the peach blossom, thinking his son had just spent another night carousing in Jiangzhou’s brothels. He wasn’t blaming his son for such behavior, just worried about his health, afraid that Franklin Warren’s excessive indulgence would harm his vitality.