Chapter 293

"Is it the Garcia family causing trouble?" Emily Johnson set down her chopsticks, her brow furrowing slightly. If that were the case, she needed to check immediately.

"My match wants to call off the engagement."

Daniel River's words silenced the dinner table. Four pairs of eyes turned toward him.

"What happened?" Michael Stone asked, his voice low.

Emily was equally puzzled. During their last meeting, the girl had enthusiastically discussed dowry and wedding gifts. How could she change her mind so quickly?

"She raised the dowry from sixty-eight to a hundred. Otherwise, she’ll break it off," Daniel said with a grimace.

"My mother found out the Garcias and the matchmaker are distant relatives."

Emily’s heart sank. Rural family ties were always complicated—pulling one string could unravel everything.

"Let it go. It’s not like you’re attached to her," Michael said sharply, his gaze piercing.

Daniel waved his hands. "Third Brother, I only met her once. We barely spoke."

"This needs to be settled properly," Emily said firmly. "Otherwise, the girl’s family might spread rumors, making it harder for you to find a match later."

"Would they really do that?"

"Of course they would," Michael cut in. "Listen to your sister-in-law. This must be resolved clearly."

Daniel poked at his rice, appetite gone. Why was finding a wife so difficult?

"Eat first," Emily said, placing a piece of meat in his bowl.

Daniel wolfed it down. His brother’s cooking was always richer, with more oil than at home.

"Wash the dishes," Michael ordered.

Daniel swiftly cleared the table, unfazed by the idea of a man doing chores.

Meanwhile, Martha River was complaining to Mary Stone, already planning to find another match for her son before harvest season.

Jessica River, knowing her brother’s engagement had fallen through because of her, was listless. No matter how Martha tried to console her, it didn’t help—so she asked Emily to step in.

"How’s that book coming along?" Emily asked gently.

"Not finished yet," Jessica murmured, head bowed.

It was a fashion design book, filled with sketches and patterns.

"Take your time." Emily shifted the topic. "I heard Daniel’s engagement is off?"

Jessica’s eyes reddened. "It’s all my fault..."

"Silly girl," Emily interrupted. "I was there that day. That girl acted high and mighty just because she had a factory worker relative. My whole family works in factories—did I ever boast about it?"

Jessica froze. She had always assumed her sister-in-law was just an ordinary educated youth.

"Some things are meant to be," Emily said, smoothing Jessica’s hair. "If I hadn’t stubbornly gone to the countryside, would I have met your brother?"

"No," Jessica said, finally smiling.

Some bonds were simply destined.