At the dinner table, the four of them sat quietly, but the three who received extra servings from Anya knew exactly whom she was trying to impress.

Mr. Calder broke the silence, "Anya, after dinner, could you head upstairs and pack your bags?"

Before Anya could protest, Mrs. Calder jumped in, "I'll help you, honey."

Just as Anya was about to refuse again, Leo added, "You do have a lot of stuff; it really needs organizing."

"Alright then," Anya conceded.

After dinner, Anya couldn't shake off her worry about her father. After all, Chad had nearly given up on his computer science dreams to take over the family business because of him.

Mrs. Calder led her daughter to her spotless, princess-themed bedroom, which was bigger than two rooms at the Cedillo family's place. Even the door to her walk-in closet was an elegant, creamy white with an arched design.

Anya knew her father wanted to get her out of the way so he could have a chat with Leo.

Sitting on the bed, Mrs. Calder sighed, "It's hard to keep a grown daughter at home."

"I can stay. But, Mom, Chad has been really good to me."

Downstairs, after lunch, Mr. Calder stood up, "Leo, let's take a walk."

home. So, her mother and I spent three years creating this corridor for her, with tall trees on both sides, to keep her from envying those elsewhere. We even brought her a forest full of squirrels and allowed her to build treehouses since chopping down trees randomly is illegal here. When no one else could play with her, we would. She used to

and chatted, they eventually

Leo sat down in a gazebo. Leo understood; Anya was their beloved daughter, pampered

realistic; we don't expect her to stay unmarried forever. We want her happiness. That's why we've set our expectations with Andre, hoping Anya's carefree and innocent nature continues even after marriage.

I've thought about it too. If I ever fail, I'd feel I've let Anya down the most. Although I appear casual, every time Anya shows kindness, I fear

to ask about your plans for the future and what you're working on.

hour. Inside, Anya anxiously asked her mother, "Mom, what is Dad

while pretending to help her daughter pack, which was actually done by the servants, said,

to see Leo from

details. Mr. Calder, still seeing potential in Leo, asked, "If I were to give you a failing company and a million dollars in startup capital, could you turn

but I've promised my uncle I wouldn't accept help from family or friends. I appreciate your offer, but I want to see what I'm capable of

"Then, I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about your

a while longer,

ran downstairs, prompting Mrs. Calder to shake her head, "This

Chad, what

you used to eat so much you

"I

laughed, "It's getting late, and Leo has work tomorrow, plus a long drive. You

time with Leo, but she knew he had to go, "Alright then, Chad, let me walk

no need. Just remember, don't go ice skating alone. Even if you're skilled, accidents can happen if others aren't. Mia is brave but fears ice skating for a reason. And don't forget your computer science studies; exams are coming

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