?Chapter 1429:


    Johnson’s voice was rigid. “Mom, stop meddling in my affairs.”


    Ste’s voice rose, sharp with authority. “I’m your mother! Why shouldn’t I care about your affairs?”


    “I’m not a child anymore. I can make my own decisions,” Johnson retorted.


    Ste faltered, frustration tightening her face. “You—”


    “Enough,” Marion interjected firmly. “If Johnson has made it clear, let it go. He’s an adult and capable of thinking for himself.”


    Ste’s irritation red as she turned to Marion. “How can you be like this? You’ve never cared about family matters!”


    Marion frowned deeply. “Our children are grown and capable of making their own choices. Do you really need to control every detail? Do you think that’s best for them?”


    He paused before adding, “Since Johnson doesn’t want to get engaged to Zoie, drop the matter. Don’t bring it up again. When he’s ready, he’ll let us know, and then we can make the arrangements.”


    “But—I—” Ste began, only for Marion to cut her off.


    “That’s final!” His tone brooked no argument.


    Fuming, Ste mmed her fork down. “I’m done eating!” She then stormed out of the dining room.


    “Mom!” Eliana Hoffman, Johnson’s sister, called after her, rising to follow.


    “Let them be. Let’s continue our meal,” Marion said calmly.


    After a moment, he turned to Johnson, his voice resolute. “Son, don’t worry. Your mother and I won’t pressure you on this. Just do what feels right.”


    “Thanks, Dad,” Johnson replied, his tense expression easing slightly. “Let’s eat.”


    Catherine picked at her food, but every bite tasted nd.


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    She felt aplex mix of emotions.


    Although Johnson had shut down the engagement talk this time, what about next time?


    Would he eventually take the initiative to get engaged to Zoie—or even marry her?


    The mere thought tightened Catherine’s chest, a dull ache spreading through her.


    Catherine couldn’t quite understand why her emotions were in such turmoil. She tried to convince herself that Johnson was family, that one day he would start a new family with another woman. She had no power—or right—to stop that.


    After the meal, she retreated upstairs to her room. The moment she stepped inside, she copsed onto her bed and pulled the nket over her head. She wanted to shut out her thoughts, but they swirled relentlessly, refusing to fade.


    Meanwhile, Johnson knocked on the door of Ste’s room and stepped inside. Seeing him, Ste turned her face away, ignoring him. Undeterred, Johnson sat beside her.


    “Mom, why did you suddenly think I should get engaged to Zoie?” he asked.


    Ste turned to face him, her expression stern. “I’m very fond of Zoie. I want her as my daughter-inw sooner rather thanter, so I thought an engagement now would be best.”


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