?Chapter 450:


    But she refused to just give up. She had loved Ethan for countless years and had always tried to please him. Why should Brenna, who had done nothing, receive the love that was rightfully hers?


    In the afternoon, Ethan settled into his seat across from Luther for a game of chess.


    With each move, Luther’s experienced hands guided a knight into position, showcasing decades of strategic expertise. The game remained evenly matched, with neither the seasoned businessman nor the family patriarch able to im the upper hand.


    “While we y, Ethan, reflect on your past with Rosie,” Luther said, eyes fixed on the chessboard. “She might be headstrong, but deep down, her intentions are pure.”


    Luther had arranged the chess match not just for the game, but to engage in a private conversation with Ethan.


    Ethan stiffened, unsure if Luther was trying to probe his decision not to choose Rosie for marriage.


    Understanding Luther’s influential position in both the Harper family and the Harper Group—apany whose power extended throughout the country—Ethan chose his words carefully.


    “Indeed, Rosie is like family to me,” Ethan said, moving his queen forward. “She has always been like a sister to me.”


    Luther’s expression stiffened as he noticed Ethan’s careful attempt to dodge the true issue. He believed Ethan clearly knew what he wanted to ask—Rosie had grown up with him, so why didn’t he want to marry her?


    Luther couldn’t grasp why Ethan would want to marry Brenna after only a few meetings, ignoring his years of close friendship with Rosie.


    “But you should know that Rosie expects more from your rtionship, Ethan,” Luther said. “She grew up believing she’d be your bride, given our families’ agreement. Why haven’t you considered marrying her?”


    Ethan looked at Luther intently. “Rosie has only ever been a sister to me. Despite being aware of the familial agreement, I never embraced the idea of marrying her. I view such agreements as outdated relics. Even before I met Brenna, I had resolved not to honor the arrangement. Moreover, my elder brother remains unmarried; he is also able to fulfill that familymitment.”


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    Luther’s response was quiet, almost thoughtful. “You are right.”


    Ethan spoke openly, his words honest and direct. “From the moment we first met, I knew Brenna was the one for me. That was when I decided I would marry her.”


    Luther was not the type to cling to outdated traditions or arrange a marriage out of pity for Rosie. He kept an open mind, prioritizing Ethan’s happiness above any arrangement.


    He noticed the nervousness in Ethan’s demeanor andughed lightly. “My main concern is your and Brenna’s happiness. Don’t worry; I’m open-minded and not one to meddle.”


    Relief washed over Ethan. “Your approval means everything to me.”


    Later that day, as Ethan prepared to leave, the family staff busily loaded Ethan’s car with boxes of fresh produce from the Harper family’s estate gardens. Luther had insisted on it.


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