Still, no one pressed for details.


    Just then, Vesta spoke up. "Since we''ve run into each other, why don''t we sit down and have a meal together?"


    As soon as she finished, Dalton was about to agree, but Gaylord interjected first. "No, thanks. I have things to take care of. Maybe next time."


    Right after Gaylord, York chimed in, "I''ve got ns of my own too. Sorry, maybe another time."


    Dalton hade with York. He hadn''t expected York to turn her down so directly. Caught off guard, he paused, then simply echoed, "Yeah, maybe next time."


    Vesta had always been a little more attentive to Dalton. She noticed the flicker of surprise on his face and immediately realized York''s excuse was just that—a polite way to say he didn''t want to have dinner with her. She couldn''t help but notice that York''s attitude toward her was... indifferent. Not interested, but not unfriendly either-just polite distance.


    She gave a slightly awkward smile. "Alright then, maybe another time."


    York nodded politely, pped Dalton on the shoulder, and turned to leave first.


    Gaylord, meanwhile, had already gone back to his seat, scrolling through his phone, ignoring Vestapletely.


    Vesta had more or less expected Gaylord''s refusal. In the past, even when he pretended to be aloof, he couldn''t help but sneak nces at her, always paying attention in his own way. But now... after saying his piece, it was as if she didn''t even exist.


    Vesta''s brows knitted for the briefest moment, but she quicklyposed herself and spoke gently, "As long as you know what you''re doing, I won''t say more. But your parents and family care about you a lot try to calfhome more often when you have the time."


    With that, she said nothing further and turned to leave.


    Georgina and her friends all knew Dalton and York; recognizing Vesta speaking


    with them, they kept their distance so as not to interrupt.


    When Vesta returned, Georgina spoke up, "Besides Gaylord, those


    two young men are Mr. Ps


    son and Campbell Watson''s grandson, right? Both from


    prominent families in Starfal City, and capable in their own right. Fine young men. Especially Mr. Watson''s grandson-you hardly ever see him at social events. Why not chat with them a little longer?"


    Vesta had barely sat down when Laverne Hawkins added, "She''s right, Vesta. Gaylord, Mr. Ramirez''s son


    Mr. Watson''s grandson-they allmet?


    have excellent prospects. Your two younger sisters are still single. If any of them seem suitable, maybe you could keep Jane and Leah in mind?”


    Rhoda immediately agreed, "Exactly, exactly!"


    Before Vesta could respond, Jta spoke up quietly, "But Mr. Hearst and Mr. Ramirez, they''re both totally devoted to you, cousin. It doesn''t seem right for you to introduce them to us..."


    Laverne shot her daughter a look of exasperation. “What''s wrong with that? Feelings can grow over time. They like your cousin, but if she takes the initiative to bring you all together, who knows? Maybe something develops. You won''t know unless you try."


    Jta fell silent.


    Vesta finally spoke. “I''m not really in touch with them these days. I don''t feelfortable ying matchmaker out of the blue."


    "It''s fine," Laverne said. "If there''s a dinner or party and Mr. Hearst or Mr. Watson are attending, just bring Jane and the others along. That''s all it takes."