After dinner, Ray took the head of the sofa, while Annabelle sat opposite Connor.
Ray smiled at Annabelle and said, “I’m an old man out of touch with today’s world. I hardly know
what to talk about with you young folks. Aren’t you bored?”
Annabelle replied with a demure smile, “Grandpa, you’re joking. I learn a lot from our
conversations.”
Ray chuckled at her response. “Connor, why don’t you take Annabelle out to the garden for a walk?
Go enjoy the moonlight, don’t just sit inside.”
“Of course, Grandpa,” Connor said with a nod.
Connor and Annabelle left the main house and walked to the backyard garden. There was a
beautifully designed lily pond there, where the water lilies were in full bloom, reflecting the moonlight
in a breathtaking display.
Meanwhile, Ray and Jordan were chatting inside.
Jordan commented, “Connor is a remarkable young man. I’m very pleased with him.”
Ray nodded, “With Annabelle by his side, his future looks even brighter.”
Madison added, “I hope they can support each other and grow together. After all, they are both
talented individuals who deserve a bright future.”
noveldramaHolly and Hugh looked slightly displeased. They had always envisioned Annabelle as their future
daughter-in-law and were a bit resentful, but they managed to swallow their grievances and kept
smiling.Peter, sitting on the side, just smiled without saying a word.
***
Annabelle admired the lily pond and said with a smile, “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”
Connor took out a cigarette and asked, “Do you mind?”
Annabelle shook her head gently and smiled, “Go ahead.”
Connor lit the cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke. Just then, his phone
vibrated. He saw a message from 'Camila' that brought a slight smile to his face.
[Mr. Connor, happy Thanksgiving! You’re always so busy. Please take a moment tonight to enjoy the
moonlight and relax.]
Connor laughed softly after reading it, and without replying, he put the phone back in his pocket.
“What kind of message puts you in such a good mood?” Annabelle asked with a light smile.
“Just a festive greeting from an employee,” Connor replied.
Annabelle looked at Connor, the light casting a long shadow behind him. “Honestly, I was never in
favor of arranged dates, but after meeting you, I’ve started to think they might not be so bad. How
do you feel about it?”
Connor paused, and took another drag from his cigarette, “To be honest, I didn’t know today’s
arrangement was meant to be a blind date, so I didn’t have any particular feelings.” His tone was
calm, revealing little emotion.
Annabelle smiled lightly, “And now, after getting to know me better, what do you think?”Connor looked into Annabelle's eyes and continued, "Ms. Annabelle, your beauty is matched only
by your intelligence and wit. Your distinguished lineage is apparent not just in your elegant
demeanor, but also in the depth of your knowledge and your keen insights."
Annabelle felt a surge of pleasure at his words, but then Connor’s next words left her slightly
disappointed.
“But I don’t feel anything romantic.”
Annabelle was stunned, not expecting Connor to be so straightforward about his feelings. She
laughed lightly, “Feelings are mysterious. They can develop over time. How many arranged
marriages are based solely on feelings?” She looked at Connor, “Don’t you think?”
She continued, “My grandfather owns 3% of Passos Corp’s shares. It’s not a lot, but it's crucial if
you want to secure your position in the company.”
Connor smiled faintly, not directly addressing Annabelle’s point, but instead changing the subject.