Chapter 7 Giving the Engagement to Your Cousin

• Carolyn didn't respond, simply standing quietly.
• At the entrance of the hotel, Helen stood impatiently. The people at the Nova Hotel wouldn't let her wait in the lobby, directly stopping her from entering.
• It's just a hotel, what's so special about it?
• Soon, however, Kayden came out to ease the situation. "Is this the eldest young lady? I remember seeing you when you were little."
• Helen reluctantly acknowledged that the pretty girl in front of her was indeed Carolyn. She remembered her mission for this trip and swallowed her frustration.
• She smiled and said, "Uncle Kayden, it's been a long time. The butler who came to pick you up this morning was clueless and got scolded by Grandma when he got back, so she sent me to fetch you home to the Burke family personally."
• Carolyn responded coolly, "There's no need. Staying at the hotel is just fine."
• "How could we let family stay in a hotel? If outsiders see this, they might think the Burke family can't even accommodate one girl, and that wouldn't look good for the family's reputation, would it, Uncle Kayden?" Helen reasoned.
• Kayden felt a bit awkward and glanced at Carolyn. "How about we head back to the Burke family?"
• "Whatever," she replied indifferently.
• She didn't care about such things anyway.
• Helen breathed a sigh of relief. "Uncle Kayden, you guys pack your luggage. I brought three cars today, so feel free to take whichever one you like."
• Kayden hurried inside to gather their things, while Carolyn strolled leisurely.
• Her phone buzzed.
• When Carolyn saw the caller ID, her expression shifted slightly. She slowed her pace and answered the call. "Hello?"
• "Zero, you're not dead? If I hadn't seen the Nova Hotel booking, I wouldn't have believed it."
• "Yeah, I borrowed your card. Someone was looking for me, so I faked my death to escape."
• "I'm just glad you're okay. Use the card as much as you want. I can't believe you're in Athacier. When I get back, let's catch up."
• "Sure."
• After hanging up, Carolyn's expression returned to normal.
• Once their bags were packed, they left the Nova Hotel and headed straight for the Burke family estate.
• Helen rode in a car by herself. She refused to sit with those people from the countryside. If it weren't for Grandma's orders, she wouldn't have put on a smile and acted so hospitable.
• But that cousin of hers was quite pretty—her soft almond-shaped eyes were just the kind that would stir up a man's protective instincts.
• She dialed a number and complained, "Mom, that Carolyn looks like a vixen. What if Brother Cyrus falls for her?"
• "Don't worry, as long as Grandma's around, the marriage will be yours. In terms of family background, Carolyn doesn't even compare to a strand of your hair. Besides, her brother just went to the Holman family to call off the engagement, so she's already lost."
• "She can't beat you. My darling Helen, just wait to become the Holman family's young madam."
• Helen hung up the phone, feeling reassured.
• ---
• The car arrived at the Burke Manor.
• Kayden and Carolyn were in the same car. As he saw the familiar surroundings, Kayden couldn't help but sigh in relief, "Finally home."
• He leaned in and quietly reminded Carolyn, "Carol, when you see the old lady later, be on your best behavior. You're one of the only two girls in the Burke family; she's bound to like you."
• Like her? Carolyn didn't care in the slightest.
• As they drove through the manor, there were many servants standing along the road, all bowing to Helen. "Welcome home, Ms. Helen."
• The sight left Jaylee and her child speechless with fear.
• She'd heard from Kayden that the Burke family was wealthy, but she never imagined they were "this" wealthy. The Murphy family would likely rise to prominence from now on, too.
• Helen looked at the Murphy family's simple-minded demeanor and felt a surge of disdain. But when she saw Carolyn remaining composed, her gaze darkened. "She must be pretending," Helen thought. Deep down, she's surely envious.
• The Burke family hall was luxuriously grand.
• Sitting on the sofa was Alice, her hair impeccably maintained and jet black. She wore a pearl necklace and a cheongsam, exuding elegance.
• Carolyn stood calmly, neither humble nor overbearing.
• Kayden took the initiative to speak. "Madam Alice, you look as youthful as ever."
• "You certainly know how to flatter," the old lady responded, her mood lifting a little at the compliment. However, as she glanced at Carolyn, her expression shifted.
• She certainly resembled her late mother—a woman who had been just as disobedient.
• "Now that you're back, you should stay. I'll have the butler arrange lessons on etiquette befitting a noble lady. You'll need them so you don't embarrass the Burke family when you're out."
• Carolyn responded softly, "Okay."
• Suddenly, Ruby spoke up, "Carol, I heard you were staying at the Nova Hotel. Who gave you that card?"
• "A friend," Carolyn replied.
• "The Burke family doesn't get along with them. In the future, it's best you avoid staying there."
• The mention of this visibly darkened the old lady's mood, and she began to look even more displeased with Carolyn.
• Helen chimed in, "Carol, don't take it personally. Grandma just doesn't want you to be used by someone who would tarnish the Burke family's name. Your so-called friend might not have the best intentions."
• Alice snorted. "Cut ties with those shady friends. Now that you're the Burke family's ninth young miss, you shouldn't associate with people like that."
• Carolyn's eyes flickered with a trace of mockery, but she said nothing.
• "Are you mute? Didn't you hear what I just said? Why aren't you responding?"
• Carolyn finally spoke. "He's not a shady friend."
• "Are you trying to anger me to death? With such a rebellious attitude, how could you be fit to marry into the Holman family and become their young madam? Tomorrow, you'll come with me to the Holman family and personally tell them to give the engagement to your sister Helen."
• Engagement?
• A hint of surprise flashed through Carolyn's eyes. She glanced at Kayden—she had an engagement?
• Why had she never heard about this before? Even her brothers hadn't mentioned it during their last visit.