Of course, Mason Lawson had no intention of answering Julian Lawson’s question. Instead, a corner of his mouth lifted in a smirk. "You’re getting married in a little over ten days, yet you’re still pining for your ex-girlfriend," he said mockingly. "Isn’t that a little unfair to your fiancée? Julian, you’re twenty-four, but you still haven’t learned how to be a man."

Julian Lawson was utterly humiliated. Not only had he failed to get the answer he wanted, but he had also been insulted by Mason Lawson yet again.

He remembered Eve Vaughn once saying Mason Lawson was more mature, composed, and profound than him, and a bitter wave of jealousy washed over him.

A seed of doubt began to sprout in his mind. He had always believed that a man of Mason Lawson’s stature would never fall for someone like Eve Vaughn, no matter how hard she tried to seduce him.

But now, Mason Lawson’s ambiguous response made Julian Lawson’s heart leap into his throat.

"Uncle, I just need a straight answer. Is there anything between you and Eve Vaughn, or not?"

He stared intently at Mason Lawson’s face, determined not to miss a single flicker of expression.

Mason Lawson’s expression remained unchanged. He still wore that faint smile that never reached his eyes. "I only came today to check on you for Old Mr. Lawson. I have no obligation to answer such a ridiculous question. While I’m here, I’d advise you to focus on your wedding and stop dwelling on this nonsense."

In the end, he never answered the question Julian Lawson was most desperate to know.

And so, Mason Lawson had accomplished his goal for the evening.

’So, The Third Madam must have let something slip to Julian, but she probably only said that Eve Vaughn was trying to seduce me, not that we were actually together.’

’That’s why Julian is so uncertain and feels the need to confront me for confirmation.’

When Mason Lawson stepped out of the hospital room, he found Autumn Woods and Ethan Lawson standing right by the door, eavesdropping.

The door had opened so suddenly that the couple was caught in a rather awkward position.

Mason Lawson, however, remained perfectly composed. He addressed them, "Brother, Sister-in-law, please take good care of Julian. And while you’re at it, maybe give him a lecture. It’s inexcusable for a man who’s about to be married to keep thinking about his ex-girlfriend."

Autumn Woods, however, eyed him suspiciously. "But you still haven’t answered our Julian’s question," she said. "You and Eve Vaughn... Don’t tell me..."

"Sister-in-law, you should watch what you say."

Mason Lawson’s gaze turned sharp. He warned, enunciating each word, "Old Mr. Lawson despises gossipmongers. Besides, this sort of thing would damage the Lawson family’s reputation. You’d best think carefully before you speak!"

With that, he turned and left, refusing to engage with them any further.

Ethan Lawson and Autumn Woods found themselves increasingly bewildered by the situation.

Why would Mason Lawson be mixed up with Eve Vaughn?

Julian Lawson wouldn’t have asked a question like that out of the blue unless there was some truth to it.

Autumn Woods said resentfully to her husband, "Your brother is really something else, isn’t he? He’s always threatening us with Old Mr. Lawson, as if he has the old man wrapped around his finger! If he’s really having some sordid affair with Eve Vaughn, the Lawson family can’t afford that kind of scandal!"

Ethan Lawson pondered for a moment before replying, "I doubt it. It’s probably just another one of Mason’s schemes to confuse us and set a trap. Think about it. For years, he’s been meticulously plotting, consolidating the Lawson family’s power into his own hands step by step. Now is a crucial time. Why would he lose his head and get mixed up with a girl like that? He’d just be making trouble for himself."

Her husband’s words finally dispelled the last trace of suspicion in Autumn Woods’s heart.

She nodded in agreement. "You’re right. A man as calculating as him only ever does what’s in his own best interest. Why would he get involved with Eve Vaughn?"

Ethan Lawson sighed deeply. "I’m just worried about Julian. It’s clear to me he still hasn’t gotten over Eve Vaughn. He could still have an affair even after he’s married. If he ever causes a cheating scandal, my father would probably kill him!"

Autumn Woods snorted in disdain. "Old Mr. Lawson is always standing on his moral high ground, criticizing everyone else! And how many wives has *he* had? Wasn’t Mason the bastard son he had with some woman on the side? If The Third Madam hadn’t adopted him, he wouldn’t even have a proper place in this family! Now look at him, being so harsh on us."

"For God’s sake, woman, shut your mouth!"

Panicked, Ethan Lawson clapped a hand over his wife’s mouth. "If Old Mr. Lawson hears you saying that, do you want to be thrown out of the Lawson family? Ugh, what else can we do? We just have to endure it. Once you’ve endured long enough to get to his position, then you can have one rule for yourself and another for everyone else!"

...

Julian Lawson was discharged after two days of observation at the hospital.

That morning, the Lawsons were all gathered together for breakfast once again.

Old Mr. Lawson inquired about his grandson’s health before turning the conversation toward Mason Lawson.

"Mason, your nephew Julian is about to get married. You’re thirty now. It’s about time you considered settling down yourself."

As soon as Old Mr. Lawson spoke, The Third Madam’s gaze darted toward Mason Lawson.

’She refused to believe Mason would dare mention that Eve Vaughn girl in front of Old Mr. Lawson!’

"Father, Lawson Group is at a critical juncture right now, with many acquisitions and financing deals underway. I’d rather focus on the company’s affairs before considering my own."

Mason Lawson had hoped to use the company as an excuse, but to his surprise, Old Mr. Lawson didn’t let him off the hook. "That’s no way to think about it. The company is important, but settling down is more important! I’ve been looking at some young ladies from prominent families, and there are quite a few around your age. Take a look. Tell me which one you like, and I’ll go arrange the match."

Hearing this, The Third Madam seized the opportunity. "Actually, Mason was very fond of Joanna in the past, remember? And now, Joanna is a world-class dancer who has won countless accolades. She’s even opened several successful dance studios here in Rivaster. Her career is really taking off. Perhaps we could consider her again. She would be a good choice."

Old Mr. Lawson had previously been unimpressed with Joanna Sullivan. While she came from a wealthy family, her background was a far cry from the Lawsons’ standing. Besides, back then, all she had was her dancing, with no notable achievements to her name.

Now, The Third Madam assumed that since Joanna Sullivan was a success in her own right, she would surely win Old Mr. Lawson’s approval this time.

But Old Mr. Lawson merely frowned. "If she hadn’t broken the engagement, it might be a different story. But that incident made the Lawson family a laughingstock. How could a woman like that have the audacity to come back to the Lawson family?"

To this, Mason Lawson had no objection.

The Third Madam, on the other hand, looked thoroughly embarrassed. Though resentful, she didn’t dare press the matter of Joanna Sullivan further and risk Old Mr. Lawson’s displeasure.

Then, Old Mr. Lawson laid down the law to Mason Lawson. "Over the next few days, I want you to look and see which young lady you prefer. I didn’t personally choose Julian’s wife; his parents did. They said it was because she saved his life by donating her liver, and that’s a debt we had to repay. But for your future wife, I will personally make a careful selection. She must be someone who can be an asset to your career!"

Mason Lawson felt a surge of irritation, but he agreed anyway. "Fine. I understand, Father."

Julian Lawson hadn’t said a word, but he had heard everything his grandfather said, down to the last syllable.

’So,’ he thought, ’in front of Old Mr. Lawson, even Mason has to be completely obedient, doesn’t he?’

’How is he any different from me?’

’And with Grandfather’s current plans, there’s no way Eve Vaughn will ever be able to marry into the Lawson family as my ’Auntie’.’

At that thought, Julian Lawson finally felt a sense of profound relief that he hadn’t experienced in a very long time.