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Ryan stared at the excited look on his girlfriend's face and decided to keep his secret for the time being.

"Yeah, I think I have heard of her but I'm not sure. Isn't she that tycoon who's into cosmetics and fashion?"

He knew that he owed Rose an explanation especially since she would be taking part in the inheritance selection anyway, but would she even believe him if he told her he's in fact the grandson of her fashion idol? After all, he claimed only a minute ago that he was from a normal family. Even he wouldn't believe himself.

Without any proof, it would be stupid to expose himself else they might think he was just bragging. As her grandson, he would be expected to have a way to contact her, but he didn't even have her phone number. In fact, his memories of her were vague—he was only about thirteen the last time he met her.

Hearing his answer, there was a surprise on Rose's face, not expecting a guy like him to know something about her idol. "Yes! She owns one of the most famous luxury brands in the world, Miss Elizabeth, the same as her name. I have a complete set of Miss Elizabeth makeup products and even a couple of original dresses designed by Elizabeth Morgan herself! She is a really great designer."

Ryan had taken note of the brand in his brain. He had seen those stores before, but since its products were female-oriented, he had never been inside one. He did not know that they were owned by his grandma.

He wanted to get a few more useful details. He probed, "You mentioned that she is from our hometown. Since I have the same surname as her, don't you think that there is a possibility that maybe I'm related to her in some way? Who knows if there's such a coincidence?"

Unfortunately, the situation got pretty depressing with her next words.

"I think it's impossible. Elizabeth Morgan said so herself that she sold her love to fashion and this is why she still calls herself 'Miss'. It's because she was never married," Rose explained, looking like she really admired her idol for such dedication.

Thank you, grandma, for publicly disowning your family, Ryan commented sarcastically inside his head, but he wasn't mad at her for that. Looking at how Rose behaved, it was actually a great marketing move. He sighed in relief. I guess I dodged a bullet there. If I admitted the truth, wouldn't they call me a liar based on this fact?

On the other hand, it was also a considerate move—if the Morgans were to be known as the family of Miss Elizabeth's founder, they would have no peace for the rest of their lives. Ryan didn't think he would like his childhood to be public.

"You don't believe me? Go check on the internet. You won't find any information about Elizabeth Morgan's family," Rose mentioned with confidence, startling Ryan from his daze. He did not realize that Rose took his silence as him questioning her words.

"Oh, I believe you. Sorry, I was lost in thoughts," Ryan apologized with an embarrassed smile. "I just imagined how my life would look like if I was actually her relative."

"Ah, that would be amazing! This way, I can finally meet her. Did you know, Mom traveled to Fashion Week last year to see her? Sadly, she didn't take me because I had exams," Rose said while sighing regretfully. "Do you want rice or fried potatoes? Give me your plate."

They already ate the soup so Rose decided to handle the main course for him.

"Rice, thank you," Ryan replied politely, watching her gentle eyes and a bright smile.

If only she knew how close she is in meeting her idol.

As they talked about Miss Elizabeth some more, Ryan saw how passionate Rose was about fashion, giving him some hope on winning his grandma's approval. If she was his candidate, wouldn't she have bigger chances of impressing Elizabeth Morgan? He doubted that his cousin's wives treated fashion this dearly in their hearts.

I must hear all the details from my mother later and then explain everything to Rose tomorrow. I should have some proof by then. Ryan decided after weighing the pros and cons of the matter. Rose would not blame him for stalling the truth for one day, right?

The rest of the lunch went surprisingly smooth. The more he told about himself, the kinder Dana was to him. He was glad that she didn't ask the only question he was worried about which was, 'How much do you earn?'

As he still in university, he didn't have a solid answer to this question. Some of his peers had already established some sort of achievement, as an intern in some multi-national corporation or as an entrepreneur managing his or her own business while studying. In contrast, Ryan only worked as a part-time staff in a small office near Phoenix University while earning at a minimum wage, which was something the Robinsons—being the affluent family they obviously are—would never like.

After everyone finished eating, Rose was the first to stand up. She walked up behind him and hugged his neck. "Shall we go upstairs? I just received a text from a classmate that our professor is absent so today is free cut from class. I don't have anything to do. We can hang out some more."

Rose was practically beaming, her merry mood making him smile back at her. He guessed that with him leaving a good impression on both of her parents, she was relieved from her burdens and sincerely wanted to spend more time getting to know each other. Unfortunately, he had to disappoint her.

"Can you tell me what time it is?" he asked when he recalled that he left his phone in his room. "My classes today start at four."

Rose stood on her toes to check the wall clock above the oven and replied in disappointment, "It's almost three o'clock. You still need to head back to your dorm and prepare for classes… I guess we won't be able to chat anymore..."

As she let go of him, he stood up and cheered her up. "Hey, it's not like I'm leaving the city, alright? Since we are no longer keeping our relationship secret, we can see each other tomorrow. How about I pick you up from your classes tomorrow?"

Hearing his proposition, Rose regained her vigor and nodded with a smile, "Sure, I will, uhm, text you when I finish your class?"

"Great, then we will meet tomorrow," Ryan replied softly and rubbed her cheek to which she didn't resist. He knew it would be different if they were alone but he didn't mind it.

Dana suddenly cleared her throat. "I remind you two that we are still here."

Rose only giggled to that and pulled Ryan away towards the lobby. "I will walk Ryan to the gates."

Dana also stood up. "Okay, but does Ryan have anything to put on himself? It's still chilly outside and he is only wearing a shirt. Didn't he give you his red hoodie earlier?"

"Oh!" Rose exclaimed, "I'm sorry, nearly forgot. It's in my room along with his other clothes." Without further ado, she ran up the stairs.

With her daughter gone, Dana approached the young man and pulled out an envelope from the pocket of her pants. To Ryan's surprise, the envelope was for him.

"There is a check for one hundred thousand dollars inside," she said with a smile.

Ryan pretended to be confused, but anger was brewing inside him, knowing fully well what the money was for.

"Madam, I don't understand."

Dana lowered her voice, her smile still in place. "If you break up with Rose, this check will be yours."

Ryan stomped down the humiliation he felt for the sake of the girl upstairs. He tried his best to choose the most appropriate words to politely reject the older woman's offer as he pushed the envelope away.

"I'm sorry but I will have to say no, Madam. Please hide this before Rose sees it. I do not want her to get hurt by your actions again."

Even though he was yet to know much about Rose, he would never agree to such an ugly deal. It wasn't about the money but rather his principles. Even if Dana offered him a billion dollars, he would still reject it.

"Are you sure?" the older woman asked to confirm, her smile fading into a cold expression. Seeing the muted anger in Ryan's eyes, Dana nodded at his lack of response and opened the envelope to show him what's inside.

It was empty.

"I was just testing you," Dana explained as she folded the envelope back inside her pocket. "Of course, even if you passed, it doesn't change your situation. Rose is a sweet, smart and attractive lady. She has countless admirers, some not even from our circle"—her smile spoke volumes as she eyed the young man with disdain in her eyes—"and this means a lot of competition for you."

Ryan should have guessed she would eventually mention this issue. After all, everything started because Dana wanted her daughter to meet young men with family backgrounds she and her husband approved of. A nobody appearing out of nowhere wasn't exactly what they wanted. He opened his mouth in retort. "I think we should leave that decision to Rose. She knows best what she wants. She already cried enough because of this, and I don't want to see her cry again."

Dana turned silent for a moment and upon hearing footsteps coming from upstairs, she finally muttered, "You are a good kid but sometimes being good is not enough. I won't interfere in my daughter's choices anymore but I also won't stop others from courting her. It's up to you whether or not you keep her."

Not expecting Dana to actually step down this easily, he was at a loss at first before thanking her politely. "Thank you, Madam, that's enough for me."

"I got the hoodie! Your other clothes are here in this paper bag as well," Rose called out from the stairs. Only when she approach and passed to her boyfriend his things did she notice the awkward atmosphere in the kitchen. "What are you guys talking about? Mom, you are not bull

Dana opened her mouth to answer but Ryan beat her to it. "Your mother was just telling me to take good care of you. She also gave me some advice on where I can buy a tasty dessert for you."

The pretty brunette's expression brightened, but after a second, she found that claim hard to believe and glanced at her mother. "Really…?"

Dana had no choice but to act along, knowing that exposing the truth would benefit no one. "Of course. What? You don't believe that your mom cares for you?" she asked back, pretending to be offended. "We can argue from time to time but your mom still loves you."

"Ah, I believe!" Rose gave her mother a hug, not willing to nag anymore although she felt something was off.

"It's okay. Mom forgives you." Dana hugged Rose back as well but as she patted her head, she gave Ryan a glance as if telling him, 'It's not the end.'

He only smiled in response, wore his hoodie and started putting on his running shoes. As he was still wearing the lent clothes from earlier and Rose didn't ask for them yet, he had an excuse to keep them and return them at an opportune time in the future.

"Mom, I will be back shortly," Rose informed her as she also got ready and grabbed Ryan's hand, leading him out.

"Sir, Madam, thank you for the lunch and have a nice day," Ryan called out as well and stepped out with Rose, closing the doors after them.

Dana stared at the door and smiled to herself.

"The boy is clever and knows how to handle different situations," her husband, who had been silently observing the entire time, commented. Robert stood up from the table and put an arm around her waist. "I told you not to risk it. What if he becomes our son-in-law in the future? He might be a good candidate."

"Him? I doubt it." Dana pulled away from the man's hold and went to clean the table. "There are many better options in my opinion."

Robert shrugged. "Anyway, when are you going to tell her about the news? With your father calling this morning to finalize it, we can no longer hide it from her."

"When she comes back home."