### Chapter 9 Nicole’s intuition sharpened as she caught sight of the determination etched in Jared's eyes. It became starkly clear to her that he was taking advantage of her return to broach the topic of their arranged marriage, encouraging her to reconsider and withdraw. To her surprise, it appeared he too wasn't enthusiastic about the union. Rather, it was Mr. Johnston Sr.'s obstinance that had brought him here—reaching out to persuade her not to agree to this matrimonial pact. A slight frown crossed Nicole's face. The mere thought of being manipulated stirred a fire within her; she despised being a pawn in anyone's game. “Mr. Johnston, the prominence of your family in San Joto is widely known. And given your age, it would be quite inappropriate for someone as young as I to cancel this engagement. It could cast your family in an unfavorable light,” she articulated, her voice steady, though she referred to herself as a "little girl." Yet, her demeanor betrayed the wisdom and composure of one far beyond her eighteen years. Jared turned his gaze toward Nicole, taken aback by the depth of her unreadable expression. In that moment, an inexplicable tremor coursed through him, as if she were peeling back the layers of his facade, exposing him beneath. Fascinating. As Daniel and Gloria emerged from their shock, Daniel broke the tension with a weighty reply. “Nicole is absolutely right. It was Mr. Johnston Sr. who orchestrated this arrangement. If she were to withdraw, it would undoubtedly upset him.” He understood the stakes—a cancellation would ripple through their lives, affecting Nicole profoundly. Time was required to navigate the potential fallout delicately. Even if Nicole wished to retract her agreement, it was a discussion far better suited for the Johnston family to initiate. Mishandling this could jeopardize the enduring friendship that bound their families together. Yet the engagement had already become a matter of public knowledge in San Joto, and its unraveling would impact Nicole significantly. Cognizant of the Riddle family’s precarious situation, Jared pondered briefly before suggesting, “Given the implication for both families, it would be wiser for Nicole and me to approach the Johnston family together and communicate our thoughts to my grandfather.” “What does your heart tell you, Nicole?” Daniel and Gloria held a hopeful outlook regarding the union, but their primary wish was for their daughter's happiness. While the implications for her reputation weighed heavily, they were prepared to stand by her side should she choose not to marry. “Certainly, let’s arrange a time,” Nicole replied without hesitation. While she harbored little fondness for this pretentious man, her aversion to feeling trapped was far more potent. Right now, freedom, especially following her return home, felt like a far greater prize. She had more pressing ambitions awaiting her. “Once my grandfather’s health improves, I’ll come by to collect you,” Jared replied, offering her a polite smile. Nicole nodded in agreement, “Alright.” From an unassuming distance, Norah seethed in silence, her frustration bubbling under the surface as she witnessed Nicole dismiss an opportunity that many would covet. Unwilling to relinquish her aspirations, she cast a lingering glance at Jared, her mind already weaving a calculated plan. After sharing fleeting pleasantries, Jared stood to depart. He politely declined the offer for Daniel and Gloria to see him out. Undeterred, Norah insisted, and Daniel, ever the passive mediator, relented. It was the least he could do in keeping familial harmony. Once they were alone, Daniel turned to Nicole, concern clouding his features. “Are you genuinely considering stepping back from the engagement?” Norah’s excitement had once flourished over this match. Now, with Nicole’s return and Jared’s proposition to potentially withdraw from their arrangement, their parents felt blindsided. Daniel hesitated, fearing that they might lose a remarkable man like Jared to Nicole's indecision—one that she might come to regret in the future. “I’m still young; my studies are paramount,” Nicole asserted, echoing a familiar justification that rang true to countless young women before her. “You’re right, Nicole. Being young grants you the vast expanse of time to explore your options,” Gloria affirmed, visibly relieved. Daniel sighed, recognizing he had no choice but to concede to their daughter’s wishes. Outside the living room, Norah saw Jared out. Yet now, Jared’s demeanor had shifted significantly—his previous gentle charm replaced by an aura of cool detachment. Still, Norah, driven by unassertive ambition, drew upon her courage, intoning, “Jared, please forgive my sister—she simply doesn’t understand the implications behind her desire to cancel the engagement.” With a sidelong glance, Jared replied, "I don’t take offense.” Norah felt an oppressive weight settle in; his words bore a stark chill, leaving her uncertain. Yet, her determination was unwavering; she pressed on, feigning shyness, "Truth be told, I was your fiancée before my sister returned. Sadly, the circumstances have changed.” She sought validation, bowing her head in a show of modesty, eager for his response. But Jared’s expression hardened, his voice a piercing chill that cut through the air. “Fish eyes cannot be confused for pearls. Each must return to their rightful place.” Norah’s complexion drained of color. As she lifted her gaze to meet his, the frostiness of his demeanor sent tremors through her very being. Just then, the Johnston family driver arrived, pulling up the sleek vehicle. Jared stepped inside, issuing a curt command for the driver to proceed. As Norah stood still, the world around her blurred, her mind catching up slowly to the enchantment that had slipped away. Was Jared mocking her? Had he compared her to a common fish while holding Nicole high as the pearl of the family? A bitter realization sank deep within her—Nicole's return had robbed her of her place within the Riddle family’s hierarchy. Once poised to inherit not only the wealth of her lineage but also Jared’s affections, she now felt like some discarded afterthought. “Damn you, Nicole!” Anger radiated from her, propelled by jealousy and a need to reclaim what she felt was her birthright. She couldn’t simply fade into the background; she belonged here, and she intended to fight for every morsel of it. With a fierce glare directed at the door, Norah’s thoughts twisted darkly—she would not concede defeat; this family was hers, and she would ensure the world knew that the riches and love within it were rightfully meant for her.