"You... how did you get here?"
Joel Russo's suit rested on the crook of his arm, a pristine and expensive white shirt on his body, the cuffs adorned with two exquisitely elegant silver cufflinks, the whole of him gentle and refined, graceful and poised, exuding an extraordinary demeanor.
Her dark pupils intently focused on Arabella Vanderbilt's face, which she quickly hid away, the depths of her eyes shrouded with an indistinct shimmering light.
After a long while, he finally began to speak, his voice deep and elegant.
"Normally, a woman would be crying at a time like this."
Arabella was slightly surprised, and afterward, clarity was apparent in her beautiful eyes.
He must have been following her, and though he hadn't heard everything, a man as wise and intelligent as he couldn't possibly have misunderstood.
"Sorry, I don't normally have the habit of eavesdropping around corners."
Arabella was unimpressed.
"Crying over that kind of person isn't worth it. Moreover, my tears aren't valuable."
Joel's dark eyebrows moved slightly, "You're right, it is indeed a waste of emotions to cry over people who aren't worth it. However, I somewhat disagree with your last statement."
Arabella looked up at him, her confusion mixed with inquiry.
Joel's dark eyes fixed on her as he spoke lightly:
"Whether tears are worth anything depends on in front of whom you cry. Some may think they're worthless, while others may consider them as valuable as Lumina City."
What was clearly a speech laced with warmth, the subtle arrogance and profound meaning hidden within it caused a slight tremor in Arabella's heart, followed by her hastily averting her gaze.
Slowly, Joel began to put away the handkerchief, "Now, to answer your initial question."
He paused for a moment, then continued to gaze down at her.
"You are a smart woman, and you should have noticed that Grandma hopes I would pursue you."
Arabella's eyes flickered, and a hint of embarrassment finally crossed her lovely face.
"I think... maybe you've made her wait too long, what she most wants is a lively and adorable grandson."
"You are indeed smart."
Joel said with a smile, which allowed Arabella to let out a slight sigh of relief.
"But pursuing you is my personal choice. Not just any woman can have my child."
Joel spoke again, his tone gentle, yet the assertive arrogance made Arabella unable to remain calm any longer.
She had not expected that a man like Gabriel Clarkson, genial and unassuming, would say such bold and unrestrained words.
"Does Mr. Russo always pursue women so directly?"
"I have only ever pursued you."
Arabella found herself with a headache, for the first time feeling that dealing with someone could be so difficult.
"We've merely met twice in the span of an hour, within a single day. Don't you think that's too hasty, Mr. Russo?"
"I trust my judgment."
A crack finally appeared in Arabella's indifferent facade.
After a long while, she laughed bitterly.
"You must have seen the conversation I had with that man just now, right? We've known each other for eight years, and all that I've gotten is such a superficial layer of trust. You and I are merely ships that pass in the night, on what basis do you trust that I am the right choice for you?"
Joel's long brow raised, "Are you comparing me with a scumbag?"