CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 183: STOP TEMPTING FATE

A few days later, at Mr. Quinn’s request, Rosalie was forced to bring Simon Finch to meet her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are very doting parents, and when they saw Simon Finch, they didn’t really show him a friendly face. The thought of their beloved daughter being taken away by this "stinking pig" made their hearts ache.

However, being aristocrats among aristocrats, they certainly didn’t forget their grace and etiquette. Despite their displeasure about Simon Finch taking their "cabbage," they still greeted him politely and had a harmonious meal.

Because of the affection from her doting parents, Rosalie almost ate herself sick during the meal. Worried about indigestion afterward, she even took two digestive tablets.

Mr. Quinn was, after all, a reasonable person and arranged for Simon Finch to stay in a guest room at home after dinner, instead of making him find a hotel.

However, Rosalie’s room was on the third floor, first room, and Simon Finch’s room was arranged on the second floor, in the last room. It was as if there was a galaxy between them.

To prevent them from seeing each other at night, even the door by the entrance was locked.

Rosalie felt deeply helpless but had no choice, so she called Seraphina Sinclair to complain about her father.

"When do you think my dad’s gonna change his ways? Does he really want me to be an old maid nobody wants for life?"

"Mr. Quinn has always been like that. It’s not like you don’t know. Having a dad who cares isn’t a bad thing; many people wish they had that," Seraphina Sinclair listened to Rosalie’s complaint, feeling a bit of bitterness in her heart.

Rosalie quickly stopped, sensing her words were inappropriate: "Sorry, my dear, I didn’t mean it."

She couldn’t forget about Seraphina’s father’s situation. Her father had passed away because of Ethan Lloyd, and now mentioning her father pampering her in front of Seraphina was like rubbing salt into her wound.

Although Seraphina did feel a bit upset, she put on a smile, pretending to be strong: "It’s okay, it’s been so long, I should learn to move on. But you should communicate well with your dad about Mr. Quinn. Besides, Simon Finch is so outstanding, do you really think he can’t win over your dad?"

That was true; Simon Finch was indeed outstanding—perfect in all aspects. Gentle, considerate, from a good family, handsome, and ambitious. In today’s flashy society, such a man is hard to find even with a lantern. There’s no reason for Mr. Quinn to turn away such a good man.

"My Simon Finch is indeed excellent, and he did quite well today. But that’s still far from enough; according to my dad’s ideas, no matter how well he does, it might not help." Rosalie knew her dad’s personality very well and was genuinely worried for Simon Finch. "I wonder if he can withstand Dad’s torment; hopefully, he won’t give up in just a few days."

"You’ve been with Simon Finch for so many years; do you still not know who he is? If he wanted to give up, he would have dumped you ages ago when you went overboard. You better grasp it well, and stop throwing your princess tantrums." Seraphina sighed helplessly; Rosalie was headstrong. Without Simon Finch’s good temper, this pair wouldn’t have made it to today.

Rosalie was not pleased with the lecture and immediately retorted: "When have I ever acted up? When I’m mad, it’s for legitimate reasons. Besides, he’s very excellent, but I’m not bad either, okay? In what way am I, Rosalie Quinn, inferior to him? Anyone else wouldn’t enjoy dating a man who travels for business 29 days a month; it’s like being a living widow!"

The more she thought, the more dissatisfied she became. She had invested so much time and youth waiting for this stubborn man. Why did everyone think she was causing trouble whenever they argued? Clearly, she just wanted more attention; what was wrong with that?

Being a good friend, Seraphina was certainly on Rosalie’s side and agreed with her: "You’re absolutely right. Both of you are outstanding—a perfect match made in heaven. The Earth would explode before I believe you two would break up. So, Miss Quinn, when will I finally attend your wedding banquet?"

"Why rush? I haven’t attended your wedding yet either." Rosalie winked at Seraphina on the video call, starting some gossip. "Speaking of which, what’s going on with you and President Fairchild recently? Everything seemed fine a few days ago, so why is it like this now?"

Topics among women invariably revolve around men.

"There’s nothing wrong between us; we just have some differing viewpoints." Seraphina recalled her conversations with Desmond Fairchild, her expression turning gloomy.

The issues between them couldn’t be solved overnight; she knew deep down that she was wrong. But she refused to admit it, refused to accept her own insecurity and fear.

She claimed it was for Cloudsea Group’s reputation, for Desmond’s reputation, for Kevin’s reputation. In truth, she was just scared, afraid to face her past. Even after so many years, those bloody wounds hadn’t healed.

Just touching them still brings a dull pain.

Rosalie could see her face sink, perhaps understanding the real reason. They had been friends for too long, and Rosalie knew Seraphina all too well.

"Sweetie, there’s something I’m unsure if I should say."

Seraphina collected her emotions and smiled again: "Go ahead."

After a brief hesitation, Rosalie braced herself and spoke: "I think you’re overthinking. Even though you’ve been divorced,

when you married that scumbag Ethan Lloyd, you guys had separate bedrooms. You’re totally a chaste young lady. You shouldn’t feel you’re unworthy of Desmond Fairchild. Logically speaking, your first time was with him; he should be responsible and marry you—it’s only fair, and you shouldn’t feel burdened.

And anyway, it’s modern times now; who doesn’t have an ex? Although people around us face more scrutiny than others, how many are genuinely clean?"

Rosalie looked at her with firm eyes: "You must believe that you are much cleaner than others in the aristocratic circle. Don’t let those rumors bind you. The Seraphina Sinclair I know isn’t such a timid coward. If you miss out on true love because of this, I’ll be the first to look down on you."

Seraphina was amused by her serious expression, a flicker of warmth in her clear eyes: "Rosalie, thank you."

"Are you getting sentimental? With our relationship, you’re hitting me with this?" Rosalie pretended to be angry, staring hard.

"I’ll seriously consider what you said, and about your situation, want me to talk to Mr. Quinn for you?" Seraphina made a gesture of calling.

Rosalie nodded frantically: "Sure, sure. My parents adore you. They were just talking about you today, saying you haven’t visited them since you came back. If you praise Simon Finch a little in front of them, maybe it’ll make a difference."