His Unveiled Passion

The dinner party soon came to an end.

On the way home, Samuel glanced over at Tessa and asked, "Tessa, how did your conversation with Torin go?"

Tessa gave a vague answer. "It was fine. We even exchanged contact information."

Hearing this, Samuel immediately looked pleased. "That's good. The Covington family is a perfect match for us. Torin is a fine young man, well-educated, capable, and from a respectable family. You two could consider spending more time together and see if anything develops."

Tessa's expression remained indifferent. Her voice lowered slightly. "Dad, I told you before. Right now, I am focused on my career."

Samuel heard the edge in her tone and realized she was unhappy. He let out a soft sigh and did not push further.

When they returned to the Yates residence, Tessa kept her usual cool expression as she headed upstairs.

She passed Marianne on the staircase and gave her a polite, emotionless nod. Marianne smiled in return.

Once Tessa was out of sight upstairs, Marianne turned to Samuel and asked, "Tessa doesn't look too happy. What happened?"

Samuel sat on the living room couch just as one of the housekeepers brought over a cup of hot tea.

With a sigh, he replied, "I introduced her to Torin at the party. When we were on the way back, I asked her about it, and she got upset."

Marianne frowned as she sat down beside him. "You really should not have. The last time you brought this up at dinner, she was already unhappy. Why bring it up again today?"

"Torin seems like a good match for her. I'm thinking of what's best for her. I know the Covington family well. I caught up with his parents the other day, and they're thinking the same thing. Our families are well-matched. If Tessa married into their family, she would not suffer," Samuel argued.

Marianne softened her tone, speaking with gentle patience.

"I know you mean well, but if she doesn't want it, you should not force the issue. It's good that she's e focused on her work right now. She is young, smart, and capable. She will

ave plenty of choices when the time comes."

Samuel remained silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I will not bring it

up again. She has her own plans, and I should respect that."

Two days earlier, Tessa had called to reserve a luxury handbag as a birthday gift for Marissa.

Normally, purchasing that particular design required spending over half a million at the brand's boutique just to qualify for the order. But Tessa had a black-card VIP status, and Yates Corporation was one of the brand's shareholders. She could place an order directly without restrictions.

This morning, the boutique called to inform her that the bag had arrived and asked whether she preferred home delivery or to pick it up herself.

Coincidentally, Tessa had plans to meet Sienna at the mall that day, so she told them she would pick it up in person.

Arriving at the mall ahead of schedule, with Sienna not there yet, Tessa headed toward the boutique to collect the bag.

On the way, she passed by a women's clothing store. In the display window, a dress on a mannequin caught her eye-a soft, sky-blue gown with a halter neckline, made of chiffon, perfect for a seaside summer party.

The moment she saw it, she knew it was exactly what she wanted to wear to Marissa's yacht birthday party that Saturday.

Tessa stepped into the store. The sales associate immediately recognized the haute couture piece Tessa was wearing.

"Welcome, miss. Is there anything I can help you with?" The associate greeted her warmly, smiling brightly.noveldrama

Tessa pointed at the blue gown on display. "Please wrap that dress up for me."