Chapter 430

"I know, Dad," Maya said, her demeanor instantly becoming much more obedient when addressing Tristan.

Tristan, aware that his wife's legs were improving, raised his glass to Elissa first. "Dr. Drummond, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for my wife's health. This is to you."

He continued, "Please, make yourself at home during your stay. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything at all."

"You're too kind, Mr. Wilkinson," Elissa replied graciously, lifting her glass of juice. "Thank you for having me. Given the circumstances, I'll have to toast with juice instead of wine."

As they spoke, Maya placed a piece of grilled shrimp on Rowan's plate with a dazzling smile. "Mr. Murphy, you have to try this. It's our chef's specialty."

The dish was a true test of a chef's skill.

Rowan's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. He glanced at the woman across the table, who seemed completely unfazed, and then surprised everyone by smiling at Maya. "Thank you, Miss Wilkinson."

This only encouraged Maya further. "You're so close with Rex, you should just call me Maya."

An awkward silence fell over the table, with Rex looking particularly stunned.

Suzanne, who had some understanding of Rowan and Elissa's history, frowned slightly. Just as she was about to intervene, Tristan, noticing Maya's intentions and thinking the two were a suitable match in age and status, spoke up. "So, Rowan, any plans to settle down soon?"

Maya's eyes lit up. She knew Tristan was asking for her sake. After all, Laurel was a few years older than Rowan and recently divorced, making Maya the only eligible bachelorette in the Wilkinson family.

Rowan understood the implication as well. After a brief pause, he answered slowly and deliberately, "I did, yes."

Elissa's hand tightened around her fork. The orange juice she had just swallowed suddenly tasted bitter, as if the peel had been ground into it, sending a wave of acidity through her chest.

*I did, yes...*

She lowered her head, trying to ignore the turmoil inside her as she focused on her food she reminded

elf that you can't have it all. If

herself t

she couldn't let go of her parents' deaths, she had to let go of this.

Tristan, seeing the hopeful look in his daughter's eyes, chuckled. "Not anymore?"

Rowan's voice was soft but firm. "Not for the time being."

"Alright, Dad," Rex interjected, knowing his friend was twisting the knife in Elissa's heart and wouldn't stop until he drew blood. Besides, Maya was not someone you wanted to get entangled with Once she latched on, she was trouble.

Maya shot Rex a dirty look. Seeing that Tristan wasn't going to play matchmaker any further, she decided to be direct with Rowan.

Murphy, I'm single right now.

Why don't you consider me?"

Rowan's long, narrow eyes lifted slightly. He didn't answer right away, his expression unreadable.

Elissa maintained her composure, chewing a piece of beef while reaching for another. The dish was delicious, perfectly seasoned. She really enjoyed it.

But whether from haste or something else, her fork slipped, and the piece of beef she had just picked up fell onto the table.

At the exact same moment, Rowan spoke, a faint smile on his lips. "Miss Wilkinson, I'm also waiting for someone to consider me."