Jameson's voice turned serious as he said, "How is this fair? This whole thing should've been the Rhodes family's responsibility. We can't just dump it on Andy. Tomorrow, I'll bring a generous gift and head over to the Driscolls to make things clear."

Tiana scoffed coldly. "You really think you can just explain it away? Joe's proud and stubborn—he won't listen to a word. Back when he came over with a proposal, we gave a subtle refusal, remember? But did it work? He left the engagement gifts anyway, completely airtight in his approach."

Lauren sneered, "You can call it airtight, or you can call it what it really is—coercion. The Driscolls are one of the Three Titans. They think that just because they've got power, they can do whatever they want in the Gabo Creek region."

She continued, "And Joe? He only met me a few times before deciding he wanted to marry me. The whole thing reeks of dominance, of bullying families like ours just because they can."

Tiana let out a long sigh. "Y