Chapter 502 New Target
Chapter 502 New Target
Mia was ready for the Marquis's daughter's uncooperative attitude. She hoped James could marry a noblewoman like Ethan did, but the Martinez family only had a title without anyone earning military merits or gaining influence in Lucas's eyes.
Consequently, most nobles only kept up a facade of peace with the Martinez family.
The future of this family, once at odds with Ava, was uncertain.
Olivia also attended the ball. When she arrived at the Martinez Estate, Mia harshly teased her, suggesting Olivia was trying too hard to impress her.
Despite Olivia's intentions, she swallowed her pride, shot a cold glance at Mia, and confidently entered the Martinez Estate.
Watching Mia get embarrassed in front of the Marquis's daughter brought Olivia great satisfaction. But her focus quickly shifted to her goal.
She saw Mia approaching the Countess's wife, who was with a young, gentle woman. Olivia knew Mia had her eye on the younger daughter of a southern Count, who, though less attractive than her sister, wasn't expected to marry into a prestigious noble family.
Initially unimpressed by the Martinez family's mere viscount title and their past issues with Ava, the Count and his wife eventually agreed, realizing James was the best choice.
With Lucas's protection, the Martinez family would face no challenges, and with James as Mia's only surviving son and the current viscount incapacitated, James becoming the next viscount was almost certain.
The fact that James had a previous long-time companion was the least of their worries.
Selecting a nobleman from a Count family as an heir meant the man likely had been promised at a young age.
Marrying someone who had no chance of inheriting their family's title might not elevate their status beyond that of a viscount.
Becoming an accessory to a Count or being the wife of a seemingly glamorous viscount was a dilemma both the Duke and his wife, as well as the young lady, pondered.
So, they attended the Martinez family's ball today, almost in response to Mia's request.
Their younger daughter, Tessa Hawthorne, was willing to marry James and become his second wife.
At the sight of Tessa, Mia's genuine smile erased any thoughts of the Marquis's daughters.
After all, Tessa was a Count's daughter!
Though not stunningly beautiful, Tessa's delicate appearance matched Mia's desire for control.
She no longer wanted James to marry rebellious women like Ava or Terry, whose personalities she genuinely detested.
As for lineage, Tessa was a Count's daughter. James might not be as outstanding as Ethan, but marrying a Count's daughter was indeed an honor!
With these thoughts in mind, Mia quickly scanned the room, but the main character of the ball, James, had yet to make an appearance.
A glint of impatience flashed in Mia's eyes as she instructed a servant to bring James before the ball began.
"Hello..."
After giving the order, Mia heard a timid voice. She turned to see Tessa, whom she was pleased with, blushing and looking at her.
"Mrs. Martinez, I would like to ask you something about... your son James."
Seemingly mustering all her courage to speak, Tessa stumbled through her words, her face turning crimson, but her beautiful eyes remained wide and bright.
Upon hearing Tessa's words, Mia's face lit up with joy.
If she had any doubts before, they were all dispelled at that moment.
"Of course, of course," Mia said warmly. "I can tell you anything you want to know!"
"Well..."
Beside her, Tessa's mother gently patted Tessa's arm with a fan, then turned to Mia with teary eyes. "I want to know what James likes."
At this question, Mia's smile faltered slightly. She realized she hadn't paid much attention to what James liked.
He had always obediently stayed by her side, without any particular interests. Describing his likes based on her memory might not endear Tessa to him.
What else could she say? Admit that, as a mother, she didn't really know what James liked?
That would be ridiculous!
Just as Mia was about to casually mention some common interests among nobles to appease Tessa, a voice suddenly spoke up beside her.
"James? He likes mathematics and has some interest in gardening."
Mia didn't need to turn around to know it was Olivia speaking. She felt wary of Olivia's sudden intervention, as after so many years of knowing her, Mia couldn't believe Olivia would willingly help her.
Especially since it was rumored that Olivia had been the one to take Terry away when she left.
Mathematics was one thing, but gardening? That was a task for lowly servants, not for a nobleman like James, a future viscount. How could he have such an unrefined interest?
With these thoughts, Mia quickly looked at Cordelia, Tessa's mother, who had been smiling but now appeared hesitant.
"Gardening?" Cordelia raised her fan to cover half her face. "You don't mean like the gardeners who work the land, planting flowers and such, do you? And then trimming the branches and leaves?"