"Whether she gets married or not, that's her business. What does it have to do with you, Grandpa?"

James kept his tone calm but firm, not pressuring yet making his point clear. "Don't act like a fool and mess up that girl's life."

After saying that, he stood up, leaning on his cane as he took a couple of slow steps.

Sophia stood aside, her entire body feeling tense, like she was strung too tight.

"I've seen your background," James said, ...