Chapter 182

Kyle Carter's Adam's apple bobbed. "I'm not opposed, it's just..."

He stole a glance at Evelyn Carter, his voice trailing off. "My dad has an old comrade whose daughter... Our families joked about arranging a marriage when we were kids..."

Emily Anderson cut in immediately. "Childhood betrothal? That's so outdated! We believe in free love now, right sis?"

Evelyn remained silent.

Emily turned to Peter Harrison for support.

But Peter surprised everyone by asking, "Kyle, have you met this girl?"

"Yes."

"Does she know about this arrangement?"

"...She does."

"What's her stance?"

"She... hasn't refused or agreed."

Peter smiled meaningfully. "Oh?"

Kyle paled. "I'll clarify things with my family."

"When did you first learn about this?"

"About... five or six years old?"

"You're eighteen now. So for over a decade, you never clearly objected?"

Kyle's eyes reddened with frustration. "Peter, I was just a kid! How could I know who I'd like in the future? You can't hold me to that standard..."

Peter's expression turned icy. "You've been dating Emily for so long. If you've found someone you love, why haven't you settled this with your family? At the very least, you should've made your position clear."

Kyle bit his lip hard.

"It's over a thousand kilometers from H City to the capital, with completely different climates. You want Emily to give up her spot at a top-tier university here and follow you to an unfamiliar city, while you haven't even resolved your own family situation?"

Emily stomped her foot anxiously. "Peter, why are you suddenly—"

"Quiet." Evelyn's sharp glance silenced her instantly.

Peter continued, "Kyle, truly loving someone means considering their needs. The capital might suit your scores, but what about Emily? She has family, friends, and better options here. What security can you offer her?"

Kyle jutted his chin stubbornly. "This is between Emily and me. If she's willing, no one has the right to interfere. Love is free—whether to go to the capital is her choice, not even her parents can decide for her."

"Fine." Evelyn stood calmly. "Free choice, I won't interfere. Peter, let's go."

Peter frowned. "Evelyn..."

"Now." She took several bills from her purse and placed them on the table. "The coach probably isn't running anymore. Take a cab back. Talk it through. If you still decide on the capital, I'll handle our parents."