Chapter 10 " Thank you , Mrs. Hawthorne . " Genevieve smiled politely at Declan's mother , then turned to him and extended her hand with practiced grace . " You can just call me Gen. " She knew exactly what this dinner was about . The Hawthornes and the Langfords were a perfect match on paper - two powerful families negotiating a lucrative partnership . And what better seal the deal than through a marriage alliance ? way to Genevieve was well aware Declan had two women orbiting around him . But frankly , she wasn't concerned . One had famously abandoned him when he was at rock bottom . Sure , he might still be a little hung up on the rejection , but come on - who could truly love someone who left them in their darkest hour ? And the other ? Just some nobody from a small town , dragged into his world only because the Hawthornes happened to fund her schooling . Without their money , she never would've crossed paths with someone like Declan . Even if she'd earned a sliver of his affection while nursing him through recovery , it wasn't enough to matter . For all she'd done , Marissa probably still ranked below Celeste in Declan's heart . Declan , however , had no trouble reading the room . The moment he saw Genevieve's outstretched hand , his expression darkened . He didn't even move . The tension grew thicker by the second , until Mrs. Hawthorne quickly stepped in to smooth things over . " Declan's always been like this , " she said with a breezy laugh , nudging Genevieve back into her seat . " Don't mind him . He warms up once he's comfortable . " Genevieve's smile faltered for a beat , but she didn't say anything . Men like Declan were always a little cold - especially the ones who'd been through hell and clawed their way back . Mrs. Hawthorne had hoped to ease them into conversation , let them build some rapport , but Declan made it impossible . Genevieve tried to steer the conversation more than once , but he wouldn't take the bait . His mother would chime in with a gentle prompt , and he'd just deflect like it meant nothing . Dismissive . Distant . Detached . It was like Genevieve didn't even exist in his line of sight . Chapter 10 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . 40.91 % bh For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health At first , she kept her composure . But after enough polite silence and sidelong glances that went nowhere , even she couldn't pretend anymore . She stood abruptly , composure cracking just enough to show the sting . " Mrs. Hawthorne , I think it's clear your son has no interest in continuing this conversation . Maybe we should leave it at that . " The dinner ended on a sour note . Mrs. Hawthorne walked her out with a forced smile , then turned on her son the second the front door shut behind them . " What the hell was that ? " she snapped . " I invite you to dinner , and you turn it into a disaster . " Declan never even looked up . He kept eating like nothing had happened . Only after a beat did he respond , voice lazy , unconcerned . " You didn't say there'd be a setup involved . " " It wasn't a setup , " she huffed . " The families are working on a deal , and I thought at the very least you could act like a damn adult and be civil . " He set his utensils down with a soft clink and leaned back . " Don't bother . I'm not interested . " Mrs. Hawthorne's exasperation flickered into something more serious . " Declan , I'm not trying to push you , but you can't stay single forever . " He said nothing . She sighed . " Look , I know you haven't fully gotten over that woman , but you shouldn't forget who she really is . When you had your accident , Celeste was the first one to cut ties . The very first . " His jaw clenched . He could've defended her . Could've explained . But what came out instead was a quiet question . " What about Marissa ? " he asked . " Didn't you used to say she'd make the perfect daughter - in - law ? " The moment the name left his lips , his mother froze . " Marissa ? " she echoed , caught off guard . " I thought she left the country . " Chapter 10 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping .