Elin said with openness and sincerity.
Landen responded with a chuckle and motioned for her to come closer.
He pulled out a folder from his drawer and handed it to her. “These are the brochures for that school. Take them and have a look. Once you’ve made your decision, I’ll take care of everything, including tuition, living expenses, and your application.”
While Elin had no intention of studying so far from home, preferring to stay within the familiar surroundings of Swynborough, she accepted the folder with a respectful nod. She had already arranged her tuition through part-time work and had declined financial help from Annis, but she nonetheless expressed her appreciation. “Thank you, sir.”
Landen seemed pleased with her respectful response and then changed the subject. “About that bar incident, Erick was naive and ended up being manipulated. But he was at fault, so I had reprimanded him severely.”
Hearing Landen acknowledge the bar incident caught Elin off guard.
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She turned to face him, her face turning pale suddenly.
Landen didn’t dislike Elin. It was just that he wasn’t getting any younger. The future success of the Foster family rested on Erick’s shoulders if they wanted to keep shining or soar even higher.
Erick, being the heir of the Foster family, carried the responsibility of ensuring the Foster family’s prosperity and also the task of locating Casey and Raegan.
Once Casey and Raegan were found back, the Foster family needed to be strong enough to avoid any future tragedies. Thus, Erick was destined to seek a powerful alliance through marriage.
It wasn’t that Elin wasn’t good, but she didn’t come from wealth, offering no support to Erick’s career.
Even if Landen felt compassionate momentarily and allowed Erick to marry Elin, what would happen if the Foster family fell one day? He refused to let Elin’s parents’ misfortune recur. What kind of man would he be if he couldn’t protect his own woman?
So, for Elin’s sake, Landen wished Elin would marry someone from a similar background to ensure a secure and joyful life.
Landen noticed Elin’s hands clenched tight and sighed. “Ultimately, this is the Foster family’s burden. Erick has offered to compensate, which seems fair. Use this chance to improve yourself and find a husband who will cherish you. Live a calm and joyful life. Remember, the Foster family will always support you.”
The soft, yellow glow of the study lamp cast light on Elin’s pale and fragile face.
“May I know was it Mr. Erick Foster’s idea to send me away to study in Uchaesau?” Elin finally voiced her doubt.
Landen gave a slight nod, confirming her guess.
Elin’s posture shifted slightly, her heart filled with sadness.
Landen observed her reaction and felt helpless. He understood his son well. Like himself, Erick was often slow to recognize his own feelings. It was evident that Elin had developed feelings for Erick quite some time ago, yet he remained unaware.
This predicament should have been addressed much earlier. Landen knew he had to take on the role of the villain.
Landen’s tone became gentler. “Elin, I know you are a good girl. I hope you understand that I have my reasons. You and Erick are not a good match.”
Elin’s face turned red. In truth, she had overestimated her own worth and allowed herself to dream too far. Landen could have ignored her feelings, openly shaming her and accusing her of shamelessly coveting Erick.
However, Landen was an educated man, choosing his words with care, and taking the blame upon himself, which only added to Elin’s embarrassment.
With things reaching this point, if Elin denied Landen’s generosity, she would seem unreasonable and ungrateful.