Maria was about to speak her mind when she noticed Mr. Barnes gesturing dismissively.

He said, “Looks Like you're set on being a pill alchemist and won't back down. I won't push you then.”

Mrs. Jenkins, hearing this, was taken aback. Hadn't they conspired together to set up Maria? Why did Mr. Barnes suddenly back off?

Mrs. Jenkins felt a bit let down, thinking Mr. Barnes, a successful professional, lacked cunning.

Kent continued, “Maria, you've got talent, and I respect that. You are young and you don't wear a diamond ring. You're not married, right? The Barnes family has many disciples, including eligible bachelors. How about I introduce you to some? Maybe we can bring our families closer."