“Who is this man? An ordinary person could never have such an imposing aura," Mr. Barnes muttered in confusion. He too was shocked when he saw the man.

The man eventually stopped his wheelchair beside Maria. Noticing the puzzled looks of the people around, the man said calmly, "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Anthony Wilson."

"I've never heard of you!" Roy said loudly with contempt. He couldn't stand another man overshadowing him, so he tried to look down on Anthony.

Anthony smiled slightly and simply ignored Roy. He instead turned his attention to Maria.

Anthony's eyes seemed to be questioning Maria whether she was mad at him. Why did she go on a date with a man like Roy?

Of course, Maria understood the meaning of Anthony's look. She glanced sideways at Mrs. Jenkins and Mr. Barnes before fixing her innocent gaze on Anthony.

Her charming eyes seemed to say, "I'm a good girl. They forced me to have a date with him."

"You naughty girl," Anthony murmured in a low voice. His voice was so low that only he and Maria could hear what he said.

“What did you just say?" Roy asked with a deep frown.

“I am Maria's fiancé," Anthony said unhurriedly.

Although Anthony was stuck in a wheelchair, he was much more imposing than the healthy Roy.

“Well, since you two are not yet married, that doesn't mean anything,"

Mr. Barnes intervened.

“Maria can find a better partner. What do you think, Mrs. Jenkins?"

Mrs. Jenkins nodded thoughtfully.

"Being a Jenkins means you must be selective about whom you marry. Only the most outstanding partner is worthy of a Jenkins."

Mrs. Jenkins knew cooperation with Mr. Barnes was essential. Yet, she knew very well Anthony was a marvelous young man. Mrs. Jenkins fretted over the prospect Roy might not surpass Anthony.

However, Mrs. Jenkins realized that Roy's affiliation with the Barnes family could tip the scales in his favor, despite public opinion being hard to sway.

Anthony, astute as ever, quickly grasped the unfolding plot. Were they using Maria's marriage as a pawn in their game? He found the idea fitting. It was high time he intervened.

“So, the most outstanding suitor wins Maria's hand?" Anthony asked, his tone detached.

"That seems reasonable," replied Mr. Barnes.

"Then let's put it to a test," Anthony proposed, his gaze fixed intensely on Mr. Barnes, fully aware of his true adversary. Roy didn't even warrant a glance.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Jenkins, Barbara, and Canaan were bewildered, sensing Mr. Barnes’ trap. But Roy, a simpleton in their eyes, stood no chance against Anthony, unless Anthony's physical limitations became a factor. Could this be a contest of physique? Such a criterion seemed hardly convincing.

“You are all still young, and your current achievements pale in comparison to your potential," Mr. Barnes declared, producing a small Oracle Stone.