Chapter 246: Stop This Marriage Farce

"Of course, as long as your big brother’s friends agree." A gentle female voice, as clear as a mountain spring, came through the Intelligent Brain.

With permission granted, Hope’s voice grew even sweeter. "Big brother, Mommy said yes! Can you invite the big sister and big brothers to come over?"

Her childish voice made the atmosphere in the entire car considerably sweeter.

Several people spoke up. "If Hope is inviting us, we’ll definitely be there."

Once everything was settled and he had confirmation from everyone, Miles Sherman hung up the call.

Aaron Xavier spoke from the front seat. "I haven’t seen Hope in ages. I bet she’s gotten taller, hasn’t she?"

"She’s four or five centimeters taller than the last time you saw her." Kids grow fast; they can have a growth spurt in just half a year.

"You should go home for a bit tomorrow. We can watch over Zoe," Aaron continued. "Hope and the others just miss you."

"You’re the one they’re most attached to in the family."

Compared to their real big brother, guys like Nathan Lockwood and Chase Shaw had to take a backseat.

Zoe Pierce heard this and added, "Don’t worry, it’s fine here."

Nothing much could happen while they were staying at the academy.

Miles Sherman agreed.

-

At the crack of dawn the next day, Miles Sherman took a hovercar home.

It was too early, so Hope Sherman and Ewan Sherman weren’t awake yet.

It was the weekend, and kids love to sleep in.

Miles didn’t plan on waking them. When they woke up, they’d naturally see that their big brother was home.

As for Mr. Sherman, ever since he and Miles had parted on bad terms at the government building, he had coincidentally been absent the last few times Miles came home.

They hadn’t even run into each other when Miles returned after the friendly match.

But today, their paths finally crossed.

A lifelong early riser, he happened to encounter Miles coming downstairs after changing his clothes.

"Miles." Mr. Sherman’s expression wasn’t as angry as last time; he seemed quite calm.

Miles replied in kind, "Dad."

"You’re back so early. You must not have eaten. Come, have a bite." He gestured for Miles to sit, and the servants quickly brought out a breakfast setting for him.

The breakfast spread was the family’s usual fare, and Miles began to eat his customary white porridge.

"The team’s victory in the friendly match will be a great boon to your future careers." Mr. Sherman looked at Miles’s face as he spoke, only to see him show no reaction whatsoever.

He just gave a bland nod.

For a moment, he wasn’t sure if his son was simply unfazed by honor and disgrace, or completely indifferent to fame and fortune.

After a pause, he changed the subject. "Right, your Uncle Underwood is visiting in a few days. His daughter will be coming along. I want you to entertain her."

This had happened dozens of times before; Miles was no stranger to it.

But Mr. Sherman wasn’t finished. "I hear she’s an exceptional Omega. You’re both the same age, so you should get to know each other."

At this, a crack appeared in Miles’s stoic expression.

"I’m not interested in Uncle Underwood’s daughter, Dad," Miles said sternly.

"I won’t accept an arranged marriage. I’ll earn what I want on my own."

He might not have fully understood this during the initial joint exams, but the Miles of today was clear-headed enough.

He knew what he wanted, and he knew where he drew the line.

Mr. Sherman didn’t get angry at Miles’s words. Ever since their last encounter at the government building, he had clearly felt that his son had grown up.

He was still the eldest son he was so proud of, but now he had a mind of his own.

And with his success in the friendly match, he had earned the right to have a say.

"Is an arranged marriage so bad?" he asked calmly. "Your mother and I have had a very good life together all these years."

He never had any Omega lovers on the side, never associated with unsavory characters, entrusted the household to his wife, and poured his heart into raising his children.

Miles didn’t think it was a bad way to live, it’s just that he had already chosen a different path for himself.

Mr. Sherman asked again, "Or is it that you already like someone?"

A flicker of emotion crossed Miles’s eyes.

Mr. Sherman wasn’t surprised. He thought about the people his son was around, recalled the reason for their last argument, and suddenly it all seemed to make sense. "Is it Zoe Pierce from your team?"

The Omega who had become famous throughout Interstellar Space.

He’d seen clips of her as well. It wasn’t strange that exceptional people would be drawn to each other.

Not to mention, they were in the prime of their youth.

"If you like her, then pursue her." If this was the kind of Omega Miles liked, it was no wonder he wasn’t interested in anyone else.

After all, an Omega like her was one of a kind in all of Interstellar Space.

Even from a practical standpoint, Zoe Pierce was beyond reproach. He recalled that she was an orphan; if she were to truly become part of the family, they wouldn’t have to worry about problems from the in-laws.

Miles finally couldn’t take it anymore. "Father, please stop."

Their situation wasn’t something his father could change with just a few words.

’Zoe Pierce... she could never belong only to me.’

Mrs. Sherman came downstairs, heard Miles’s words, and quickly interjected, "Why are you two arguing so early in the morning?"

Mr. Sherman glanced at his wife as she descended. "We’re not arguing. I was just telling Miles that if he likes an Omega, he should pursue her."

"You know his temperament. If he waits too long, someone else will snatch her up." By then, it would be too late for regrets.

Mrs. Sherman was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "Miles has an Omega he likes? Who is it?"

Mr. Sherman said, "The Omega on his team."

"Oh, Zoe Pierce!" Mrs. Sherman said, the realization dawning on her. "Hope just invited her over yesterday."

Mr. Sherman’s interest was piqued. "Is that right? Then make sure you’re a good hostess."

Mrs. Sherman immediately turned to Miles. "Have you all made plans? When is she coming over? I’ll have someone prepare some delicious food. What does she like to eat?"

The words caught in Miles’s throat. Hearing their excitement, he said bluntly, "She can’t come anytime soon."

"There was... an incident." He looked up. "It’s currently classified."

Mr. Sherman frowned. He was on leave, so he wasn’t up to date with the latest intelligence.

Mrs. Sherman, on the other hand, just looked disappointed. "Well, I suppose we’ll just have to wait until you’re all free to have you over."

Because of her husband’s work, she knew that when something was classified, it couldn’t be discussed even with family, so she didn’t press the issue.

It was still a shame, though, that she wouldn’t get to meet the Omega her son liked right away.

’Liking someone isn’t just about how exceptional they are,’ she thought. ’There are other factors, like their personality, character, and charisma.’

’Judging from how popular Zoe Pierce was on the StarNet, she most likely had charisma in spades.’

For once, Mrs. Sherman found herself feeling a little expectant.

Miles turned back to his father. "Regarding Uncle Underwood’s daughter, Father, please don’t make any more decisions on my behalf."

Mr. Sherman’s mind was still on the classified incident Miles had mentioned. Hearing his son, he replied, "I’ll make things clear to your Uncle Underwood."

The tension in Miles’s lips eased slightly.

"I’m finished." He had only taken a few bites of his breakfast, but he was already full.

"Miles, tell your mother a little more about you and that Omega," Mrs. Sherman couldn’t help but ask after a moment’s thought. ’Their private relationship must be different from what’s shown on the StarNet.’