“That sentence really hit home, Mom.” Jessica quickly grabbed Sophia’s hand. “My dear daughter, you can’t move out with this useless Leo. There’s no place like home.”
“As long as Leo is with me, I won’t suffer anywhere. Leo has bought a new house, and I’m planning to move in with him. If you and Dad want to come along, we’re okay with it,” Sophia replied.
“Leo really bought a house? Where and what type?” Jessica, although mentally prepared, was still somewhat surprised. “Is it a new house or a resale one?”
At the same time, her eyes darted around, indicating that she wouldn’t move unless it was a luxurious mansion.
“Mom, it’s a resale house,” Leo answered.
Jessica sneered, “I knew it. Last time, you pretended to be rich at Jeffrey’s place, and now you buy some ordinary resale house and think you can lure Sophia to move out. It’s just wishful thinking!”
“Honestly, where did you get the money to buy the house? If you dare to deceive Sophia and use her money, I’ll make sure to deal with you today!” Jessica said, rolling up her sleeves as if preparing for a confrontation.
Leo, accustomed to Jessica’s outbursts, remained unfazed. “Mom, if you think poorly of the resale house I bought, then you don’t have to move in.”
Jessica turned her gaze toward Sophia and scolded, “Sophia, listen to this, this useless man is talking to me like this!”
Sophia, irritated by her mother’s attitude, retorted, “Mom, Leo has agreed to let you and Dad move in. Can you please stop arguing?”
Jessica’s eyes continued to dart around as she contemplated her thoughts. Although Leo had purchased a resale house, what if he had deceived Sophia into buying a luxurious mansion together? She couldn’t let Leo off too easily, especially if it turned out he had purchased a grand property.
Jessica sighed and addressed Sophia, “Sophia, don’t mind your mom’s nagging. Now that Leo dared to confront even your grandmother, I’m just worried he might do something behind your back.”
“Something behind my back?” Sophia grew anxious and blurted out, “Mom, do you consider buying the villa at Cloud Dream Mountain ‘something behind my back’?”
The mention of the Cloud Dream Mountain villa hit Jessica like lightning, leaving her shocked and speechless.
After a while, Jessica regained her composure and looked at Sophia with a smile. “Darling, even if you’re trying to defend Leo, you don’t have to exaggerate things. How could Leo afford a villa at Cloud Dream Mountain?”
“I’m not trying to deceive you. If you don’t believe it, that’s fine,” Sophia responded firmly.
Jessica, knowing her daughter wouldn’t lie to her, suddenly felt a dizzying sensation in her head and quickly rubbed her temples.
Martin, who was examining the antique on the side, naturally overheard the conversation between the mother and daughter. A look of astonishment appeared on his face, and he turned his gaze towards Leo.
Jessica, too, was astonished by the news. She quickly asked, “Honey, you know I have a heart condition. Please don’t scare me. Did Leo really buy a villa at Cloud Dream Mountain?”
Sophia nodded, saying, “Yes, Leo took me to see it today, and we’re planning to move in soon.”
This revelation prompted Martin to approach them, looking bewildered as he gazed at Leo and Sophia.
Jessica, now ecstatic, proposed, “Sophia, buying a villa at Cloud Dream Mountain is a cause for celebration. The house can’t remain vacant for long. How about we move in the day after tomorrow?”
Jessica’s mind was already buzzing with ideas about which friends and acquaintances she could invite to tour the villa. She couldn’t wait to bask in the envy of others.
Sophia glanced at Leo with a questioning look, silently asking if it was alright to move so soon.
Leo shrugged and replied, “Sure.”
Seeing that Sophia always consulted Leo before making decisions, Jessica grew irritable and rolled her eyes. “Dear, don’t consult Leo about everything. In this household, I have the final say!”
“Mom, you can’t say that. Leo bought the house,” Sophia retorted.
Jessica huffed and shamelessly stated, “Even if the villa is bought by him, so what? He’s my son-in-law brought into this family by me. The house he bought is yours, and you are my daughter. Can’t I even say a word?”
Jessica spoke as if she were the one who had purchased Cloud Dream Mountain villa. Leo, who had long grown accustomed to Jessica’s behavior, said to Sophia, “Sophia, it’s getting late. Let’s go back to our room and rest. I’ll prepare a bath for you.”
Leo finished speaking and went upstairs first. Martin, seeing Leo head to the bedroom, hurriedly approached and asked Sophia, “Dear, are you sure Leo bought the Cloud Dream Mountain villa? As far as I know, a Cloud Dream Mountain villa costs nearly two hundred million dollars. How could Leo possibly have that much money?”
Martin’s words reminded Jessica, and she continued, “Sweetie, you should find a time to ask Leo about his finances. Make sure he hands over all the money to you. The control of finances should be in your hands.”
Sophia was exasperated. “Dad! Mom! Even if Leo has a lot of money, it’s still his. I don’t want to ask, and I don’t want to control it.”
Jessica persisted, “You’re being naive, dear. You and Leo are married now, so his money is yours too. Besides, he married into our family. He has no right to control the money. Do you understand?” She lectured shamelessly.
Sophia didn’t want to argue further on this topic. She firmly stated, “Mom, let me reiterate, Leo’s money is his own. I have no interest in his wealth, not even a single penny!”
While Sophia was surprised that Leo could afford the Cloud Dream Mountain villa, she understood that Leo possessed remarkable medical skills and owned a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. Earning money wasn’t a challenge for him. Moreover, witnessing Leo’s capabilities during tonight’s gathering had deepened her understanding of his strength.
Sophia believed that Leo harbored many hidden secrets, but she trusted that he would eventually reveal them to her.
“Daughter, not listening to the advice of elders will lead to suffering. If you allow Leo to hide money secretly, you’ll be the one suffering in the end!” Jessica angrily lectured.