“How much did Dad leave as a dowry for Sophia?” Sean asked on behalf of the group.
Jessica raised two fingers and replied, “200 million!”
What! 200 million! The relatives of the Henley family exclaimed in disbelief. The idea that the old Mr. Henley had left 200 million as a dowry for Sophia was almost too incredible to comprehend.
The Henley family relatives, in a state of shock, stood up from the sofa and stared at Jessica with incredulous eyes. The effect of Jessica’s fabricated explanation was quite evident.
With satisfaction, Jessica continued, “Without this 200 million dowry, we would never have been able to afford the mansion in Cloud Dream Mountain. You could say that both Martin and I owe it to Sophia.”
The Henley family relatives exchanged glances, sighing deeply. They were all aware that even if they didn’t eat or drink for the rest of their lives, they would never accumulate that much money. Some even felt a tinge of envy towards Leo. Despite being considered a freeloader and the black sheep of the family, he had moved into the Cloud Dream Mountain mansion alongside Sophia.
In retrospect, Jessica’s family had deliberately kept a low profile within the family for the past few years, enduring mockery and criticism from others. It seemed like they had done so with the intention of revealing their true status today.
Jessica suddenly let out a long sigh and then said, “The only regret now is that Mom isn’t here. If she knew that our family had moved to Cloud Dream Mountain, she would be delighted.”
As Jessica spoke, she cast a meaningful glance in Sean’s direction. The implication was clear: Sean had made the decision regarding the old Mrs. Henley without consulting her, so if the old Mrs. Henley reacted negatively to this news, he would bear the consequences.
Sean understood that he had to inform the old Mrs. Henley about the situation. He stood up from the sofa and made his way to the restroom.
Jessica narrowed her eyes knowingly, aware that Sean was likely calling the old Mrs. Henley from the bathroom.
Although Jessica’s fabricated explanation had succeeded in hoodwinking the Henley family relatives, it left Sophia feeling uneasy. While the mansion had indeed been purchased by Leo, it wasn’t something they could openly admit. The family members wouldn’t believe such a fact, and it would only lead to further mockery.
Sophia gently tugged at Leo’s hand and whispered, “Leo, my mom…”
Leo shook his head and conveyed with a knowing look, “Sophia, it’s okay. As long as you’re happy, I don’t mind what they think.”
Sophia gave Leo’s hand a reassuring squeeze and sighed softly, deciding not to dwell on the matter any longer.
Meanwhile, in the restroom, Sean had successfully called the old Mrs. Henley, Teresa.
“Sean, what’s going on?” Teresa’s voice came through the phone.
Sean hesitated for a moment before explaining, “Mom, today, Martin and his family are moving.”
“Moving? For no reason? Why are they moving?” Teresa found it strange. “If they want me to visit, tell them I won’t go anywhere except to Cloud Dream Mountain.”
Teresa’s words left Sean momentarily speechless, and then he stammered, “Mom, Martin… their new home is…”
“Where?” Teresa sensed that something was amiss from Sean’s tone and asked anxiously.
Sean clenched his teeth and finally said, “Their new home is in Cloud Dream Mountain, Mom.”
There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone as Teresa absorbed the shock. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard.
“Sean, are you joking with me? I know Martin’s family’s situation, and they couldn’t possibly afford a mansion in Cloud Dream Mountain.” Teresa’s voice showed her confusion. “Tell me the truth, where did they buy their new house?”
“Mom, Martin’s family really bought a new house in Cloud Dream Mountain, in villa number nine. I’m not joking with you,” Sean said, his voice strained.
After uttering these words, Sean could clearly sense Teresa’s breathing becoming more rapid and agitated.
Teresa had always considered Cloud Dream Mountain her dream retirement destination. As someone who had spent a significant portion of her life dedicated to the Henley family’s success, it had been one of her two lifelong wishes: to see the Henley family rise to the top and to live in Cloud Dream Mountain.
Now, Sophia had moved there instead of her. Teresa was struggling to accept this reality.
“What exactly is going on? You need to explain it to me!” Her voice had grown hoarse due to the intense emotional turmoil.
“It’s Dad…” Sean hesitated, unsure whether to tell Teresa about what Jessica had just said.
Teresa, who couldn’t stand her son’s hesitancy, shouted angrily, “How does this involve your father again? Don’t beat around the bush, just tell me!”
The old Mr. Henley had passed away five years ago, so how could he possibly be related to the Cloud Dream Mountain matter? This didn’t make sense to Teresa.
Sean reluctantly explained, “Mom, here’s what happened…”
Sean recounted Jessica’s words in the living room to Teresa over the phone.
After hearing Sean’s account, Teresa remained silent for a long time on the other end of the line.
She was utterly shocked by the revelation. The idea that the old Mr. Henley had secretly prepared a dowry of 200 million for Sophia was beyond her wildest imagination.
No, this couldn’t be true. There was no way. Teresa knew the financial situation of the Henley family, a company built on agency work, inside out. If the old Mr. Henley had moved 200 million during his lifetime, she would have known about it.
However, if the money hadn’t come from the old Mr. Henley, then how had Martin’s family managed to afford a mansion in Cloud Dream Mountain?
Teresa could no longer remain composed. She decided that she needed to go to Cloud Dream Mountain personally to get to the bottom of this matter.
“Sean, wait there. I’m coming over right now!” Teresa declared before abruptly ending the call.
Back in the living room, Jessica noticed Leo engrossed in his phone while sitting on the sofa. She couldn’t help but scold him, “Leo, all you do is play with your phone all day. We have guests in our house; make some tea already!”
Jessica was used to giving orders to Leo. Even if Leo had transformed into a completely different person before her eyes, this habit of bossing him around was hard to break.
Moreover, Jessica wanted to convey to Leo that she was still the mistress of this mansion.
Sophia, upon standing up from the sofa, was about to argue with Jessica, but Leo gently pulled her hand, shaking his head as if to say, “Stay calm.”
Sophia’s anger dissipated considerably under Leo’s reassuring gaze, and she returned to her seat on the sofa.
“Sophia, when guests are in the house, it’s only proper to serve them tea. You sit and chat with our relatives and friends; I’ll go make tea,” Leo said as he stood up from the sofa. He headed to the cupboard to retrieve the tea set and began brewing tea.