“That’s only natural. When we have the money, I’ll repay you right away!” Alex reassured.
Ethan’s face lit up with joy as he asked, “Aunt Jessica, thank you! When can you lend us the money? And could you provide it in cash?”
“Can’t we do a bank transfer?” Jessica was a bit puzzled, considering that fifty thousand dollars in cash was a substantial amount.
“No need for a transfer. We want cash,” Ethan said, grinning. “Aunt Jessica, I’ve never laid eyes on fifty thousand dollars in my entire life. When I carry that much cash, and my girlfriend’s family sees it, they might decide to marry their daughter off to me right on the spot.”
Paige chimed in, agreeing with Ethan’s preference for cash. “Jessica, what Ethan says makes sense. Lending us cash feels more tangible and secure.”
“Alright,” Jessica agreed, realizing that once she’d spoken, there was no turning back. “I need to go home and prepare. I Dr. Davy’t have that much money with me in my bank account right now.”
Ethan tried to ease her worries, saying, “Aunt Jessica, someone as distinguished as you always keeps her word. We’re in no rush. When you have the cash ready, just let me know, and I’ll come to pick it up with a backpack.”
Jessica didn’t know how she got back home. Until now, she felt somewhat detached.
This was fifty thousand dollars, not five thousand or even five hundred. Jessica had some savings in her account, but it was meant for her retirement, and she had lost some of it while playing poker cards. She didn’t have fifty thousand dollars.
It seemed that she would need to ask Sophia for the money. However, she had heard that Sophia’s company was facing some issues lately, and she wasn’t sure if Sophia could provide the fifty thousand dollars. If even Sophia couldn’t lend her the money, she’d have no choice but to turn to Leo.
Thinking of Leo made Jessica feel nervous and apprehensive. Recently, he had caused her a lot of psychological distress. This once seemingly worthless son-in-law had become increasingly enigmatic.
What should she do?
Martin appeared uninterested, as the economic decisions were entirely under Jessica’s control, and the person who agreed to lend the money was her. If she ever dared to touch his antiques, there would be hell to pay!
Seeing Martin’s silence, Jessica, in an annoyed tone, asked, “Martin, give me some advice. How should I ask our daughter for fifty thousand dollars?”
“Dear, I think you shouldn’t bring up the money matter with Sophia right now. I heard that her company’s shares were maliciously acquired, and her finances must be tight. Since we can’t assist, we shouldn’t complicate her situation,” Martin advised sensibly.
Jessica glared at Martin with frustration. “I asked you for advice, and you’re telling me this nonsense! I’ve already spoken about it; you can’t expect me to backpedal now. Otherwise, I’ll sell your antiques…”
“If you dare touch my antiques, I’ll… I’ll die right in front of you!” Martin panicked.
After so many years of marriage to Martin, Jessica was well aware that his antiques were his life. If she really used one or two of them to buy something, Martin might actually do something foolish.
She sighed. Touching his antiques was a bad idea. She would have to think of another solution.
“Martin, Leo can afford to buy this mansion for two hundred million. He must have a lot of money right now. What do you think if I ask him for it?” Jessica said “ask,” not “borrow,” because in her view, Leo was her son-in-law, and a mother-in-law asking her son-in-law for money was only natural.
Martin shrugged, indifferent. “Then go ahead and ask him.”
Jessica sat dejectedly on the couch, feeling agitated. Every now and then, she would glance at the wall clock. Uncharacteristically, she hoped that Leo and Sophia would come home early today.
In the agonizing moments that followed, the clock struck half-past six, and Leo and Sophia finally walked in through the door.
Jessica quickly got up from the couch, a smile on her face as she greeted them, “Sweetie, Leo, you’ve had a long day. Please, have a seat on the couch.”
Jessica’s unusual warmth caused Leo and Sophia to exchange uneasy glances, both sensing an impending storm.
Sophia, who knew her mother all too well, spoke up first, “Mom, do you have something to tell us? Just say it.”
“Darling, what’s with this language? As your mother, shouldn’t I be concerned about you?” Jessica feigned a reproachful expression.
Sophia didn’t buy it. “Come on, Mom, you Dr. Davy’t need to act this way. I know you have something to discuss. We’re family; you can tell us directly.”
Jessica hesitated for a moment, glancing at Leo, then blushed with embarrassment. “Sweetie, this is all my fault. Today, your Uncle Alex and his family faced some difficulties, and they wanted to borrow money from me. I couldn’t resist and agreed.”
Upon hearing this, Sophia’s expression remained relatively unsurprised, mostly reflecting an “as expected” look.
Sophia knew her mother, Jessica, too well.
Even though her uncle’s family was quite eccentric, they were still relatives. If they were in a difficult situation, it was only right to help them. So, Sophia asked, “How much money do they need?”
“F-fifty thousand,” Jessica replied with a lowered voice when she uttered the sum, avoiding Sophia’s gaze.
Sophia was slightly taken aback, realizing that her uncle’s family had requested fifty thousand dollars. It was practically the same as asking for a king’s ransom.
Leo, too, couldn’t help but feel moved. First, Jessica’s brother Keith’s family asked to borrow thirty thousand, and now Alex’s family wanted fifty thousand. It seemed that the saying was true: once you let one relative in, a dozen follow, all asking for money.
Sophia was exasperated. “Mom, how could you agree to lend fifty thousand? You’re well aware of the nature of your fourth uncle’s family. If you lend them fifty thousand, it’s nearly certain that you won’t get it back. Besides, my company is facing problems, and we Dr. Davy’t have any spare money to lend.”
The hostile takeover of the company was still a looming sword hanging over Sophia’s head. She had no idea when it might fall, making her life incredibly stressful these days. If it weren’t for Leo’s unwavering support, she might have already crumbled.
In such a critical moment, her mother created yet another predicament, leaving Sophia feeling nearly helpless.
“Sweetie, Mom knows this situation is difficult, but your uncle said that the fifty thousand is for Ethan’s marriage. Your grandfather’s only wish now is to see Ethan get married and have children. As Ethan’s aunt, I can’t just stand by and do nothing about it,” Jessica said, her face filled with a sense of being wronged and on the verge of tears.