“Mom, how many times have I told you? Even if Leo is rich, it’s his money, and it has nothing to do with me or you. The No. 9 villa we live in is a property he independently purchased, entirely his personal asset!” Sophia’s current concern was only Leo as a person; she had no interest in his money or property.
Jessica was infuriated by Sophia’s words, “Sophia, do you have a problem with your head? Do you really intend to spend your life with that waste of space Leo? I’ll say it again; if you want a happy life, you must divorce him.”
“That waste is just a disposable tool I used to improve your fortune. For disposable tools, once they’re used up, you throw them away!”
“Mom, you…”
“Enough! Let me tell you, Leo is the son-in-law I brought in. As a son-in-law, everything of his belongs to our family. We can’t let the property be held in his hands!”
Jessica spoke with authority and righteousness. Sophia couldn’t help but laugh at Jessica’s audacity, “Mom, it seems like you’ve been bewitched by money. Is money really that important to you?”
Just then, the living room door was pushed open from outside, and Leo walked in casually, calling out, “Sophia, I’m back!”
In the next moment, Leo noticed two pairs of eyes staring at him.
Leo hadn’t expected Jessica to be at home this afternoon. Usually, she was out enjoying herself and rarely stayed home.
Soon, Leo noticed that Sophia’s expression was off. Unable to resist his concern, he asked, “Sophia, what’s wrong?”
Sophia just smiled bitterly, shook her head, indicating that everything was fine.
Jessica, hands on her hips, glared at Leo, loudly declaring, “Leo, your timing is perfect. Since both you and Sophia are here today, it’s time to clear up some matters.”
“Mom, what’s going on?” Leo knew Jessica’s temper, and most likely, she was stirring up trouble for no reason.
Jessica suddenly said something unrelated, “Leo, do you love Sophia? Answer me honestly in front of Sophia and me!”
Leo subconsciously glanced at Sophia. Clearly, they must have been arguing about something before he arrived.
Without hesitation, Leo answered, “Of course, I love Sophia!”
“If you love Sophia, then be honest in front of Sophia and me. How much money have you secretly hidden?” Jessica’s words caught Leo off guard. Her sudden inquiry about his finances wasn’t a good sign.
“Mom, what do you mean by ‘secretly hidden money’? All the money I have is earned legitimately! Why do you want to know how much money I have?” Leo asked.
Jessica coldly snorted and looked at Sophia with a peculiar tone, “Look, my girl, did you see that? The moment I asked him about his money, he got nervous. This man who claims to love you, how much secret money has he hidden, and he won’t even tell you? Do you still want to spend your life with him?”
Jessica’s words were forceful, unreasonable, and purely provocative. She seemed determined to not let Sophia remain calm, “Mom, stop making a scene, okay? I don’t want to know how much money Leo has, and I won’t force him to tell me. I won’t covet a single penny of his.”
Sophia’s words warmed Leo’s heart. “Mom, regarding the money, I will naturally leave it to Sophia to manage. As for how much money I have, I don’t even know.”
Leo genuinely had no idea about the exact amount in his bank account. However, this statement, when heard by Jessica, took on a different meaning. She thought Leo was deliberately keeping it from her, fueling her anger.
Ignoring the source of the money, Jessica’s primary concern was its ownership. “Leo, you need to understand, as the son-in-law of the Henley family, I brought you into our family. Everything you have, including your life, belongs to the Henley family!” Jessica became more frustrated, “Moreover, this Cloud Dream Mountain villa is something you and Sophia bought after marriage, joint property for the couple. You should willingly add Sophia’s name to the property rights certificate!”
At this point, even if Leo were foolish, he understood Jessica’s intentions. In Jessica’s eyes, there were only two things: money and house. Leo, as the son-in-law, wasn’t taken seriously.
Leo looked at Jessica and calmly stated, “Yes, I am the son-in-law you brought in, but you must remember, I am not a slave. Neither my person nor my property is inviolable to anyone!” He added, “The No. 9 villa at Cloud Dream Mountain is indeed joint property with Sophia. I will certainly add her name to the property rights certificate!” Leo emphasized.
Fearing Leo might misunderstand, Sophia hastily explained, “Leo, don’t listen to my mom’s nonsense. This is all her unilateral decision; I don’t want my name on the property rights certificate.”
Leo smiled at Sophia, saying, “Sophia, have you forgotten? The No. 9 villa at Cloud Dream Mountain was my birthday gift to you. If your name is not on the property rights certificate, this birthday gift wouldn’t live up to its name.”
Leo’s words were like a warm stream, instantly filling Sophia’s heart. It wasn’t about adding Sophia’s name to the property rights certificate; it was about the warmth and sincerity Leo conveyed.
Hearing Leo’s words, Jessica, although keeping a poker face, was internally overjoyed. It seemed the matter of adding Sophia’s name to the property rights certificate was settled.
“Leo, words spoken cannot be taken back. Strike while the iron is hot. I suggest that tomorrow morning, you and Sophia take your IDs and visit the property management bureau to settle this matter!” Jessica added, “Remember, only Sophia’s name should be on the property rights certificate because the No. 9 villa is a birthday gift from you to her!”
“I won’t go back on my word!” Leo asserted.
“Leo…” Sophia was momentarily at a loss for words.
To prevent any changes, Jessica decided to take matters into her own hands. “You probably don’t know where the property management bureau is. Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally take you there. I’m a professional at handling these matters.”
Leo and Sophia exchanged a glance, both expressing mutual helplessness and speechlessness. The pleasant afternoon was ruined by Sophia’s mother.
Sophia, not wanting to hear her mother’s voice, said to Leo, “Let’s go to the market, buy some fresh vegetables. Nora did a thorough cleaning at home today, and she hasn’t had the chance to buy groceries.”