Due to Charlotte introduced Idris to Aria, Mrs. Ada has been somewhat favorable towards her recently and continued with a smile, “Charlotte is also good. Even though she has limited means, she’s put aside her private savings to supplement Aria’s dowry. If Eleanor were still alive, she would certainly not treat Aria unfairly.”
Isabella, with her chopsticks in hand, continued picking up food, seemingly ignoring Mrs. Ada’s words.
Her mother, Eleanor, had passed away, and Aria had never even inquired about her. Eleanor had indeed treated Aria like her own daughter, but Aria never regarded Eleanor as her mother.
Seeing Isabella silent, Mrs. Ada felt somewhat awkward. However, she was always shameless enough to continue, “Eleanor once said before her passing that Aria was like her own daughter. When Aria grows up and marries, she should be given 5% of Moonlit Art Inc.’s shares as her dowry. Although Eleanor is no longer with us, the company is still there. Isabella, your cousin is getting married soon. Shouldn’t we honor your mother’s promise?”
Isabella was about to eat a piece of candied sweet potato when she almost choked upon hearing Mrs. Ada’s words.
5% of Moonlit Art Inc.’s shares would be worth tens of millions, and Mrs. Ada’s greed was truly remarkable. Honor a promise? Asking a deceased person to honor a promise that cannot be verified? Why doesn’t Mrs. Ada ask Eleanor directly!
“Grandma, my mother divorced my father before she passed away,” Isabella reminded her.
She had never heard of an ex-wife who had so much money and no place to spend it that she spent tens of millions on a dowry for her ex-husband’s niece. They are really weird people who can become famous throughout the ages.
Both Mrs. Ada and David showed a bit of embarrassment on their faces, but embarrassment aside, they both had thick skins.
“Even though Eleanor and David divorced, Aria has called her ‘aunt’ for over a decade. That bond cannot be erased. I believe if Eleanor were alive, she would still treat Aria as her own, never wronging her.”
All this talk and they’re still fixated on Moonlit Art Inc.’s shares.
Isabella put down her chopsticks, completely losing her appetite. “My mother never mentioned giving my cousin any shares. Besides, transferring shares of Moonlit Art Inc. is not a trivial matter. I can’t just believe whatever anyone says.”
Mrs. Ada spoke recklessly without any evidence, and she seemed a bit uneasy. The more uneasy she felt, the more she pretended to be authoritative.
“Isabella, I am your grandmother. Are you doubting the words of your elders?”
“I would never doubt you, Grandma. However, all my shares in Moonlit Art Inc. are used for charitable purposes. This is well-known and cannot be casually moved,” Isabella firmly responded.
“If you don’t have the shares, there are other assets. I’ve heard the Allen family owns several commercial properties downtown. Giving Aria a couple of them would be fine,” Mrs. Ada saw this as an opportunity and pursued further.
Isabella smiled faintly, her lips curled with a hint of mockery and disdain.
“The 5% of Moonlit Art Inc.’s shares are worth at least fifty million. I don’t have that much cash,” she replied calmly.
“No cash? What about the properties? I’ve heard the Allen family owns several shops downtown. Even giving Aria two or three would be enough,” Mrs. Ada’s eyes gleamed at the mention of the properties.
While Isabella listened, she wiped the corners of her mouth with a tissue. After wiping, she casually tossed the tissue onto the table, responding without lifting her eyelids, “Grandma, that’s indeed a solution…”
Before Isabella could finish speaking, Mrs. Ada eagerly interjected, “If you agree, let’s go to the property center tomorrow to transfer the ownership.”
Mrs. Ada was afraid that procrastination might lead to second thoughts from Isabella.
Isabella could only smirk at Mrs. Ada’s naive attempt to placate her as if she were a toddler.
“Transfer ownership?” She scoffed. “The property certificate isn’t in my hands, how can I transfer it?”
“And where is the property certificate?” Mrs. Ada demanded.
“After my mother passed away, my uncle took control of all the fixed and liquid assets she left behind, fearing I was too young to manage them. So, any decisions regarding those assets need to be discussed with him.”
William held a high position, and even David found it challenging to meet him, let alone Mrs. Ada.
Realizing her limits, Mrs. Ada wouldn’t dare approach the Deputy Governor William. Her plans foiled, she redirected her frustration towards Isabella.
“It’s your property, can’t you make decisions for yourself?” Mrs. Ada’s expression darkened.
Isabella remained unfazed, shooting David a cold glance, “It seems my belongings never really belong to me. Even my father believes I’m too young to take over the company’s shares.”
“…” Mrs. Ada was silenced.
David’s face also turned grim. “We’re discussing Aria’s dowry now, don’t bring up the company and shares.”
“Wasn’t it you, Grandma, who brought up using company shares for Aria’s dowry?” Isabella retorted.
“This was a promise your mother made to Aria, I’m well aware,” David responded.
Isabella chuckled, her smile chilly. “My mother also promised to see me married and with children, but she couldn’t keep that either. People’s words don’t hold weight after they’ve passed away.”
“You…” Mrs. Ada was furious but couldn’t refute.
Aria bit her lip, looking utterly aggrieved, as if Eleanor owed her millions.
The atmosphere became tense, and Charlotte always played the peacemaker in such situations.
“Isabella, even though your mother’s assets are in your uncle’s hands, you are still the actual owner. Talk to your uncle; he’s understanding and should agree,” Charlotte suggested.
Isabella gave Charlotte a cold look, smiling neither warmly nor coldly. “Sure, I’ll talk to him when I can.”
“Thank you, Isabella,” Aria timidly said.
Isabella’s gaze shifted lightly towards her. “Don’t mention it. I just want to remind you, Aria. Whether or not there’s a dowry isn’t the main issue. If Idris loves your money more than you, perhaps you shouldn’t marry him.”
With that, she stood up from her chair, “I’ve eaten enough; I’ll head to my room. Take your time.”
She walked upstairs, followed by Ava.
Once inside, fearing Ava might push her to drink more greasy pork trotter soup, Isabella quickly covered her stomach, “Ava, I’ve eaten too much; I can’t eat anymore.”
“I know,” Ava sighed. The Harris family’s dining table could fill you with resentment even if it didn’t fill your stomach.
“Remember not to get your wound wet when you shower later, to prevent infection,” Ava reminded her.
“I know, I’m not a child. Don’t worry, go rest early,” Isabella laughed, pushing Ava out of the room.
In fact, the wound on her leg had already been stitched up and was healing well. But Ava kept worrying.
After news of Isabella’s injury spread online, fans and netizens sent messages of concern and comfort, but no one from the Harris family even inquired. They were not family, merely distant relatives by blood.
After showering and changing her clothes, Isabella lay down for a short rest. Once everyone in the villa had retired for the night, she left, eager to see her real family.