Chapter 127
“One million dollars?” Mrs. Sullivan’s eyes bulged. “Are you destitute? Are you selling your daughter p>
At those words, Mrs. Winters started rolling up her sleeves again. “Who are you calling a seller of daughters? Say that again, I dare you p>
Mrs. Sullivan was genuinely scared, but this was her house, with her husband and son present. She couldn’t let this shrew walk all over them. Steeling herself, she planted her hands on her hips and took a step forward.
“The marriage certificate is signed, and she’s already pregnant. You want to talk about a settlement now? You’ll get nothing p>
“Oh, so you’re going to play hardball?” Mrs. Winters let out a dry laugh. “Fine. I’ll show you what real hardball looks like p>
With that, she plopped down on the floor and began to wail at the top of her lungs.
“Oh, the heavens above, open your eyes! There’s no justice for us poor folk! This family is using their money to bully us! My daughter has been ruined by them, pregnant with their child, and we, her parents, knew nothing about it p>
“Rebecca, my poor, ill-fated child! What have you endured all this time without your mother p>
“They accuse me of selling my daughter, but they’re the ones who practically kidnapped her! I—I’m going to the police station! I’ll have the officers arrest every single one of you p>
She cried and shouted, rhythmically slapping the floor, putting on a performance more dramatic than anything on television. The Sullivans had never witnessed such a spectacle, and their faces grew darker by the second.
Mr. Sullivan tried to escape upstairs, but Mrs. Winters scrambled to the foot of the stairs to block his path. Mrs. Sullivan tried to shut her up, but the woman simply lay flat on the floor, threatening to die in their house if anyone touched her. Defeated, Mrs. Sullivan ordered the maid to close all the windows and doors, desperate to keep the scandal from spilling outside.
Zebulon’s veins bulged on his forehead as he pointed at Rebecca, demanding she get her mother under control. Rebecca was mortified, but her mother completely ignored her pleas.
In the midst of the chaos, Penelope walked in, feigning complete ignorance.
“What’s… what’s going on p>
Her appearance startled the Sullivans and Rebecca.
“Nothing! Nothing’s wrong at all!” Zebulon rushed to block her path while the others scrambled to cover Mrs. Winters’s mouth.
“Let go… mmmph… what are you… I’m calling the police Mrs. Winters mumbled.
“If you want your money, then shut up!” Mrs. Sullivan whispered fiercely in her ear.
The mention of money instantly silenced her.
“Oh, Mom, Dad, you’re still awake?” Penelope asked, tilting her head.
The Sullivans forced a laugh. “Well, you see, we have a guest p>
Only then did Penelope pretend to notice Mrs. Winters, studying a moment before feigning
recognition Oh, it’s you!t
She started to step forward with a warm greeting, but Zebulon blocked her again.
“Ahem, it’s late. You should go back and rest. We’ll take care of our guest p>
“You’re entertaining Rebecca’s mother? But you don’t know each other. Why would you be entertaining her p>
“Well, Rebecca is… an employee at Stone Group p>
“So p>
het
“So, her mother is here about a work-related matter. There’s been misunderstanding that we need to clear up p>
“Oh, I see. Well, I’ll leave you to it, then p>
Penelope acted as if she believed their ridiculous story, shrugging as she turned to leave.
Mrs. Winters, however, was slow on the uptake. “Hey, why did she just call you ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad p>
The Sullivans had no explanation and simply ignored her.
As Penelope reached the door, she paused as if remembering something, then turned back to Mrs. Winters. You should stay at my place tonight. Zebulon and I are
having our wedding in a few days, and I’d like to invite you p>