Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Laura paused briefly , her voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and regret as she continued , Rupert wouldnt stop taunting Doris that day .
He told her she had to bark like a dog if she wanted a taste of his treat .
Furious , Doris fought back .
When our parents came home and saw the scratches on Ruperts neck , they didnt even bother to hear Doriss side of the story .
My dad just launched into a tirade , punishing her without a second thought .
That night , she wasnt allowed dinner and was made to stand outside in the yard to reflect , Her voice faltered slightly , the painful memory still raw .
It started pouring rain , and Doris collapsed outside .
When we got her to the hospital , her fever had spiked to 102.2 ° F , and it wouldnt come down .
The doctors said it had developed into pneumonia .
She was in treatment for over a month and barely survived .
Laura let out a deep sigh before adding , They say what doesnt kill you makes you stronger .
And it did make her stronger .
Youre like a silver lining in her hard life .
Im sorry , Ive probably said too much … Not at all , Lewis replied , his tone refined and reassuring .
It helps me understand her better .
Lauras sigh carried a weight of years gone by .
When Doris got into college , our parents refused to let her attend .
They claimed they couldnt afford it , even when she offered to take out student loans .
But when Rupert barely managed to get into a community college , they threw a celebration and spent money on him without a second thought .
Doris ended up working for over two months during the summer, scraping together as much as she could for tuition .
I had just started working at the time and helped her with the rest .
She worked her way through all four years of university , covering her tuition and living expenses by herself .
Id send her money whenever I could , but she shouldered the majority of it alone .
Thats how she made it to graduation .
Lauras voice softened , filled with an aching sorrow .
Shes been through so much .
Thats why she always believes she can only rely on herself .
Doris works tirelessly because , to her , money is the only thing that offers security .
She thinks its the only thing that wont betray her .
But underneath it all , shes deeply insecure .
She wont let herself depend on anyone , swallows her pain , and bears every burden alone .
Shes too strong for her own good , and it breaks my heart to watch .
Please , Lewis , take good care of her .
Im counting on you .
Her earnest plea hung in the air , as if this was the only thing she , as an older sister , could do for Doris .
Lewis felt an unexpected wave of emotion stirring within him .
For someone who often prided himself on his cold and detached demeanor , hearing Doriss story struck a nerve he hadnt expected .
I will , he said simply , his voice steady but laced with quiet determination .
Thank you , Laura said , a note of relief in her voice .
Ill let you go now .
Goodbye .
As the call ended , Laura finally felt a sense of peace .
She had made the most of a brief moment to check in , sneaking out after lunch while Doriss parents , Claudias parents , Rupert , and Claudia were still engrossed in discussions .
Meanwhile , in the meeting , Maisies expression darkened .
She turned to Jimmy with barely concealed disdain .
Jimmy , Ive heard rumors that you owe Mr.
Watson a million dollars .
Do you even have the funds to support us ? I think we need to seriously reconsider this marriage between Claudia and Rupert .
Rupert panicked the moment he heard the possibility of not being able to marry Claudia .
His voice was urgent as he said , 1/3 13:18 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 22 Mrs.
Robinson , didnt we just agree that Claudia and I would get married next month ? 85 % +5 Maisie , sharp and calculating as ever , replied with a measured tone , Rupert , I do like you , but there are some hard truths I need to address .
That one million dollars your family owes has nothing to do with my daughter .
Yes , the money went toward the house , but tell me , isnt it normal for the groom to have a house and a car before marriage ? She continued , As her mother , I cant stand by and watch Claudia marry into such a burden .
Its unfair to her .
Shes our pride and joy , the daughter weve cherished since the day she was born .
I hope you can understand how much I want to protect her , Rupert quickly interjected , his tone laced with desperation , Mrs.
Robinson , I promise , no matter what , Ill never let Claudia bear the burden of that one million dollars .
My parents arent unreasonable people .
He turned to Claudia , gripping her hand tightly , his eyes filled with unwavering affection .
I truly love Claudia , Mrs.
Robinson .
Shes the only woman Ill ever marry .
Jimmy , determined to maintain his composure and pride in front of the Robinson family , chimed in with confidence , Maisie , let me assure you , the one million dollars is compensation for Ryan and Doriss breakup .
We deserve that money .
Even if he wants it back , one million dollars is nothing to our family .
We can handle it just fine .
Theres no scenario where Claudia would have to shoulder that debt .
Andre beamed , Jimmy , Im so relieved to hear that .
But Maisie wasnt done .
Her gaze turned back to Rupert , her tone firm yet matter of fact .
Rupert , theres one more condition .
Every cent you earn must go to Claudia .
You need to love her wholeheartedly , respect her , and listen to her .
Only then can I rest assured that shell be in good hands .
If you cant do this , I wont agree to this marriage .
With these words , Maisie effectively absolved Rupert and Claudia , the young couple , from any connection to the Reed familys one million dollar debt .
Rupert didnt hesitate .
I promise .
Maisie , ever the strategist , pressed on .
Good .
Now , about the money you can hand it over to us now .
Maisie was no fool .
She had done her homework thoroughly for this marriage negotiation .
She knew that if the money wasnt secured before her daughters marriage , it would soon become joint property after the wedding , and they absolutely wouldnt let themselves be at a disadvantage .
Okay , well give it to you .
Rupert glanced at Jimmy , his voice resolute .
Dad , this wedding gift was decided long ago .
Jimmy , unwilling to dig into his own pockets , replied with a practiced smile , The money will be given to Claudia in three days .
He had no intention of paying himself and was clearly waiting for Laura to step in .
Lauras lips tightened as she lowered her gaze , her silence speaking volumes .
Meanwhile , Claudia discreetly pinched Ruperts palm , her signal subtle but unmistakable .
Rupert immediately understood and said , Dad , Mom , Claudia and I will go to the city hall in three days to get our marriage license .
Were planning to hold the wedding next month .
Before the ceremony , I want to add Claudias name to the deed for the house .
That way , shell feel secure , and her parents can have peace of mind .
Ruperts words hit the sweet spot for both Andre and Maisie , perfectly addressing their unspoken concerns .
They had already discussed bringing this up with the Reed family , even if Rupert hadnt mentioned it .
2/3 13:18 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 22 < 85 % 1 自 You see , Rupert truly understands us as parents .
He really loves our daughter , Maisie beamed , her tone full of approval Andre nodded enthusiastically , giving Rupert a firm thumbs up .
Rupert , youre the best son in law I could have hoped for .
Claudias happiness really depends on you now .
Rupert basked in the praise , his chest puffing up slightly with pride .
Ill love Claudia with all my heart and make sure shes never wronged not even a little .
But not everyone was so enthusiastic .
Jimmys expression darkened ever so slightly , a shadow of reluctance flickering across his face .
His voice carried a subtle edge as he responded , Their new house already cost one million dollars , and we spent another 150 grand on renovations .
Were not asking for much here .
Adding Claudias name to the deed can wait until after theyre married and have their first child .
It was clear this was Jimmys line in the sand .
In his eyes , young couples today were quick to marry when in love and just as quick to divorce when things soured .
It was way too risky for him .
In his eyes , by waiting until a child was born , the baby would become a bond tying the couple together , and Claudia , as a mother , would naturally prioritize the family .
Maisies tone turned icy .
So , what youre saying is you want Claudia to marry into your family just to act as a servant , right ? Youve never truly considered her as part of your family , have you ? Refusing to add her name is just a way of guarding against her .

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Hearing that the one million dollar house would have nothing to do with Claudia was like a slap to Maisies pride .
Her heart burned with indignation .
If I dont fight for my daughters rights now , what will she have if the marriage turns sour ? she thought , her resolve hardening .
Peyton , ever the peacemaker , spoke up in a soothing tone , They wont be living with us after the wedding .
Were not asking Claudia to take care of us .
In fact , Ill even help them out cleaning the house , doing the laundry , cooking meals .
And when Claudia has a baby , Ill be there to help her care for the child so she wont have to worry about a thing .
Shell be treated like a queen in our family .
Maisies patience snapped .
Oh , really ? A queen , you say ? That child Claudia gives birth to will carry the Reed family name , wont it ? Your familys child , your responsibility .
Are you expecting us to take care of the baby ? And now youre telling me that the house , the one shell call home , wont even have her name on the deed after she marries your son ? How do you think that makes her feel ? Do you honestly think shed feel secure enough to have children in these circumstances ? Andre , his face stern , added his weight to Maisies argument .
He yelled , Exactly .
Who would dare have children under those conditions ? No name on the deed , no children .
Its as simple as that .
Jimr .
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