Chapter 13
+8 Pearls
Seeing the tension in the room, Adrian grabbed the list of engagement gifts and skimmed through it.
After a moment, he looked up and asked Beatrice, “What’s the issue here? They’re asking for two million dollars, a few sets of gold and gemstone jewelry, and some designer fabrics. That’s hardly unreasonable. The rest are just minor details.”
“Hardly unreasonable?” Beatrice let out a bitter laugh. “Unfortunately, we don’t even have half of that in liquid assets right now.”
“That’s impossible. Who manages the finances? Where is all our money going?” Adrian asked, his brows furrowing in disbelief.
“I manage the finances,” I said, my voice steady and controlled.
His gaze snapped to mine. “You? Then tell me, where’s the money?”
Beatrice scoffed, crossing her arms. “Do you think we’re sitting on an endless fortune? This estate. was given to your grandfather by the government in recognition of his service. Your father and uncle’s combined incomes, including all their allowances, don’t even hit two million a year. And you? You’re just a mid–level executive in the business world. Do you think you’re making more than your father?”
Adrian frowned, unwilling to accept the reality. “Even so, shouldn’t the properties left by my grandfather generate income? There should be something.”
Beatrice didn’t hold back. “Even if they do, do
you think that small revenue is enough to maintain an estate this large? Do you know how much your mother’s medical expenses cost? Every single dose of her daily medication runs close to three thousand dollars. The specialty treatment she needs every three days costs another five thousand. And where do you think that money comes from? Cassandra’s inheritance.”
Adrian looked stunned, as if the ground had been pulled from beneath him. He had never considered where the money came from–just assumed it would always be there.
Disappointed, he exhaled sharply and set the list down. “Fine. You clearly don’t want to contribute to this. I’ll figure it out on my own. I’ve earned recognition for my work. I’m sure the board will grant me a bonus.”
Beatrice arched a brow, unimpressed. “Didn’t you already use your status to push through this. engagement? If you’re so in love, why worry about gifts? Why not ask Vivian to lower her expectations?”
Evelyn, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. Clearing her throat, she added, “After all, this engagement has the board’s approval. It’s not like we can’t come up with the money–it’s just a matter of priorities.”
1:15 PM
Chapter 13.
a Pearls
you cover this amount for now? Once our finances improve, we’ll pay you back. How does that sound?”
Chloe scoffed. “Mom, why even talk about paying her back? We’re family, aren’t we? I’m sure my dear sister–in–law is generous enough to spare a hundred thousand dollars.”
“Chloe, that’s not how you speak to your sister–in–law,” Evelyn chided, though her tone lacked any real reprimand. “She’s done so much for this family over the past years. You should show some appreciation.”
She paused, then turned back to me with a look of faux concern. “Alright, then, that’s settled. Cassandra, I know this must be difficult for you, but once Vivian arrives, you should make it clear that you’re the primary wife here. Set the rules early.”
Everyone in the room, including Adrian, turned their eyes to me. I could feel the weight of their expectation pressing down on me. Since the argument yesterday, Adrian hadn’t dared to ask me for anything directly, but his silence spoke volumes.
When I didn’t respond, Beatrice cut in. “Besides the money, are you expecting Cassandra to provide the jewelry and luxury items too?”
“Of course. She doesn’t mind, right, Cassandra?” Evelyn asked sweetly, though her voice held an edge.
Beatrice caught my eye and gave a small shake of her head, warning me not to agree. Not that I had any intention of doing so.
I kept my expression calm as I replied, “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to cover these expenses. The family’s finances should cover the costs of the wedding.”
Evelyn’s smile disappeared instantly. “Cassandra, that’s unreasonable. Why are you drawing lines. between us? We’re all family. Besides, it’s just a loan. We’ll pay you back when things are more stable.”
I turned to Adrian. “What do you think?”
He looked visibly uncomfortable. Asking his dumped fiance to finance his engagement to another woman–it was humiliating, even for him. I could see the conflict in his eyes, but before he could say a word, Evelyn cut in.
“Cassandra, you’re his woman. His responsibilities are yours too. A marriage should function partnership, shouldn’t it?”
I smiled and turned back to Adrian. “You’re right, Mother. In that case, just let me know if you want to borrow the money from me. I’d be happy to lend it—if you ask.”
Send Gifts
