Chapter 157
Mindy forced a tight smile. If she could actually make money from her copyrights, she wouldn’t have to wait for Miranda to buy the villa.
Sensing Mindy’s impatience, Miranda stepped in. “Uncle Ronald, Aunt Jenny, my mother and I have some things to take care of, so we’ll be heading out.”
“Oh, come on, what could be so urgent during Christmas?” Jenny interrupted sharply.
“Miranda, I hate to say this, but you’re almost 30. You’re not in school, you don’t have a job, and there’s no sign of a boyfriend. How many women your age still rely on their parents like this?”
Jenny hadn’t forgotten the cherry incident. Now that she had a chance, she wasn’t going to let it slip by. “Just look at Jack. He’s already started his own company in Jandersville and has a bright future. And my dear Quincey—she might not be as ambitious, but she can’t even take care of her own needs. What’s to be done about that?”
“Sometimes I really worry about Lionel and you, Mindy. What did you all get after all the effort you two put into raising a child? A kid who can’t even fend for herself without relying on her parents? Not only hasn’t she brought any honor to the family, but she can’t even take care of her own needs. What’s to be done about that?”
Jenny shook her head, adding exaggerated sighs for effect. Harold, beside her, kept shooting her warning looks, but she ignored them.
Mindy’s smile faded, and her tone turned indifferent. “Yes, Quincey is really something—getting into the power plant with just an associate degree.”
Jenny seemed oblivious to the jab, her smile growing even more smug. “That’s right! Quincey’s never given us a moment’s trouble. She has always been so obedient and sensible since she was young!”
“Her grandfather already promised he’ll introduce her to someone in the civil service in a couple of years. She’ll be married to a government official…”
Jenny’s voice rose. “I don’t ask for much in this life. We’re not lacking anything. I just hope our family stays healthy and safe!”
“What’s the point of saying all this?” Harold finally interrupted. “Such nonsense… Mindy, I’m sorry. She just doesn’t know when to stop. Please, don’t take it personally.”
Jenny refused to let it go. “Harold, do I need to remind you who’s the boss here? Am I not even allowed to speak now? Everything I said is true, so what are you apologizing for?”
Harold’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he dared not argue. After all, his comfortable life had been provided by Jenny’s well-connected family. Both Jake Sullivan and Hannah Brooks held top positions at the power company, and Harold landed his current job through Jake’s connections.
Harold’s life was easy. He worked for a third-party inspection company contracted by the power plant—he clocked in, clocked out, and coasted through the day. Yet, he still brought home a decent salary every month. His cushy life was thanks to the Sullivan family, and since Jenny was the only daughter, it was better not to cross her.
Harold’s silence only fueled Jenny’s irritation. “What’s the matter? You had plenty to say before; why are you quiet now?”
Harold’s face darkened. Being scolded by his wife in front of Mindy and Miranda was humiliating. Jenny had stripped away what little dignity he had left. But Jenny either didn’t notice his sour mood or didn’t care. She continued, “I’m the belle of the company, so how did I end up with…”
Just then, Sophia rushed out from the reception area.
“Ms. Sutton! Thank goodness you haven’t left yet! You gave me quite a scare.”
Miranda turned around. “What’s the issue?”
“There was a mistake with the paperwork. I gave you the wrong contract. The original copy of the property purchase agreement should be with the buyer, while we keep a copy on file. I was in such a rush earlier that I grabbed the wrong one. Could you please check to make sure this original is correct?”
The ending of Chapter 157 is abruptly cut off. There's also an apparent error in the original where "t 10 villa" was likely meant to be "the villa". I've corrected this.