Chapter 40
“Mom, just give me a little more time. I’ll get the money ready,” I pleaded, desperately trying to pull Mom out of the office.
But she saw right through me, jerking her arm away forcefully. “Don’t lie to me! Do you think I don’t know exactly how much money you have? All these years, what have you earned? You bought me a house, covered some expenses, and the rest? You’ve spent it all on Sophie.
“Now they’re suddenly demanding over two hundred dollars. Where on earth are you going to find that kind of money?” Mom glared at me and continued, “I’m your mother. You wouldn’t stand by and watch them force me to death, would you?”
“I won’t, Mom. I’ll figure something out.”
I said all that, but I had no idea where I could borrow that much money. The day I sold my car, I’d already considered selling my shares in the company—the only valuable thing I had left. But the company’s prospects had dimmed, and the stock value had plunged. Selling my shares now wouldn’t bring in much, and I didn’t want to burden my partner further by suggesting it.
Clenching my jaw, I grabbed Mom’s wrist and held on tightly. “Come on. We’re going home.” I gripped her with all my strength, determined not to let her shake free this time.
She froze for a second, visibly startled. But when she snapped back, her voice rose to a shrill pitch.
“I’m not going home! You and Sophie are legally married. What’s wrong with asking her to pitch in now that I’m in trouble? Look at this office—even the chairs are leather! She’s far richer than we thought. After all the times she cheated on you, isn’t it only fair she gives us some money to make up for it?”
Cheating? It was a term I’d heard more times than I could count—one I thought I’d grown immune to. But hearing it from Mom struck a nerve. I froze, caught off guard. She realized she’d uncovered my weak spot.
Suddenly, Mom bolted to the door, threw it open, and launched into a wailing performance that echoed across the Holmes Group management office. “Everyone, listen up! Sophia Holmes is my son’s wife. It doesn’t matter that she hasn’t taken care of me all these years. What’s wrong with asking for her help when I’m in trouble now? All of my son’s hard-earned money was spent on their household. And now, when we’re facing serious trouble, she turns her back on us? What kind of daughter-in-law does that?”
Tears streamed down her face as she dramatically lamented her fate. “My life has been so tough. How did I end up with a daughter-in-law like her?”
The employees were now peeking over their desks. Their curious gazes burned into me. Humiliation surged through me. I stormed over, grabbed Mom’s arm, and yanked her back into the office.
“Mom! What are you doing? I told you I’ll get you the money! Why are you causing a scene?” My voice was starting to turn hoarse.
Mom gaped at me, momentarily stunned by my outburst. But I could no longer contain my anger. I was thinking of ways to end things with Sophia cleanly, without owing her anything. But Mom had to go and pull this.
Before I could collect my thoughts, the door burst open with a loud slam. Sophia entered the room with a darkened expression as she shut the door behind her with another resounding slam.
“Are you done being crazy?” she snapped.
I clenched my fists and said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I’ll leave with my mom right now.”
However, Mom glared at me and sneered. “Leave? I’m not going anywhere until I get the money I came for!”