Chapter 49

"Yes, that sounds good. From today on, we're a family!" Judith was overwhelmed with excitement when Diane called her "Mom." "Oh dear, I didn't know my daughter-in-law and granddaughter were coming today, so I didn't buy many groceries. I'll go out right away and get some more!"

Maurice was equally delighted. Diane was a beautiful woman, the eldest daughter of a prominent Shanahan family. It was a blessing Severin had married her.

"You don't need to go out again, Mom. We're moving anyway, so let's eat out tonight!" Severin stopped Judith at the door.

Judith finally reacted. "Yes! Let's eat out! Waitmoving? Where? And where did you get the money for this car?" Severin went to the back of the car, retrieved a woven bag, and opened it before Judith and Maurice.

"Severin! Where did you get all this money?! Don't frighten me like that!" Judith was terrified by the cash.

Maurice asked, "I heard someone caused trouble at Easton and Lucy's wedding today. Was it you?"

Severin grinned. "It was me!"

Maurice was incredulous. "But how did they let you go?"

Severin explained, "Mom, Dad, remember the forty-thousand-dollar dowry you gave the Orwells? And our house, originally worth three hundred thousand, but sold to Easton for half that? That's one hundred and fifty thousand dollars total. I told the Orwells to return it!"

Judith remained skeptical. "But how? Your father was beaten up asking for the forty thousand. How could they return more than three times that? Helga will never return money given to her!"

Diane chimed in, "Severin saved Mr. Henry Longhorn, the head of a top-tier family. With Mr. Longhorn's support, the Orwells—and even the Shanahans—wouldn't dare object!"

Maurice and Judith breathed a sigh of relief.

"There's still eighty-five thousand left. It's for you two," Severin smiled. "To make up for the past few years!"

Judith refused. "No, no, no. Selene needs kindergarten, and you two need money too. You should keep it!"

Diane, understanding Judith's past struggles, said emotionally, "Mom, Dad… you should take it. It's Severin's filial piety."

Severin took Diane's hand. "I promise to give Diane the perfect wedding and make up for lost time!"

Diane rolled her eyes. "Nonsense! Our daughter is four. It's a little late!"

While Diane regretted not having a wedding, she knew a simple one would be ridiculed. As the eldest Shanahan daughter, many wealthy people knew her. She knew Severin couldn't afford a lavish wedding, so she didn't expect one.

Severin said firmly, "I'll make it up to you. I won't embarrass your family."

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