Chapter 129
Justin felt it might have been better to simply die from the anger; it would end everything and spare him Shirley’s torment. Panting heavily and clutching his chest, his words were barely coherent. “You fool! Tell me, why? Has our family ever mistreated you? Why did you sell the company’s stocks at such a low price?”
Since Shirley’s return, the Jones family, consumed by guilt, had been incredibly generous. She received a $62,000 monthly allowance, not to mention the luxury clothes, jewelry, and bags Selena regularly bought her. Yet, she remained unsatisfied. She sold shares given to her three years prior—shares valued at $300 million—for a mere $10 million.
“Why? Tell me, why?” Justin demanded angrily.
Shirley lowered her head, too afraid to speak. Selena trembled with rage. “Speak up! Why did you do it? Why?”
Shirley cried uncontrollably. “Because I needed money. I asked you before, but you wouldn’t give it to me, so I had to sell the stocks. What else could I do?”
It suddenly dawned on Selena. A month ago, Shirley had demanded $10 million. Selena, thinking Shirley was irrational, scolded her, dismissing it as an attempt to compete with Cynthia. Shirley frequently requested money, her demands escalating; Selena never anticipated she would sell the shares.
Selena restrained her anger. “What did you need so much money for?”
Shirley, biting her lip and tears streaming down her face, refused to answer. Justin was furious. “Shirley, from today on, go back where you came from. I’ll pretend I never had a daughter like you.”
Shirley panicked. She knew Justin and Selena hadn’t truly accepted her, but she’d relied on their guilt and shared blood to secure her place. Now, genuinely panicked, she had witnessed the ruthlessness of the wealthy. When Cynthia severed ties with the family, Justin hadn't shown the slightest nostalgia; his current reconciliation was purely transactional. Perhaps they truly would abandon her.
Kneeling, Shirley repeatedly apologized and pleaded, “Dad, Mom, I was wrong! Please don’t leave me. You’ve abandoned me once. Are you going to do it again? I know I was wrong. I’ll turn over a new leaf and obey you.” Clinging to Selena, she cried, “Mom, please say something. Help me. You’re all I have. Don’t abandon me!”
Although filled with anger and disappointment, Selena couldn’t be cold-hearted. Shirley wasn't entirely to blame; a different upbringing might have changed her.
Selena asked, “Tell me the truth. Where’s the money? Why did you need $10 million?”
Shirley confessed, gritting her teeth, “I racked up gambling debts and was threatened by the mob. The money went to paying them off.”
This wasn't entirely true. She was threatened, but not because of gambling debts; she couldn't reveal the real reason.
Selena and Justin were devastated. After half an hour, they calmed down somewhat. Justin took several heart pills to prevent another attack. Shirley stood quietly in the corner, weeping softly.
Cynthia, watching the drama, was satisfied. “Dad, since Shirley sold her shares, there’s nothing more I can do.”
Justin exploded. “Are you trying to drive me crazy? Will you only be satisfied when the Jones family goes bankrupt?”
Cynthia calmly replied, “If the Jones family goes bankrupt, it’s not because of me. Don’t blame me.”
“What will it take for you to help us?” Justin asked.
Cynthia shrugged. “Getting Miss Y to drop the lawsuit isn’t easy. I have no idea what it will cost.” Glancing at Shirley, she continued, “Shirley sold the shares for $10 million. I won’t ask for more. Give me that, and I’ll help the company—this once.”
Justin sighed in relief. Ten million dollars wasn't significant for the company, and he'd anticipated this. Settling with someone like Miss Y would require substantial compensation; $10 million was within his expectations.
“Alright, I’ll give you $10 million,” Justin said.
“Dad, I don’t want your money. I want Shirley’s,” Cynthia countered.
Shirley glared at Cynthia with intense hatred. She almost escaped, but Cynthia dragged her back.
“But I’ve already used the money to pay off debts. Where am I supposed to get $10 million?” Shirley protested.
“It’s alright if you don’t have it now. Just write me an IOU,” Cynthia replied.
Shirley was furious. An IOU? In her dreams! “No way!”
Justin, however, saw this as an excellent solution. Cynthia seemed like the sensible daughter he knew. He coldly told Shirley, “If you don’t write this IOU, I’ll sever our father-daughter relationship.”
Seeing Justin's serious expression, Shirley, humiliated, wrote the IOU in front of a lawyer. Cynthia took it. “Shirley, from now on, every penny you earn must be deposited in my account. Otherwise, I’ll take you to court. I’m sure you wouldn’t want that.”