Matthew paused briefly before responding, “You don’t need to come over. I can transfer the money directly.”

Elliott grew more enthusiastic. “Since you’ve helped me, I must bring a gift and thank you in person.”

Matthew replied somewhat resignedly, “As you wish.”

Twenty minutes later, Matthew returned home to find his parents out. He grabbed a lounge chair and sat under the shade of a tree in the yard, enjoying the breeze as the leaves rustled in the wind.

While enjoying the rare tranquility, Matthew pondered how to find Medieval Medicine. He thought Jenny might have information about the ancient text and hoped she could help.

Lost in thought, he noticed someone entering through the gate—Tessa. His mood plummeted as a flood of painful memories surged into his mind.

“What brings you here?” he inquired as she approached.

Tessa smiled sweetly. “We need to talk. I know you’ve always loved me, and honestly, I love you too. Our love for each other is still strong.”

Matthew found her words ironic. “You want to talk about love now? That’s not what you said back then. When we were in the middle of our divorce, I told you I loved you and asked you not to end our marriage after so many years. But what did you say?”

He remembered her dismissing his love as meaningless, calling him a penniless ex-convict. “You said I didn’t deserve someone like you, and now you want to talk about feelings?”

Tessa felt awkward. “I was confused back then. I know I was wrong,” she admitted. She explained that after the divorce, she realized Matthew was the only one who truly cared for her. “In this world, you were the only one who would earn money and give it all to me. When I got in trouble, you were willing to take the blame and go to prison for me.”

Tessa then informed Matthew that her company was struggling financially, and no one was willing to help. “I know you still love me. You’re the only man in the world who would shelter me from the storm,” she said, pleading with him to help. Otherwise, the company he had founded would fail, and she would end up in prison.

Matthew looked disgusted, realizing it was all about the company. He told her that her problems were not his concern, since they were already divorced. “If you end up in prison, it’ll be because of your own doing,” he remarked. “I’ll never make the mistake of trusting someone wholeheartedly like that again.”

Tessa’s face twitched in disbelief. Accustomed to being pampered and getting her way, she struggled to adapt to Matthew’s indifference, her eyes showing irritation. “Matthew, what do you want? I’ve apologized and begged you repeatedly. Why can’t you forgive me? Why do you insist on holding onto my mistake?” she asked impatiently.

She explained that she had only asked him to speak to Elliott. “I’m not borrowing your money. Unless you’re bankrupt and have no qualifications to be a loan guarantor,” she added.

Matthew nodded. “Yeah, I’m bankrupt.”

Tessa was surprised. She’d said it to provoke him, not expecting him to admit he had no money. However, she realized he probably hadn’t had the chance to earn money in the three years he was in prison. Even with Rachel, the president of Wealthwave Group, as a girlfriend, she thought she might only give him a bit of pocket money, which wouldn’t help.

She felt disappointed. She was facing a financial crisis, pressured by the bank to repay her loans, and might end up in prison if she couldn’t secure the funds. Remarrying Matthew wasn’t as urgent as obtaining the money she desperately needed.

Tessa looked at Matthew with mixed feelings. “Since you have no money and can’t help me, I’ll figure something else out.”

She turned to leave, but then noticed Elliott entering the yard with bags of gifts. “Mr. Robins, why are you here?” she asked.

Elliott nodded at Tessa, then walked over to Matthew. “Mr. Grant, thank you for your support at work.”