Chapter 7

“Oh my goodness, you came all the way because of Penelope? I’m so sorry, but that was unnecessary. There’s nothing serious, just a family matter we can handle ourselves. You can go home now!”

The police officer looked at her incredulously. “Are you two a couple? Please provide your identification. Regardless of the reason, physically assaulting someone is a crime. We received a report and are here to investigate this illegal act. Stop talking and come with us to identify the assailant.”

As soon as Kolby heard he was being taken away, he angrily threw his ID card on the coffee table, sat on the sofa, and argued. “I’ve already said this is a family matter! Why are the police interfering? I hit her for her own good; it’s an elder teaching a younger generation! How is that breaking the law? What’s your relationship with her that you’re taking her side?”

The police officer frowned, warning him to be more careful with his words.

Kolby, however, became increasingly unreasonable, shouting, “I was right, wasn’t I? Even the police should be reasonable! As an elder, what’s wrong with teaching a younger generation a lesson? This woman is living in my son’s house, spending his money, and then says they won’t get married? What kind of reasoning is that?”

“That’s right!” Scarlet exclaimed, hands on her hips. “After spending so much money on my son, we’re entitled to teach her a lesson! And she wants to kick us out? Who does she think she is?”

Drew stood silently behind them, his face pale.

At that moment, the door opened, and a woman entered, dressed in gold and silver. Two middle-aged men in impeccably tailored suits followed.

The woman was my mother; I didn’t know the men.

The police officers recognized them. “Hey, Darren, Anthony, you both came together?”

Two lawyers, after brief pleasantries, Darren Cline informed the officer he was accompanying Ms. Lynch to handle the matter.

Drew, having met my mother before, hesitantly called her “Auntie.” Scarlet and Kolby sized her up, but she remained unfazed. She pulled me onto the sofa and gently patted my shoulder.

Her powerful presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. Smiling, she addressed Scarlet and Kolby. “You are Drew’s parents, right? I am Penelope’s mother, Jasmin Lynch. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!”

Before the elderly couple could respond, my mother turned to Drew. “Drew, I was outside listening. Your parents said Penelope has spent quite a bit of your money, right? I brought some here. Take this.” She produced a stack of cash from her bag—one hundred thousand dollars—and placed it on the coffee table.

Drew waved his hand, unable to meet her gaze. He knew I had never spent a penny of his money during our six months together.

Scarlet, however, swiftly moved the cash closer, feeling and touching it repeatedly. Her greedy gaze made me nauseous.

Undeterred, my mother produced a property deed and placed it on the coffee table.

“I heard you say this house is Drew’s? When did it become his? Why didn’t I know?”

“What do you mean? My son rented this house!” Scarlet retorted.

“Oh, really? Take a look at this!”

Scarlet and Kolby eagerly opened the deed and were astonished to see my name on it, their eyes widening in surprise. Unsure, they asked the police to verify its authenticity.

The officer confirmed the deed was genuine, leaving Drew speechless. “Penelope… this house is yours? You bought it? Weren’t you saying the company rented it for you?”