Chapter 114
"Paul Jackson, know when to quit," Simon Liu muttered under his breath, his gaze sweeping over the mother and son. "That girl isn't someone to mess with—her husband's a soldier. If this escalates to the authorities, you can kiss those relief funds and tax exemptions goodbye."
A chill ran down Paul's spine. What chance did a commoner like him have against the government?
"Well..." He rubbed his hands together, eyes darting nervously.
Margaret Jackson shot her son a withering glare. Useless fool—still worrying about money at a time like this!
"Mayor, let them divorce," the old woman said, pressing her thin lips together. "But we settle every debt—down to the last penny."
Paul groaned as he massaged his lower back. That sister-in-law of his had kicked him so hard he still couldn’t straighten up.
Simon exhaled in relief. As long as the old woman conceded, things could move forward.
"Luna," he turned to the White sisters, "the Jacksons are willing to give you some money. You’ll need it to start over."
Luna dug her nails into her palms, eyes burning. She’d do anything to save her children.
The two families finally sat down to negotiate.
Margaret narrowed her beady eyes. "Luna, I won’t stop you from leaving. But let’s be clear—don’t push your luck."
"Mother, I don’t want the house or land," Luna said hurriedly. "Just half the wages and the three kids—"
Luna White’s heart sank. Her sister was showing her hand too soon!
The calculating glint in Margaret’s wrinkles sharpened.
"Money?" The old woman slowly pulled out a handkerchief. "Household expenses have been tight. We’ve only got four hundred left. Two hundred for you—fair enough?"
Luna scoffed. Ethan had just said they’d handed over over seven hundred—now suddenly more than half was gone!
"Fine. Two hundred it is," Luna gritted her teeth. She just wanted the money to get out.
Margaret’s lips curled. "Money’s simple. But Ethan and Aaron stay. They’re Jacksons!"
"What?" Luna shot to her feet, her two sons clutching her sleeves.
Ethan’s eyes reddened. Since when had Grandma ever treated them as family? When they’d starved and begged for scraps, she’d refused even leftover food!
"Please, Grandma!" Luna dropped to her knees. "If they stay, their stepmother will beat them to death!"
Margaret smirked inwardly. Did she really think she’d get both the money and the kids?
"Here’s the deal," she said faux-magnanimously. "Leave the money, take the kids. Your choice."
Luna trembled. They wanted to strip her bare!
Luna White’s eyes narrowed. A classic retreat-as-advance tactic—this old woman was vicious.