Chapter 135

Thwack! The old man slammed his long-stemmed pipe against the doorframe, sending sparks flying. "Are you determined to tear this family apart? Look what you've done to our second son!" His beard quivered with rage.

The old woman shrank back, not daring to argue with the head of the household. She muttered under her breath, "Our second son hasn't even complained. Why are you so worked up?"

Maya pushed aside the curtain and stepped inside, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Father, Mother, the business failed. We're drowning in debt. After liquidating the shop in town, we have nothing left." She wiped her tears. "The doctor says Frank needs proper rest to recover. We've decided to come back and farm—at least we won't starve."

The old man nodded. "It's good you're back. This family won't let you go hungry." After all, blood was thicker than water. He couldn't turn away his own son.

Maya glanced toward the west room. "It's already noon. Why is Frank still asleep? We need to start cleaning—we'll be staying here from now on." That was the house they had paid to build. Why should Frank Harris get to keep it?

The old woman's expression darkened. "Well... Frank is getting married soon. Since you were living in town, the room was just sitting empty..."

"Mother!" Maya's voice rose sharply. "We paid for that house! It was agreed those two rooms were ours! Where are we supposed to live now?"

"This house is big enough. Can't you find a spot?" The old woman scoffed. "Why not take Frank's old room? Why fuss over such things with family?"

Maya trembled with anger. "If it doesn't matter, then why don't you ask my elder brother and his wife to move to the smaller room? We'll take theirs!"

"How dare you!" The old woman slapped her thigh. "A useless hen like you dares talk back? If not for Frank stopping me, I'd have sent you back to your parents long ago! Frank will take care of you in your old age—what's wrong with him using your room?"

The words stabbed Maya like a knife. She clenched her fists, ready to explode—

"Mother." Frank suddenly opened his eyes. "Am I still your son?" His voice was weak but firm. "The deed clearly states that house is mine. Can you really live with yourself, doing this?"

Maya quickly pressed a hand to her husband's arm, afraid he might reveal too much.

The old woman faltered. She could throw a fit with her daughter-in-law, but her own son...

"Frank, I didn't mean it like that..."

"Good." Frank gave a bitter smile. "For a moment, I thought you only cared about grandsons, not sons."

The old man cleared his throat loudly. "Woman, go wake Frank up! Tell him to clear out the room and carry his uncle there himself!" He had already calculated—Frank would need his uncle's help for the wedding. Besides, since when did uncles make way for nephews?

This would also show Frank how important it was to have a son.