Seeing the stern look on Beatrice's face, Spencer knew trouble was imminent.His father had died early, and he was raised single-handedly by Beatrice. Even at his age, Spencer's reverence for Beatrice outweighed any expectations one would have of a mother.Thinking about it now, the most rebellious thing he had done in his life was probably dating Julia in college and then insisting on marrying her despite opposition. That was when he was at his most defiant.But after graduating and returning home to take over the Lowe family business, his ignorance forced him to seek guidance from Beatrice once more.The rebellious spirit of his student days had gradually worn away under her cold scoffs, and every successful project was under her direction.Thus, any resentment born from Beatrice's strict discipline turned into respect with each piece of advice she gave.So, even after many years of marriage and having a grown daughter, he would become meek whenever Beatrice appeared. He would
They just needed to marry off Penny before this issue became public. With the two families already cooperating in their businesses, even if the matter leaked later, it would be less significant.Moreover, the men in their circle all behaved the same way—quickly losing interest in the old and seeking the new.If Penny's future husband grew tired of her because of these incidents, the Lowe family could simply cater to his interests and find a few more attractive women to please him.This would show their in-laws the Lowe family's sincerity in their cooperation. There was no need to worry about breaking their business relationship.Men, especially wealthy ones, often couldn't control their lower halves. Once their material needs were satisfied, more ambitions emerged.Beatrice's husband was like this, and so was her son. She had come to terms with it long ago. Nothing was more important than benefits.These men might keep to themselves for the first couple of years of marriage. But,
"Who are you calling an old beast? Who taught you to speak like that?""How can my plan possibly fall through? That's impossible!"As Penny finished speaking, both Beatrice and Spencer protested loudly in unison.Having lived to her age, Beatrice was accustomed to being treated with respect. No one had ever spoken to her with such foul language, so she was immediately enraged and embarrassed.Spencer was also unwilling to accept that his painstaking project had fallen through.He had gone to great lengths to cater to the other party's preferences, risking being scorned by everyone for sending his own daughter away.Yet, now he was being told that nothing had happened, and his business deal was ruined.If that was the case, why did he still have to endure being beaten up by Penny?He felt it was all in vain and couldn't accept the outcome.Spencer angrily declared, "You don't understand business matters, so don't talk nonsense. Just stay at home for now, and don't go anywhere.
"Penny."It was Julia. She had run out of the villa and, seeing Penny getting further and further away, had to raise her voice.Julia's voice couldn't be described as gentle. Perhaps due to years of indifference, she couldn't change her tone so suddenly.Penny stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her expressionlessly."What's the matter?"Julia couldn't be described as her mother, either.Compared to most mother-daughter relationships, the two of them were like strangers who had only met a few times.Perhaps they were even less than strangers.Strangers would at least be polite when they met, unlike the way they were.Julia felt a bit uncomfortable inside when hearing Penny's tone.Penny had treated Spencer that way because he was a despicable man. If it were Julia, she would have done the same, too. Maybe she would have even stabbed him.But Julia hadn't offended Penny.Back when she gave birth to her, she had at least taken good care of her for a year. She was Penn
Julia ignored the ridicule in Penny's eyes. After handing over the card, she stepped back, her meticulously maintained face showing a hint of impatience."You are my child, after all. I can't just watch you starve out there. Although I dislike you, seeing you reminds me of my past foolishness. But no matter what, I still have enough conscience not to let you die out there."Penny was somewhat surprised, though not fully understanding Julia's words.Although the temperature in June wasn't high, a lady who paid attention to skincare never liked the sun.Standing under the sunlight for a short while already made Julia highly impatient. She no longer wanted to continue the conversation with Penny."You know my situation. Giving you this much is already quite good. Don't come looking for me in the future."Penny understood now. Julia intended to use this money to sever any remaining feelings between them.But what feelings did they have between them in the first place?Penny had alw
"Are you done talking? If you are, can I leave now?"Penny didn't want to listen to her nonsense. The sunlight was quite ferocious, and after beating up her so-called father, she was quite tired.She just wanted to find a place to sit or lie down. It would be even better if she could have a glass of cold water.Julia probably didn't expect her to have such an indifferent attitude and was taken aback for a moment.After a while, an unexplainable anger arose within her.She always felt that Penny shouldn't have this kind of attitude. Even if Julia didn't expect gratitude, she should at least get a "thank you". How could Penny be so perfunctory and indifferent?Even if these emotions were absent, shouldn't Penny at least treat her like she treated Spencer?Shouldn't she curse at Julia, throw the bank card in her face, and say she didn't want her money? None of that happened, either.She had accepted the card calmly, with the same impatience as Julia.Julia couldn't understand. Sh
But humans always had a habit of thinking positively about things.Especially when it came to family, the idea of get-togethers and making meals together was deeply ingrained in everyone's mind.Even if they had witnessed Penny's misfortunes, seen Penny being beaten and scolded by Spencer, heard Beatrice call her a "financial burden", and knew that Julia ignored her…They still hoped Penny could take a step back and forgive her parents.The servants walked with Penny for a while as she started leaving the villa.Even after witnessing a daughter beating her father up, knowing what disgraceful things Spencer had done, their words were still conciliatory."What Mr. Lowe did today was indeed over the line, but no matter what, he is still your father. This relationship cannot be severed, unlike a marriage where a clean break can be made after a divorce."If you act too heartlessly, people might gossip about you in the future. If you really can't stand this family, just come back duri
Sophia didn't hold anything back. She had worked as a maid in the Lowe family for many years and knew more than she should.Given the huge commotion from that argument back then, she would have heard of it even if she hadn't intended to eavesdrop on the Lowe family's gossip.These things shouldn't be known to a child. After all, what good would it do for an innocent child to know their parents' grievances?If the child knew, they might blame themselves, thinking their birth was a mistake and a disaster that burdened their mother.But now, Penny had grown up. She was independent and even dared to defy patriarchal authority. She would protect herself against unfairness, so it shouldn't matter if she knew these things.With this thought, Sophia began to tell Penny about the past.She also had another, smaller motive. Seeing Julia give Penny the bank card earlier, Sophia, being a mother herself, couldn't believe any mother could be completely heartless.She thought Julia still had s