Chapter 41

Mom turned to Sophia and flashed a flattering smile. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene. Things are urgent. I tried calling you, but I couldn’t get through, so I had no choice but to come here.”

Sophia cast me a scornful glance that made me feel utterly ashamed. “How much?” she asked flatly.

“Not much, just 300 thousand dollars,” Mom replied with a bright smile, as if she hadn’t been the one causing a scene moments ago.

I turned around and glared at her. “Mom, what are you doing?” The actual amount we needed was 140 thousand dollars. Yet, she asked for 300 thousand dollars.

Mom shot me a warning look, tugging at my arm as she muttered under her breath, “Quiet! If you won’t help me, I’ll help myself!”

I frowned and turned to Sophia. “It’s not that much. I only need 120 thousand dollars. I promise I’ll pay it back as soon as I can.” Sophia let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Who said I was lending you money?”

The rejection was like a blow, and for a moment, I couldn’t even respond. Before I could gather my thoughts, Mom exploded. “What? You’re not going to give us the money? Do you think I’m afraid to make an even bigger scene?”

I clenched my fists, my face burning with embarrassment. Sophia laughed even harder. She leaned back in the nearest chair, casually inspecting her nails as though none of this mattered to her.

“Joshua, your antics are getting more and more imaginative. A new scheme every time. What is it now? Money? I’m not your bank account. What makes you think you can ask me for money?” She scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “Last time, you pulled a stunt at the hospital, roping in everyone to put on a show. And now? You bring your mother here to throw a fit. What’s next? What fresh act do you have planned?”

I shook my head frantically. “No, that’s not it. I didn’t mean—”

“You’re not here for money?” Sophia interrupted. Her question left me struggling for a reply.

Before I could speak, Mom stepped forward. “We are! Of course, we are! Sophia, this is all my fault. I was so foolish and got scammed out of 230 thousand dollars. Those people are threatening me. They said if I don’t pay them back in ten days, they’ll kill me. I’m only in my 50s. I don’t want to die! Please, I’m begging you. Help me!”

Sophia stared at Mom and asked flatly, “And why exactly is that my problem? You owe the 230 thousand dollars. What does that have to do with me?”

I clenched my jaw, stepping forward to grab Mom’s wrist. “Mom, let’s go. I’ll figure it out. I’ll handle it.”

“How can you handle it?” Mom wrenched her arm free, her voice rising in fury. “You’re his wife! How can you just sit there and do nothing when your mother-in-law is in trouble? My son treated you so well all these years. And what have you given him in return? Scandals, affairs, never coming home. What kind of wife behaves so shamelessly?” Her face flushed with rage. “My son barely makes enough to get by, yet he spends it all on you! What’s wrong with giving us some money now?”