Chapter 248: A Name for Sale
Carl asked calmly, “So what’s your great solution, then?”
The question bounced back at her. Lily dodged it. “I don’t know anything about these things. I can’t think of a good plan. If only someone kind could take Elsie under their name, that’d be ideal…” She sighed in frustration. “Yunice… Yunice?”
Yunice snapped out of it and saw Victor looking at her. “Sorry,” she said, apologetic. “I spaced out. Could you repeat the question?”
On the other end of the call, Carl let out a long, thoughtful “Hmm.” Then he asked, “Anyone in mind?”
Lily hesitated, then forced herself to say it. “Carl, you don’t have kids. You’ve never married. No wife to run it by. Couldn’t you let Elsie be registered under your name for a few years?”
“I promise,” she added, “just a few years. Once we get her on her feet, we’ll take her out of your household.”
Carl let out the faintest hint of a mocking smile. “Sorry, but I’ve already acknowledged a goddaughter.”
To his surprise, Lily lit up. “Even better! Once Elsie is part of your family, they’ll be like sisters! I’m sure they’ll get along so well!”
Carl said, “I’ve also got a godson. A brother and sister are already more than enough. They might not want another sibling.”
Lily pressed on. “Then just add Elsie. Young people bond easily. It’ll be fine. Back when Elsie joined the Saunders family, she didn’t know her brothers at all. Now they’re like real family.”
Carl let out a dry laugh. “You know what they say, one monk fetches water, two carry it, three get nothing to drink. I only have so much to give. Two kids is just right. Add one more and I won’t be able to share it fairly.”
Lily’s voice shot up. “You’re really going to split your assets between two godchildren?” Realizing she’d overreacted, she quickly added, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just think you’re still young, Carl. You might have your own kids someday. Isn’t it a bit rash to make that kind of decision? Raising someone else’s child… it’s not the same.”
She clutched her phone tightly. Her heart ached just thinking about it.
How could Carl give away his inheritance to two children who had no blood relation to him?
2:30 PM
Chapter 248: A Name for Sale
He’d rather give it to outsiders than give Elsie a chance?
Lily wasn’t ready to give up. “Carl, what if I talk to your godchildren directly? Let me meet them. I’m sure they’ll be willing to help Elsie.”
Carl glanced at Victor and Yunice, who were still quietly discussing the project across the room. “They’re busy these days. Maybe in a few days.”
Lily pressed him. “A few days? I really can’t wait, Oscar’s deadline is too short.”
Carl said, “Two days. You’ll meet them then.”
Lily agreed right away and hung up, thrilled.
Oscar opened his bedroom door and saw Lily walk excitedly into Owen’s room. Inside, Lily, Owen, and Elsie shut the door and began talking.
Oscar’s face fell. He hadn’t expected that after ten years away, he’d be treated like the outsider in his own family.
Lily sat down with Owen and Elsie to plan. “Elsie, if you can get Carl’s godchildren to accept you, he’ll register you under his name. That would make you his legal daughter. You could even inherit some of his estate someday.”
Lily lowered her voice and said seriously, “You have to give this everything you’ve got.”
Owen was thrilled. “Mom, you’re amazing. I never would’ve thought of this. Don’t worry, Elsie is kind, polite, and sweet. She’s just as good as anyone else.”
Lily nodded. She didn’t think it would be hard at all. She couldn’t wait. Why wasn’t it two days already?
But before the second day even arrived, Elsie was already in tears. Paul’s wedding was tomorrow.
Elsie sobbed, barely able to breathe. “Even if I get registered under Carl’s name… what difference does it make? Paul’s getting everything tomorrow – love, money, status. He won’t ever think of me again….”
Neither Owen nor Lily responded. Paul’s wedding was set in stone. There was no stopping it.
Owen felt guilty. “Elsie, it’s my fault. I misjudged him. I never should’ve let you get involved with him after the way he treated Yunice. I’m sorry.”
Lily sighed. “And Yunice, too. She knew exactly what kind of person Paul was. But did she ever…