Resignation was written all over Matthew’s face because he knew no one could reason with a person who refused to listen.
Sasha was irritated by what her mother said. “Mom, how could you say something like that? Matthew just offered his opinion out of kindness. How did he offend you by doing that?”
Helen rolled her eyes and she didn’t bother to answer. Demi sniggered right away and commented sarcastically, “Does he have the right to offer his opinion when Dad and Mom are here? Why doesn’t he look at his own reflection in the mirror first to see whether he has the right to speak up? Does he know what it means by being a live-in son-in-law? In ancient times, his status will be similar to a girl who stays with her husband’s family, and will not be allowed to have meals at the dining table with the rest of the family. Besides, he isn’t allowed to talk when her parents-in-law are talking. That’s the rule. Doesn’t he understand that?”
Sasha, who was exasperated by Demi’s comment, retorted, “Demi, what nonsense are you talking about? We are in modern times now! We are a married couple and we enjoy equal statuses in our relationship. Mom, since you are the senior in our family, we are obligated to respect you, but you should remind yourself to behave like one too. Would you please quit thinking that everyone else is inferior to you? Marrying me doesn’t make Matthew any different from everyone else, not to mention he isn’t less respectable than anyone!”
Helen was angered by what Sasha said. “What do you mean? Oh, are you saying I have to be respectful toward him in the future? Do I need to get down on my knees and offer him kowtows everytime I meet him from now on?”
Sasha, who was left stumped for a moment, clarified herself, “Mom, when did I say such a thing? What I mean is, you should at least pay Matthew some respect since he has such high regard for you!”
Demi snickered right away, “Sasha, I can’t believe you said something like that. Why should Mom respect him? He’s just a useless kept man who freeloads on our family. Why do Dad and Mom have to pay him any respect? Even a random beggar from the streets is more capable than he is, because at least the beggar tries to earn himself a living with his own effort. But, what about Matthew?”
Sasha was so offended by her comment that her whole body was trembling. “H-How could you say something like that… What has Matthew done that made you so unhappy with him? Since when did he depend on us for a living? Can’t you guys see how he has been working and earning money for the past few years?”
Seeing that the argument was getting bitter, James quickly spoke to mediate the dispute, “That’s enough for the both of you. Demi, how could you speak to your elder sister like that? Sasha, you should watch your words too. Demi is your younger sister, so you should be nicer to her!”
Sasha was so enraged that she was on the verge of breaking into tears. Her parents had been telling her since she was little to treat Demi in a nicer way because she was her younger sister. However, Demi was no longer a child now!
“Well, let’s get down to business then. Sasha, your Dad and I have found several suitable shop lots after roaming around the city. You may transfer the 10 million to our bank account because we’re preparing to purchase the shop lots later today!” ordered Helen.
Sasha was left speechless at once when she heard her mother. “Mom, I don’t think it’s not the right time to transfer the money today…”
Just as Sasha tried to explain her decision, Helen looked displeased at once when she demanded, “Why is it not the right time? Are you going to change your mind after we’ve already agreed on it?”
Demi aimed her question at Matthew directly, “Did you say something to trick Sasha into changing her mind? Matthew, what exactly did we do to offend you so badly that you had to sabotage us in this way? Dad and Mom just want to open a pharmacy. Why did you stop Sasha from providing them the funds to go about it?”
Matthew showed her a confused look. What have I done?
Sasha explained anxiously, “Demi, what have you been thinking? This has nothing to do with Matthew because Cunningham Pharmaceuticals is having a crisis right now!”
James asked immediately, “What sort of crisis is that?”
With resignation, Sasha then recounted what had happened to the company to them. James and Helen were stunned to learn about the news. The company was their biggest hope to improve their lives. If the company collapsed, did that mean they would have to return to their previous impoverished life?
After a moment of silence, James suddenly roared angrily, “I told you guys so! I’ve said before that we couldn’t afford to offend the people from the Pharmaceutical Union! The two of you just refused to listen because you were too proud to accept my opinion and thought too highly of yourselves. Now that they are trying to finish us off, I’ll see how the two of you are going to deal with that! We have all our hopes in our entire lives in this company but it is soon going to be destroyed in your hands! I’m really impressed by how talented the two of you are!”
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