Hugo's trembling lips froze in mid-cry.
He hesitated for a moment, his hands fidgeting nervously. "I... I'm getting married. I need... I need a hundred thousand dollars as a dowry, just this much."
Mila laughed in exasperation, her expression darkening suddenly. "Just this much? You've got some nerve. What do you have that makes you think you can demand so much from me?"
Hugo turned beet red, instinctively glancing at Charlotte, who gave him a sharp look before he finally spoke up.
"Sis, I haven't asked for anything for years. This time, I'm just asking for a little help with the wedding costs. Your husband is so wealthy, this isn't a big deal for him. You're my sister; you can't just abandon your family after getting married. That's not how a daughter or sister should behave."
Charlotte chimed in to support him.
"Yeah, sister, this isn't right."
"The family raised you, and now that you're doing well, you're being stingy over a small amount. Is this how you repay your family?"
"People will call you ungrateful if they find out!"
"And besides, Hugo is your brother, the only one you have besides your parents. If anything happens to you, he's the one who will be there for you. Now, you're haggling over this small amount, but if your husband's family ever turns their back on you, you'll be all alone!"
"Smack!"
The noisy argument came to an abrupt halt. Charlotte clutched her cheek, now bright red from Mila's slap, staring in shock at the woman who was calmly lowering her hand.
She dared to hit her!
Mila stood tall, looking down at her with a cold voice, "Who do you think you are, speaking out of turn here?"
Charlotte was terrified, tears streaming as she cried and clung to Hugo, who rushed over.
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