Chapter 85

Fainting wasn't the end of the world.

Once the accounts receivable were collected and funds were more fluid, they could just buy it back from someone else at a slightly higher price.

Sophia Sullivan's lips parted.

She wanted to ask who would buy a second-hand property for a marital home?

But her husband had already laid out the situation. The company was genuinely struggling right now. She had to let it go.

Yet, the lakeside villa became her fixation.

Not buying it felt unacceptable.

Buying it was financially impossible.

"Are you sure it's the Lakeside Pearl villa?" Sophia Sullivan confirmed once more over the phone.

A smirk touched Chloe Sullivan's lips.

See? No one could believe it.

The useless third brother's family had actually bought a villa.

"The purchase contract was black and white. I saw it with my own eyes. It can't be fake. Isabella Sullivan admitted it herself, said it was a gift from Clara. Sigh, why don't I have such a capable daughter?"

"Don't underestimate Clara just because she's a girl. She's far more successful than Ryan now."

Ryan Sullivan had started a company, but he hadn't gifted his parents a villa.

Sophia Sullivan's voice cooled slightly. "Clara is filial, but where did she get that kind of money?"

"That, I don't know. But don't underestimate young women these days, sister-in-law."

Sophia Sullivan didn't pursue the villa topic. "When are you free to come get your things?"

"Tomorrow. I'll have Charles drive over to pick them up."

"Alright."

The call ended. Chloe Sullivan put her phone away.

Charles Sullivan frowned. "Why are you spreading this everywhere? Afraid people won't know the third brother bought a villa?"

This wasn't like Chloe Sullivan.

"What 'other people'? We're all Sullivans. Who counts as 'other people'? The third brother buying a villa is cause for celebration!"

"What are you really up to?" Charles Sullivan knew his wife too well.

Chloe Sullivan snorted lightly. "Informing everyone so they can all congratulate the third brother. Is that wrong?"

"You definitely have another motive."

Chloe Sullivan pushed him, chuckling. "Didn't realize you knew me so well…"

"Hey! I'm driving!"

"If I do have another motive… it's just a small one. If I asked the third brother or Isabella Sullivan directly, they'd never reveal the source of the money. So let others ask."

She didn't believe they could withstand the pressure.

Even if the truth wasn't uncovered, the constant pestering would be a nuisance.

She wouldn't be the only one green with envy. She'd drag everyone into the spectacle.

Charles Sullivan was skeptical. "Cecilia avoids drama. Sister-in-law stays out of everything. Your plan is flawed."

Chloe Sullivan pursed her lips. "That just shows you don't understand sister-in-law or your own sister."

Victoria Sullivan avoided drama, preferring to tend her own garden.

The divorce had hit her hard. She often spouted motivational quotes about "female independence," "self-reliance," and "strong character."

She not only motivated herself but also loved lecturing others.

She particularly despised women who relied on men, became mistresses, or were gold diggers.

As for Sophia Sullivan…

A contemptuous smile curled Chloe Sullivan's lip.

A benevolent Bodhisattva when things were fine, but touch a nerve, and even a quiet dog will bite.

"Just wait. The third brother's family is in for some busy times!"

...

"Cecilia? What brings you here? This is a surprise! Please, come in—"

The day after Chloe Sullivan's call, while David Sullivan and Isabella Sullivan were packing at home, Victoria Sullivan paid a visit.

David Sullivan's surprise was understandable.

This sister had high standards, high demands, and a cold, proud demeanor.

Aside from holiday meals at the eldest brother's house, she rarely interacted with the second and third brother's families.

Victoria Sullivan changed her slippers and scanned the living room.

Noting several sealed cardboard boxes in the corner, she calmly took a seat on the sofa.

"Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law, are you… doing a deep clean?"

Isabella Sullivan smiled. "Just packing some bedsheets, duvet covers, and clothes."

"All packed?" Her gaze fell on the boxes.

"Pretty much."

"Planning to move?"

"Yes."

"Where to?"

David Sullivan and Isabella Sullivan exchanged a glance. There seemed little point in hiding it.

It couldn't be hidden forever. People would find out eventually.

David Sullivan: "The new development nearby. Lakeside Pearl."

"You bought a high-rise unit?"

"No," David Sullivan shook his head. "It's a villa."

Perfectly feigned surprise appeared on Victoria Sullivan's face, as if she were just hearing the news. "Third Brother, where did you get that kind of money? The cheapest villa at Lakeside Pearl is three to four million. You…"

She paused, concern welling in her eyes. "You can't be involved in anything illegal."

"No, no, I wouldn't dare!" David Sullivan was amused and exasperated.

"Then the money…"

"It was Clara—"

"Dad!" Sophia Sullivan suddenly entered from the balcony, cutting off David Sullivan. "You're just talking about yourself. Didn't you ask Auntie why she came over so suddenly?"

"Right, Cecilia, what brings you here?"

She never visited out of the blue. There must be a reason.

Uh!

Victoria Sullivan was taken aback.

She hadn't expected Sophia Sullivan to interject, immediately putting her on the spot.

"I… I was entertaining a client nearby. Thought since I was close, I'd drop by."

"I see… I heard Auntie was just promoted to branch manager. You must be very busy."

Victoria Sullivan forced a smile. "Snatching a moment of leisure… By the way, Clara, it was so crowded and chaotic at your uncle's last time. We didn't get a chance to talk."

Sophia Sullivan raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her expression. "What did you want to talk to me about, Auntie?"

"Now that you're back, will you be leaving again after the New Year?"

"Barring any surprises, I'll be returning to Kyoto."

"And what are you doing there now…? Working? Studying? Or something else?"

Sophia Sullivan was silent for a moment. "...Let's say I'm exploring new opportunities."

Once her postgraduate exam results came out, she could say she was going to study.

But she hadn't received an acceptance letter yet. Everything was still uncertain.

No matter how confident Sophia Sullivan was, she wouldn't speak carelessly.

She could only give an ambiguous answer.

To Victoria Sullivan's ears, however, it sounded like "unemployed," "looking for a new sugar daddy"!

Her heart sank. She beckoned to Sophia Sullivan. "Come, Clara, sit here. Let's have a chat."

Sophia Sullivan, baffled, still went over and sat beside her.

"Clara, do you know what is most important for us women?"

"?"

"The ability to be self-reliant and independent. The spirit of relentless self-improvement. The passion to strive and fight."

"??"

"Take me, for example. My fate hasn't been easy. Our family was poor when I was young, so I studied desperately and got into a decent university."

"After graduation, I couldn't find a good job. But I started from the bottom as a contract bank teller, did all the dirty, tiring work for low pay. Now, haven't I gotten a permanent position and become a branch manager?"

"Then there's marriage. I thought I'd married a good man, but he turned out to be scum. But I cut my losses in time, chose divorce, and live alone. Aren't I doing just fine now?"

Uh!

"So, Auntie, what exactly are you trying to say?"