Chapter 58: Clearing Her Parents’ Debt

Austin brought in two chairs. Julian pulled Cora down beside him, his calm presence instantly dominating the small room.

Cora’s mother perched nervously on the edge of the bed, hands twisted in her lap. She had no idea what was about to happen.

Across from them, Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu exchanged uneasy glances. They couldn’t read Julian’s expression, so their eyes darted toward Cora’s mother instead—sharp and threatening.

Feeling their gaze, her mother’s shoulders tensed even tighter.

“Uncle, Aunt,” Cora began, her voice steady. “We asked you here today to settle the debt from over a decade ago.”

She lifted the small silver case and placed it before them, clicking it open so stacks of cash gleamed under the light.

“Fifteen thousand. Once you count it, the debt my parents owe you is cleared.”

The couple’s eyes lit up, but Aunt Gu was quick to compose herself. She shut the case with an exaggerated smile.

“Oh, Cora, what are you saying? Talking about money on such a happy day—it’s bad luck! It hurts family feelings.”

Her husband caught the cue immediately. “Right, right, no need to mention money between family, haha…”

Cora’s lips curved into a cold smile. “That’s strange. You two were the ones who taught me to always settle debts clearly.”

She didn’t bother to hide her contempt. If not for their constant bullying, her parents wouldn’t have lived in misery all these years.

Julian said nothing, simply sat there—composed, unreadable, radiating quiet authority behind her.

“For years, my parents have worked for you. Their labor should’ve covered any interest by now. This is the principal amount. Fifteen thousand.”

Cora’s tone sharpened. “Now please return the IOU my mother signed back then.”

Aunt Gu’s smile stiffened. “Oh, child, what IOU? I must’ve thrown that away long ago! It was just a joke between brothers. Your father and your uncle—how could we take that seriously?”

Then, sensing the rising tension, she shifted her tone. “Cora, you’ve misunderstood me. I’ve always treated you like my own! You’re family. You wouldn’t really cut off ties with your relatives now that you’ve married into money, would you?”

Her words dripped with false affection—and veiled guilt-tripping.

Cora’s jaw tightened. So that’s it. They don’t want to let go. Maybe they think the money’s too little.

“And besides,” Aunt Gu continued, her voice trembling with fake emotion, “that debt was from over ten years ago! Fifteen thousand back then isn’t worth the same now. We nearly went bankrupt helping your father—Laura’s college tuition was barely paid…”

Cora couldn’t hold back anymore. “Auntie, Laura didn’t get into college. You didn’t pay for anything.”

Julian let out a quiet laugh, low and cutting.

“Seems Auntie isn’t satisfied with the amount,” he finally said, tapping the armrest with one elegant finger. Austin immediately stepped forward and handed him a check.

“This,” Julian said smoothly, “is fifty thousand. Will that be enough?”

Both uncle and aunt froze, eyes wide. Even Cora stared at him, stunned.

Julian leaned forward slightly, his tone deceptively polite. “You see, reasonable people settle things cleanly. But if that’s still not enough…” His gaze sharpened. “…then I’ll take it back.”

“Enough! More than enough!” Aunt Gu said at once, her forced smile almost splitting her face. Her husband bobbed his head beside her. “Yes, yes, of course!”

“Good.” Julian snapped his fingers once. Austin handed over a folder.

Julian tossed it onto the table. “Then sign this.”

“What is it?” Aunt Gu asked, already sweating as she opened it.

Inside was a formal separation agreement—every asset, every shared expense, every debt between the two families clearly itemized, with legal precision.

Aunt Gu’s palms grew slick. This wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment gesture—Julian had come fully prepared.

“Any part you don’t understand?” Julian asked pleasantly. “My legal team can explain every clause. They’re very good at resolving… disputes.”

Cold sweat rolled down her neck. “N-no need! I understand perfectly!”

Her hands trembled as she signed her name and pressed her fingerprint. Her husband did the same, not daring to argue.

Julian accepted the papers with a satisfied nod. “Excellent. Then I won’t keep you any longer. We’ll go check on lunch.”

The moment they left the room, Cora turned to him in disbelief.

“Why did you give them that much? After everything they’ve done to my parents, they don’t deserve it! The debt was fake to begin with—”

Julian glanced at her, amused. “If you don’t like it, find a way to take it back.”

Her brows knit together. “What do you mean?”

His smile deepened. “My money isn’t easy to keep.”

Cora blinked, still confused. He simply reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

Her mother exhaled shakily. “Cora, Jule, I’m so sorry. You had to pay for our mistakes.”

Now that the debt was gone, relief softened her tired features for the first time in years.

“Mom,” Cora said gently, “don’t say that.”

Julian stood and smiled. “Mom, we’ll go see how lunch is coming along, all right?”

“Of course, of course.” She smiled, eyes warm. Seeing her daughter loved and protected—what more could a mother ask for?

Julian took Cora’s hand as they stepped outside.

At the doorway, he gave Austin a subtle nod.

Austin bowed slightly, then left with the signed documents.

By the time they reached the garden, the chef Julian had brought was already setting up for lunch.

Julian’s eyes flicked toward Cora. “You’re not worried your grandmother or that aunt of yours might poison you?”

Cora gave him a look. “Don’t be ridiculous. They might hate me, but not that much.”

Julian’s mouth curved, voice dipping into a dark, teasing whisper. “Come on then. I’ll show you something interesting.”

“What are you—hey, where are you taking me?”

“Some entertainment,” he said, his tone turning sharp with irony. “Let’s see what your dear grandmother’s really up to.”