Chapter 60: Ravi Finally Asks for Money
Julian’s words had done their job—silence fell over the table.
Everyone looked uncomfortable, fidgeting with their chopsticks.
Everyone except Laura, whose gaze burned hotter by the second.
Cora’s posture was perfect now—weeks of crash-course etiquette paying off. She wasn’t as effortlessly graceful as Julian, but compared to her relatives, she looked like royalty.
Laura, desperate not to be outshone, copied every move Cora made—how she held her fork, how she dabbed her lips, even how she tilted her head when she smiled. But mimicry without grace only made her look ridiculous.
When Julian’s gaze wandered briefly, Laura mistook it for interest and seized the chance. She raised her glass and purred, “Julian, let me toast to you.”
Julian’s eyes flicked toward her. For one long second, he seemed to consider it—and then simply looked away.
Laura’s arm froze in midair. The awkwardness stretched until she had no choice but to redirect. “Cora, then. Let me toast to you.”
Cora forced a polite smile. “Didn’t you just have a miscarriage? Maybe skip the alcohol for now. Take care of yourself first.”
It landed like a slap.
Laura’s hand trembled as she slammed her glass onto the table, color rising in her cheeks.
If it weren’t for Cora, she would never have lost that child.
If it weren’t for Cora, her engagement wouldn’t have fallen apart.
Aunt Gu, still basking in the glow of the money Julian had given her earlier, jumped in to smooth things over. “Laura, your sister means well! Once you’re fully recovered, you can drink as much as you want.”
Laura’s glare slid back to Cora—pure venom.
Across the table, Ravi had nearly finished eating. Her shrewd eyes gleamed as she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Cora,” she said sweetly, “you’ve been away for quite some time. After lunch, come to my room for a bit. Grandma wants to talk to you.”
There it is, Cora thought grimly.
Mom hadn’t managed to get the money—so the old woman was going to handle it herself.
She darted a glance at Julian.
He caught her look and gave a barely visible nod.
Laura saw it too—and her blood boiled.
Why did he always look at Cora like that?
If Cora weren’t here, would he finally notice her?
Cora smiled faintly. “Sure. I actually have a few things I’d like to ask Grandma as well.”
She’d had enough of this place—its constant cruelty, its suffocating hypocrisy.
She was going to get her mother out for good.
Ravi’s lips twitched upward. Little girl, you think you can play games with me?
You may be married off, but the money still comes back home.
Cora gave her mother a reassuring glance, pushed back her chair, and followed Ravi to her room.
She hadn’t been inside many times before. Why would she?
She’d never been the favorite—never the one called in for candy or stories.
Even as a child, she’d been too busy scrubbing floors and cooking to step foot in here.
Now, as a married woman, she finally had the “honor.”
The moment the door shut, Ravi’s smile dropped. Her face hardened.
“Cora,” she snapped, “didn’t your mother tell you what I said? Why haven’t you sent the money?”
Cora widened her eyes, feigning confusion. “Money? Grandma, what do you mean?”
Ravi’s jaw tightened.
“Listen, child.” She softened her tone but not her intent. “Your parents only have you. Now that you’re married, they don’t have anyone to rely on. So I decided to buy them a house in town. Prices are rising fast, and since your husband’s so well-off, why not help finish paying it off? It’ll be a place for your parents to live in peace when they’re old.”
Cora almost applauded the performance. Bravo, Grandma. Truly Oscar-worthy.
“Is that so?” she said sweetly. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Let me see the contract—you’re getting older, I just want to make sure no one cheated you.”
Ravi froze. Exactly as Cora expected.
Of course she wouldn’t show the contract—it was under Laura’s name.
“You don’t trust your own grandmother?” Ravi’s tone sharpened. “Cora, you may not share our blood, but your parents raised you. Don’t tell me you’re heartless enough to ignore them now that you’ve married rich.”
Cora’s smile didn’t falter. “How could I? I was just telling Mom she should come live with me in the city. There’s more than enough room at our estate, and Jule agrees. We’d love for them to stay with us.”
The mention of taking her mother away made Ravi’s expression snap cold. “Absolutely not! She’s needed here. Who’ll do the housework if she leaves?”
Cora laughed under her breath. “Funny, I thought all that labor was never supposed to be hers to begin with.”
Ravi’s eyes narrowed. “Your mother signed that IOU years ago. It’s her duty to repay it. A deal is a deal.”
Cora’s smile turned razor-sharp. “Oh? Then I suppose she has repaid it—many times over.”
Ravi blinked. “What?”
“Jule and I already cleared all the debts. We paid Uncle and Aunt fifty thousand and had them sign a full separation agreement. From now on, my parents owe them nothing. I assume they’ve already informed you?”
“What did you say?” Ravi’s voice jumped an octave. “Fifty thousand? You gave them that money?”
Cora tilted her head, feigning innocence. “I’m surprised you didn’t know. Aunt said the debt was hers, and she had the IOU, so of course we paid her. No one ever mentioned you. Maybe they forgot?”
Ravi’s face turned purple.
“Since you’ve already promised to buy a house for my parents,” Cora added smoothly, “why don’t we go see it after lunch? It’ll be good to make sure the place is ready for them.”
The older woman’s mouth opened—but no sound came out.