Chapter 209

S21 39. Half a Billion

“I am alright. Your grandfather inherited a lot of stock, Frank. The dividend I received was small compared to the number of shares, but it was very large for me. That’s enough to help Mr. Harris’ company, even if there’s still some left.” Kara nodded, reassuring.

Frank turned somber. While straightening up, he pulled Kara and embraced her. “I’m bothering you again,” he grumbled like a child.

Sighing with laughter, Kara stroked Frank’s hair. “I’m actually proud to be able to help you and your family.”

Frank placed his chin on Kara’s chest. Through the upper corners of his eyes, he expressed love. “Thank you very much, Kara. After my savings are filled again, you can buy anything. I’ll treat you.”

“You say so on the ordinary day. How is it different now?”

Frank snorted a smile. “Of course it’s different. It’s a special treat without limits. Whether you want to buy a rocket or a cruise ship, I will make it happen.

Kara’s laugh was light in air. While nodding, she rubbed her husband’s temples. “Well, I will look forward to that day. Now, let’s settle things. with your mother and stepfather.”

Frank nodded. When Melanie and Paul came back in, he greeted them with a brighter face. “Kara and I have decided.”

Paul widened his eyes, waiting with pounding heart. Meanwhile, Melanie didn’t dare breathe, thinking that Kara had instigated Frank.

“We will help you.”

Paul took a quick breath, while Melanie gasped. She shifted his gaze. Kara’s smile wasn’t forced at all.

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“You’re willing to give me half a billion?” Melanie sighed, making Paul’s laughter pause.

“Why do you ask as if you don’t believe it? Don’t make your son change his mind.” Paul elbowed her arm.

Frank smiled faintly. “Yes. We can do the transaction tomorrow.

Please come to our office at ten o’clock, Mr. Harris.”

Paul’s joy showed again. He shook Frank’s hand vigorously. “Thank you very much, Frank. Thank you! I’ll make sure you don’t regret

investing in our company.”

Before Frank had time to answer, Melanie rushed over to hug him.

Thank you, Son. I know you couldn’t disappoint me. You are truly amazing!”

Frank tried to accept the compliment with an open heart. However, for some reason, there was something stuck. He realized that it was not himself that Melanie was proud of, but his wealth.

“Don’t thank me, Mom. Thank Kara. The money that will go to Harris’ company is her money.”

The curve of Melanie’s lips suddenly shrunk. Her blinking slowed then stopped as she looked at Kara.

“The half a billion you guys are going to give… is Kara’s money?”

While Melanie was stunned, wondering how rich her daughter-in-law was, Paul grabbed Kara’s fingers.

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Harper. That’s very kind of you. Now I understand why Frank loves you so much. You’re a great woman!”

Kara’s smile turned stiff. She never liked being overly flattered like that. “If you want to thank me, please prove that I didn’t mistrust you.”

“Sure. Thanks again.”

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While Paul continued to nod in front of Kara, Melanie grimaced in disgust. Her heart was hot. She was annoyed that someone else took her title and fortune.

‘Really? She’s a great woman? She has that much money just

because of an inheritance. That’s not something to be proud of,”

Melanie sneered to herself.

Suddenly, Frank put his arm around Kara’s shoulder. “This business can continue tomorrow. Now, how about we have dinner? The

children must be impatient.”

Kara nodded. Still with a sweet smile, she looked at Paul. “How about

you eat here tonight?”

Paul was taken aback. His eyes turned towards his wife.

“It’s a shame, Paul already has another agenda. His company is still in chaos. There’s a lot to take care of,” Melanie interrupted.

Paul smiled wryly. “Right. I… still have things to do. Maybe another

time.”

Before Paul could say anything further, Melanie grabbed his arm. ” Now if you’ll excuse us, there’s something I want to talk to my husband about before he leaves.”

Frank and Kara stared wide eyed. Their mouths were open, wanting to say good bye. However, Paul was no longer paying attention to them. He was overwhelmed by Melanie’s rough tugging.

“Hey, can’t you be gentler? Your son can’t see us anymore.” Paul jerked his arm away as they descended the stairs.

“I don’t care. Your business is finished. Get out of here right now!”

Seeing Melanie’s finger pointing towards the exit, Paul let out a quick sigh. “You kicked me out? Don’t you trust me anymore? Are you afraid

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I’ll reveal your secret?”

Melanie clenched her jaw. “You leak it now, your half a billion is gone. You leak it later, you won’t get to see your company rise.”

Paul chuckled in amusement. The threat faded from his face. “Okay, I’m sorry. You don’t need to be afraid anymore. We’re not getting divorced, right? How could I bear to put my beautiful wife in trouble?”

Paul was about to stroke her face. Melanie brushed him off quickly. Now you better go. Don’t give me high blood pressure!”

Melanie dragged her husband’s arm again. Paul followed her helplessly. They had been together for more than 20 years. Of course he had known his wife’s character.

“By the way, Darling… when are you and Barbara coming home? I will prepare a special welcome for you. Let’s have dinner together to celebrate our victory.”

Seeing Paul’s smile as sincere as usual, Melanie shuddered in horror. I thought he was an innocent guy. Turns out he’s crazier than me? How could he possibly act normal after what happened?’

Melanie clenched her teeth tightly. When they arrived outside the main door, she let go of Paul and then rubbed her palms as if there was dust stuck to them.

“You think I still want to be with you?” she groaned with a look of disgust.

Paul gasped. His expression became gloomy again. “What do your mean? Didn’t we agree not to divorce?”

Melanie raised her chin and eyebrows. “You said yourself that we

were even. I gave you half a billion, while you guarded the information. Let’s live our lives our own way.”

Paul’s head snapped back. His eyes narrowed. He felt cheated.

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“What about Barbara? Do you have the heart to make her suffer?”

Melanie folded her arms across her chest. The corner of her lips. pulled down her cheek. “In fact, she will suffer if she is near you.”

“I’m her father!” Paul poked his own chest with his finger. His eyes. reddened.

“A father who can’t meet her needs?”

Paul took a breath and exhaled quickly. “I’ve earned half a billion, okay? The company will recover soon. Our lives will also be normal again. What are you worrying about?”

“Haven’t you met my son and seen our life here? Is it comparable to what you’ve given us all this time?”

Laughing lightly, Melanie shook her head. “Sorry, I’d rather be here.”

“I’ve got half a billion and soon, you’ll get a ton of gold. You’re still not satisfied?”

Melanie sighed. “Never mind, Paul. Just accept your fate. You can’ support us anymore. Instead of your company going bankrupt again wouldn’t you rather let us go?”

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