Chapter 6 Her Father Was Driven To Death By Sheer Anger

Nicole assumed Connor's chuckle stemmed from amusement at her reducing herself to a bargaining chip in a financial deal, so she dipped her chin in quiet humiliation, cheeks warming.

Connor eyed the untouched plate of food in front of him, determined not to be indebted to her in any way. "That's a sensible arrangement," he commented dryly.

Moments later, Samuel stepped in from the hallway and presented Nicole with a check worth five million dollars. "Ms. Perry, this represents the first installment-one-tenth of the total sum. Please safeguard it carefully."

Nicole had heard tales of the Reed family's immense fortune, yet the reality of holding such an amount still left her momentarily stunned. She tucked the check away securely and, as she prepared to depart, offered Connor a solemn farewell, scribbling her contact number on a slip of paper in case he ever needed to reach her.

Once Nicole had gone, Connor pushed himself up from the wheelchair, walking steadily to the window where he observed her rounded silhouette fading into the distance.

Samuel positioned himself nearby and ventured, "Mr. Reed, five million is life-changing for most people. Are you certain she'll return?"

Connor offered no clear answer, his expression unreadable.

...

Back at the Perry residence, the atmosphere buzzed with triumphant glee.

Phillip directed the household staff to prepare an extravagant feast to mark the huge sum of money Nicole's marriage brought. Martha, radiating satisfaction, turned to Erika with a wide grin. "Darling, you can finally breathe easy. This windfall will fund Jerald's new venture, securing his devotion to you completely-and it conveniently removes that persistent nuisance from our lives. I can't wait for your wedding and the grandchildren you'll bless me with soon."

Erika inquired eagerly, "Has the payment from the Reeds come through yet?"

"Be patient; it's on its way. The Reed family honors their commitments without fail."

Erika's joy was genuine and deep-seated. For years, she had lived in Nicole's shadow, perpetually eclipsed and plagued by feelings of inadequacy.

Now, with Nicole stripped of everything, Erika relished the chance to revel openly.

"Imagine the look on that pathetic Nicole's face if she ever learned her father was literally driven to death by sheer anger." Erika smirked cruelly. "Would she be crushed enough to follow him-leap from a rooftop in despair?"

Phillip's face darkened at once. "Who gave you permission to dredge that up again?"

Erika adopted an innocent pout, her voice sugary. "Why the worry? I never named names of the perpetrator."

They all believed Nicole remained clueless about the truth, but she had known every sordid detail for some time.

Without warning, Nicole pushed open the door and stepped into their joyful gathering.

The family turned toward Nicole. Outwardly, she looked much the same-unassuming attire, guileless demeanor-but an icy resolve now gleamed in her eyes, laced with profound detachment. "I am back."

Martha made no effort to mask her contempt. "And why exactly have you come crawling back?"

Nicole's lips curved in a subtle, cool smile. "To deliver the funds provided by the Reed family. Isn't that what you've all been waiting for?"

Shock rippled across everyone's faces. Had the money been placed in Nicole's hands for transfer?

Still, since the Reeds had chosen that method, Martha saw no issue and remarked impatiently, "Then why are you just standing there? Hurry up and give us the money."

Nicole paid no heed to Martha or Erika, instead taking a seat across from Phillip. "Uncle Phillip, you gave your word to arrange a dignified funeral for my mother. Is that taken care of?"

Martha was infuriated by Nicole's attitude and was about to lash out, but Phillip warned her with a look.

Phillip forced a placating tone. "It's being arranged. Rest assured, I won't dishonor your mother's memory."

"In that case, please ensure the entire family attends the memorial ceremony. It will allow her spirit to find true peace," Nicole replied.

Phillip's irritation flared at the demand, but before he could object, Nicole continued evenly, "Connor committed fifty million in total for this marital alliance..."

At this, Phillip instantly schooled his features into calm neutrality. "Have you received any of it?"

Nicole said, "A portion so far. I intend to manage the rest once my mother has been properly laid to rest. Nicole then turned her attention to Erika. "I know you and Jerald are planning to launch your own medical clinic. I'll let you use it for your initiative."

Erika shifted uneasily beneath Nicole's steady stare. Something about Nicole had shifted profoundly since her mother's death; she no longer seemed the same timid girl.

That unflinching gaze sent chills down Erika's spine.

"This money belongs to us anyway. What do you mean by 'letting' us use it?" Erika retorted defensively.

Nicole's voice remained serene. "If that's how you see it, then by all means, approach the Reed family yourselves for the remaining balance. As for the modest share currently in my possession, I'll be using it to ensure my mother receives the respectful burial she deserves."