Chapter 4

I yelled back, even louder, "Because I owe some money! Because my parents would rather spend money on a stranger's college entrance celebration than lend me any money for an emergency! What can I do but work myself to the bone to pay off the debt?! Give me the phone!"

My words stunned my mother and my aunt quickly took the phone and handed it to me. I dialed the number back. I briefly explained the situation and stood there waiting for someone to come and get the computer.

The woman on the electric scooter looked left and right, then chose to settle things privately. She readily transferred 1000 dollars to me. She didn't say anything, just patted my shoulder and looked at my mother. Everything was understood without words.

My mother blushed, this time from embarrassment. Seeing that I insisted on waiting by the roadside, she stayed with me. But she still couldn't help lecturing me.

"Helena, your main job now is to study. After you graduate with your master's degree, you'll have plenty of good jobs to choose from."

I showed her the call log, “I get at least a dozen debt collection calls every day. Do you think I can concentrate on my studies under these circumstances? I don’t need your help anymore. Please stop bothering my work.”

Mom’s lips moved a few times, her voice hoarse, “Helena, do you…do you hate us?”

I looked at her intently, “I’m just very disappointed.”

Mom left that day, completely distraught. Not long after, I saw Dad on TV. Scarlett Warner choked back tears as she thanked Dad, saying he was her second dad. Dad was in tears.

I glanced at him indifferently, then turned and plunged back into my even busier work. I received 50,000 dollars after completing the last project, which greatly relieved my pressure. I felt even more motivated, wishing I could use every minute to my heart’s content.

These past few days, Mom seems to have come to some realization. She transferred some money to me. 80,000 dollars.

Looking at the transfer on my phone, I hesitated for a long time before finally accepting it. I needed money, lots and lots of money. After that, I wrote a note saying I owed my mother the money and mailed it to her.

My mother called immediately, "Helena, that money is from your mother, just take it, no need for pay it back to me."

"It's better to be clear about it." I insisted I would repay the money later.

My mother couldn't turn to talk about anything else, "Helena, Scarlett thinks it's because of her that your relationship with your dad is strained. She feels very sorry and wants to meet you in person to apologize. Do you want to find some time to meet her?"

Having just received 80,000 dollar, I couldn't bring myself to refuse. I just wanted to say a few words to reassure Scarlett.

"Pick a time and send me the address." I finished my work and took a taxi there.

But when I opened the door, I saw a figure I absolutely didn't want to see. My dad was sitting leisurely in the main seat. Next to him were my second uncle and second aunt.