Chapter 40: When the Matriarch Acts, You Know There’s Trouble People shouldn’t get too carried away; it often leads to misfortune.
Since learning that Amy would bring Hanson home, Brown’s mother believed their fortunes had changed. A normal person would understand that the situation wasn’t settled and anything could happen; marriages could even end in divorce. But Brown’s mother didn’t see it that way; she believed Amy was trapped. Wealthy families valued reputation; she’d spread the news throughout the hospital. If the family disapproved, Amy’s reputation would be ruined! A middle–aged man in the ward, a real estate agent, was already discussing properties with Brown’s mother. She currently lived in a cramped basement apartment but dismissed a five–million–doallars–per–square–meter apartment as insufficient, asking about the most expensive villas downtown. Wealthy families lived in luxurious mansions with numerous servants. Brown’s mother dreamed of a life like those she’d seen on TV, a wealthy matriarch. “That won’t do. Happiness Road seems nice. Are there any villas there?” she asked, relentlessly questioning the agent, who was exasperated. Villas wouldn’t be in the commercial district! City planning wasn’t something to be ignored!
“Who’s Mia?”
A gruff voice cut through the room. Everyone looked towards the doorway.
Seeing a muscular man with numerous tattoos, Brown’s mother’s eyes widened in fear. She remained silent. It was futile; her name was written on the bed. The man approached, his gaze finally settling on Brown’s mother.
“You can afford hospital bills, but not debt repayment?” The man’s menacing glare sent shivers down her spine.
“I… I’m using medical insurance. I really don’t have any money…” Brown’s mother prayed a nurse would notice and call security.
“When are you paying back that million?” The interest had brought the total to one million.
Brown’s mother’s rosy cheeks, flushed moments ago from dreaming of a villa, drained of color. She stammered, “M… my daughter–in–law will pay.”
She hadn’t expected debt collectors to come to the hospital! She looked around for help, but everyone avoided her gaze. No one wanted to be involved in this mess
“Who’s your daughter–in–law?”
“Amy! Her family is wealthy! I…”
Brown’s mother paused, noticing that the question wasn’t from the burly man. Two men in suits stood at the doorway–the butler.
“Madam, if you continue to refer to her as your daughter–in–law, we will report you for abducting a minor,” the butler said.
Brown’s mother was forty–one, but her gray hair and deep wrinkles made her look closer to sixty. Her pale skin was marred by sunspots. The term “old woman” was apt. Before she could react, the butler’s next words shocked her.
“Abducting a girl?! Don’t slander me!” Brown’s mother protested.
you call her
your daughter–in–law again, prison will be your new home. This is Mr. Zhang, a lawyer,” the butler said, gesturing to the man beside him.
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Chapter 40: When the Matriarch Acts…
Hello. I graduated from Harvard University of Political Science and Law, with a fifteen–year a spotless record. I’m confident I can prosecute you,” the lawyer said
career and
Everyone was stunned by this aggressive self–introduction.
“Are you Amy’s family?” Brown’s mother asked, unusually sharp.
“We’re here on Mrs. Janson’s behalf to convey her attitude,” the butler replied, opening a file.“Marriage is a matter of personal choice in modern society; the Janson family doesn’t interfere. However, we don’t accept individuals of questionable character”
“Our daughter is a minor; her values are still developing. We, her parents, strongly disapprove of this relationship.”
The butler closed the file. Someone tried to record the scene with their phone, but two more men in black suits entered, standing silently before them. The person sheepishly put away their phone. They weren’t taking any chances!
The butler had made his point – Mrs. Janson disapproved of the relationship–and now it was time for action.
“Mia, don’t try to benefit from Amy. Every doallars you take, you’ll repay tenfold.” The butler then smiled at the tattooed man.“Continue.”
The tattooed man nodded, instantly more compliant. The butler’s presence, reinforced by the two additional men, had changed the situation.
The butler left. Brown’s mother understood the threat. The wealthy were ruthless! If she spent even ten thousand of Amy’s money, she’d lose a hundred thousand! If Amy repaid the million–dollar debt, they’d demand ten million! Failure to pay meant death
She’d heard this kind of threat many times before. Her husband had often gotten into trouble, and debt collectors were a constant presence.
The shock hadn’t ended. The tattooed man smashed Brown’s mother’s belongings before the hospital security arrived. He warned her to pay the debt and then fled.
Combined with the onlookers‘ stares, Brown’s mother’s carefully constructed facade crumbled
“Oh god, oh god, I can’t take this anymore! They’re bullying us orphans and widows…” The nurse rushed to find her family.
News spread rapidly that Amy’s family disapproved of the relationship and that Brown’s mother had essentially tricked a minor into a relationship. The girl wasn’t even legally an adult! It was possible Brown’s mother was lying! The father was a gambler owing a seven–figure sum…
Hanson and Amy returned to a scene of devastation. Seeing her son, Brown’s mother fainted.
The message to Brown’s mother was only one part of Lily’s plan. The butler moved on to the next task.
In a dimly lit warehouse…
Brown’s father was beaten, his eyes swollen shut.
Please, spare me! I’m sorry! I’ll do anything!” Brown’s father didn’t know who his attackers were, but he knew compliance was essential. They were brutal; each punch sent agonizing pain through his body. It was unlike any beating he’d experienced.
out who he’d offended.
He knew these men were powerful and tried to
to figure out “Ánything?” a voice echoed. Brown’s father nodded eagerly.
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per fer the Mamersh Acts…
Menu
Go back to your wife. Can you do that?”
Yes! I can
Brown’s mother shivered in her hospital bed. Why did the room suddenly feel so cold?
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