Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 61 Once the Anger Subsides, Head Home Early

Since our last brief meeting, I only remembered Victor as stern. I knew he didn't like me.

Ethan didn't need to question his lineage; he got his good looks and serious demeanor from Victor.

Just like now, Victor didn't say a word, but one look from him made me feel small.

"Dad," I greeted out of respect.

Victor glanced away and walked in. I quickly stepped aside.

"Don't call me that. I won't acknowledge a daughter-in-law who hasn't earned my approval," he said calmly, leaving me frozen.

By the time I snapped out of it, Victor was already seated on the sofa, looking around like it was his first time here.

Even if Victor didn't accept me, I was still Ethan's wife and needed to take care of him.

I poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Victor. Not daring to call him Dad again, I just said, "Here's some water." Victor looked up at me again.

I lowered my head, feeling the weight of his gaze.

Victor asked, "How much money do you want?"

I was stunned. "What do you mean by that?"

Victor lit a cigarette, his lips curling in contempt. "Emily, 26, graduated from Starlight Medical College with a nursing degree, working at Benevolence Hospital since. Your ex-husband was an obstetrician there but got fired recently." I stared at him, shocked. "You investigated me?"

Victor took a drag, smiling slightly. "Your dad was a truck driver who died in an accident over a decade ago. Your mom became a vegetable in the same accident and passed away this June at Benevolence Hospital. You grew up poor and likely learned early that money is crucial. For the poor, survival often comes down to money."

He was right; the rich lived for life, the poor for survival. But that didn't mean the poor would sell everything for money. We had dignity too.

for his money?" I asked, holding back the

heard the funniest joke. "Not for money, then for love? Ms. Russell, you have no strong family background and are divorced, but I don't underestimate you. Ethan hasn't been close to any girl for years, yet suddenly he's married to you. You're

"You

smoking slowly. "Maybe it's not just money; maybe you have other motives. He may not like me meddling, but he's still my son.

laughed coldly. "You've already judged me guilty. No matter what I say, it'll just seem like I'm covering

cigarette ash and reached for the water glass, then put it down, remembering I

has his. Do you really think he likes you? Women are lining up to marry him. Why you? He chose a divorced woman to spite me. He's still mad I didn't approve of

made sense. Ethan chose me to

take his money. I'll leave now." I ran upstairs,

smoking

"You still feel unwilling, don't you? Name your price," Victor said,

There's no shame in any job. What's wrong with being a nurse? Fiona singing in a bar isn't disgraceful either. Some are born rich, some poor. So what if we're poor? We don't steal or rob. We earn every penny through hard work. What's wrong with that? Ethan..." my voice choked up. "If you don't want others to love him, then you

knew Ethan longed

expression turned serious, and he stared at me

my suitcase and walked out of the villa. It felt like I was always running away, leaving places

Alley; Ethan

I had hoped to talk things out with Ethan,

Ethan's car, speeding. Was he rushing back

other, and when I looked back, his car was already far away. My

took out my phone, scrolled to Ethan's number,

off, and Bella was waiting at the entrance. She took

anything. She could tell I'd

to her place and asked if I had eaten. Not wanting to trouble her, I

I couldn't sleep. Bella kept asking,

he have a father like that?" Bella was angry for

"It doesn't matter. It was a mistake from the start. I should have realized

Arthur and his dad. I don't think that's the case. The way