CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 74: WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT BESIDES MONEY

Ann Vaughn frowned, thought for a while, and had no choice but to gather her courage and call Professor Chaney to ask for leave, postponing her school re-entry procedures.

After receiving Professor Chaney’s approval, Ann Vaughn sighed lightly, uncertain why she had a bad foreboding lingering in her heart.

She just hoped that Jade Shepherd’s invitation for dinner was only for dinner.

The next day at noon, Ann Vaughn arrived at the restaurant as agreed, and entered the private room under the guidance of a waiter.

Upon entering, Ann Vaughn greeted Jade Shepherd and Howard Vaughn, seated at the head position, with a nod, "Dad, Mom."

She then took a seat opposite Cynthia.

Howard Vaughn nodded and said to the waiter beside him, "You may serve the dishes now."

"I ordered the dishes my sister loves to eat. You should have more later." Cynthia’s face beamed with a sweet smile as she poured a glass of juice and handed it to Ann Vaughn, her attitude extremely enthusiastic.

"This is the necklace your sister specially bought for you at the jewelry store on her way here. See if you like it." Jade Shepherd covered her mouth with a light laugh and pushed a jewelry box towards Ann Vaughn: "See how good your sister is to you."

"...Hmm." Ann Vaughn glanced at the silver necklace in the velvet box, then looked up to meet Jade Shepherd and Howard Vaughn’s unprecedentedly gentle expressions, her slender fingers tightening.

Before coming, she had many questions in her mind she wanted to ask them, like whether they would sacrifice her for Cynthia without a second thought.

But sitting here, Ann Vaughn realized she wasn’t strong enough to endure yet another betrayal by her loved ones.

At this point, even if she asked that question, it would only add to her own embarrassment.

And this necklace, saying it’s something Cynthia specially bought for her, she simply couldn’t believe.

Perhaps Cynthia herself had already forgotten this necklace was given to her by a suitor during college.

She had discarded it in disdain, considering it shabby, yet now had the nerve to gift it to her; it was truly ironic.

Soon, the dishes were served, and Howard Vaughn picked up a piece of West Lake Vinegar Fish and placed it in Ann Vaughn’s bowl, his smile excessively cordial.

Ann Vaughn looked at the gentle and caring smile on his face, then picked up the fish and ate two pieces, her features tinged with a hint of warmth.

Just as she lowered her head, she missed the glance exchanged between Jade Shepherd and Howard Vaughn, as if communicating something.

Moments later, Howard Vaughn took out a bank card to give to Ann Vaughn, "In the past, we overlooked things. The situation happened unexpectedly, and we didn’t give you much dowry. Today, we’re making up for it."

"This is a small token from Mom and Dad, with two million inside. It’s not good to keep spending the Hawthorne’s money; a girl should be financially independent."

"No need, I have my own..." Ann Vaughn glanced at the card and shook her head to refuse.

She wasn’t short of money now; her small clinic made a monthly profit, and with the job at the Jennings Family, she had considerable savings and wasn’t short on expenses.

She was saving all her money to ensure her child would enjoy good material conditions upon birth and, moreover, didn’t have any particular need to spend money daily.

Little did she know this statement would instantly explode the atmosphere in the private room.

"What else do you want besides money? Your sister is smarter than you, frail, and in the future, the company will be hers. I’m warning you, don’t covet it."

Jade Shepherd furrowed her brows, somewhat displeased with Ann Vaughn’s nature, truly thinking they wanted to give her money?