Chapter: 299

Susanna's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? I can actually spend the night at your home?" she asked.

"Absolutely," Norah confirmed, her affirmation fueling Susanna's enthusiasm.

“Wow! Let's get moving! I don't mind heading back tomorrow. Hurry up!"

Susanna yelled with palatable excitement.

Susanna was so excited that she seemed to forget Sean was there.

Norah glanced back at him. He remained composed, gently reminding Susanna, “Alright. Try not to cause any trouble. Be good."

Amidst Susanna's mild protests, Norah had brought Susanna back to her place without further ado.

Meanwhile, in a shopping mall, Madeline placed her phone back in her purse after Derek hung up on her. She took a moment to regain her composure and then walked out trying to look unaffected.

Madeline's eldest sister, Zara, had made a prosperous marriage to a wealthy local in Glophia and was enjoying a comfortable life.

"Madeline, what took you so long in the bathroom?" Zara teased, covering her mouth with a laugh. "Did your card run out of money, and you had to call your boyfriend for help? Unlike me, I never run out. Hey, if buying those gifts made you overspend, maybe you should return them. You've just got back, and money must be tight. We all understand."

Madeline's second sister, Ursula, had married a man of more modest means, and it showed in her less polished appearance and demeanor.

"Everyone knows Madeline is connected to the Carter family and is about to marry Derek. She couldn't possibly be short on cash," Ursula pointed out, her voice dripping with envy. Then, she turned to Zara.

"If you're so flush, why not treat your nephew and niece to something nice? They haven't enjoyed snacks in a long while.”

Zara and Madeline exchanged looks, their eyes revealing their distaste. Ursula's demeanor had changed drastically since marrying beneath her status. Ursula had never before had to ask her sisters for anything. The truth was, financial stress had taken its toll.

Zara agreed, albeit reluctantly, "Alright, I'll send you some money later after we part ways. Use it to buy something nice for my nephew and niece. I hardly see them all year, after all."

Ursula made an effort to get on Madeline's good side. "Madeline..."

Despite her displeasure, Madeline forced a smile. "I'll follow Zara's lead and transfer you the money later.”

Ursula's mood instantly lifted. "This is the beauty of having sisters.

You know, Julio's been eyeing a car lately. With two kids, the financial strain is real. Well..." The hint in her words was hard to miss.

Zara's face took on a sour look. “If Julio is feeling the pressure, he should work harder to earn more. It's not our job to finance your family. We're sisters, not ATMs."

Madeline, arms crossed, added her two cents. "That's the benefit of marrying into wealth. Without money, life can get pretty bleak."

Ursula retorted with a huff, "Julio loves me for who I am. Our love is genuine. As long as we're healthy and happy, that's all that matters."

Madeline bit her Lip, pondering if happiness was indeed more valuable than wealth. Yet, she couldn't deny her main motive for returning was the Carter family's fortune.

Ursula, lacking empathy for Madeline, mocked Madeline in the absence of their parents, "I couldn't leave my husband just because we're short on cash. We've been through too much to give up so easily. I'm not that cold-hearted."