Chapter 9 Five Million Dollars

Even Isabella froze when she heard the words "cut ties for good". She had never considered it, nor had she ever dared to. Yet, when Theodore said it so casually, a sudden wave of relief washed over her. "Mr. Sinclair—" Isabella's voice pulled Margaret back to reality. Then, she remembered Theodore was nothing more than a broke driver. How much money could he possibly have? To Margaret, he was just putting on an act. She scoffed. "How much? Could you even afford it? With a job like yours, you don't even have the right to ask!" Meanwhile, Richard feigned concern and said, "Didn't you just say you loved Isabella? If you truly want the best for her, then stay out of her life. Don't get in the way of her future." "So, Richard, are you saying letting Isabella marry a scumbag is what's good for her?" Theodore retorted. He went on, "Have you ever once cared about her? You raised her only to profit from her. Since that's the case, I'll settle that in one lump sum today. From now on, she only needs me as her family." Having said his piece, Theodore turned, his icy gaze locking onto Richard. There wasn't a trace of anger in his eyes, but it was enough to send a shiver down Richard's spine. "Name your price, Mr. Moore," Theodore said sharply. That single change in address—from "Richard" to "Mr. Moore"—landed harder than any insult. Though Richard was decades older, he felt utterly cowed by Theodore's gaze. He carefully held up five fingers, studying Theodore's face as he stammered, "F-Five…" Theodore appeared to be in his early 30s, yet he carried himself with the calm authority of someone long accustomed to power. The kind of effortless presence wasn't something a mere driver could possess. Suddenly, Margaret blurted, "Five million dollars!" Richard gasped. He was about to say 500 thousand dollars. After all, making half a million dollars in one shot was impossible for people like them. Ever since Isabella was a child, she had been beautiful. That was why they raised her with the intention of marrying her off and making some money from it. So Margaret had been overjoyed when she found out that Nathan, the son of the Bennett family, was pursuing Isabella. With Margaret pressuring them, Isabella and Nathan agreed to get engaged after less than a year of dating. Back then, the Moores had only asked for 300 thousand dollars from the Bennetts. But now, she was asking for five million dollars. "Mom! Do you even hear yourself?" Isabella snapped. Margaret let out a mocking laugh and shot back, "What's the matter? Can't pay up? Then drop the act! Go file for a divorce now, and you'll apologize to Nathan tomorrow. After that, we'll consider this over!" "No way!" Isabella shot back, her voice just as firm. "Even if Nathan begged for my forgiveness, I would never marry him!" Margaret chuckled coldly, as though she had just heard a joke. "And who do you think you are? Why should Nathan ever beg for your forgiveness?" "Exactly! So, who do you think I am? How could you demand five million dollars? Mom, don't you hear how absurd you sound? Do you honestly believe I'm worth that much?" "You do." Theodore's steady voice cut through their argument. In an instant, the living room fell silent, and all three pairs of eyes turned to him. Yet, his gaze seemed to hold only Isabella. The sharpness in his eyes vanished, replaced by warmth and tenderness. "To me, you're priceless." With that, Theodore turned back to Richard. "Five million dollars it is. In ten minutes, the cash and an agreement will be delivered."