Chapter 2

Laura got out of the car, deliberately making her way over to Shannon. She said provocatively, "Sorry, I accidentally took your parking spot. I'm sure you won't mind, right?" Before Shannon could reply, Thomas cut in, "This parking spot has never belonged to anyone in particular. No one would dare say a word if you want to park here." He then shot her a warning glance. Beside him, Christopher added, "Just ignore my mommy, Aunt Laura. She drives a minivan—it's embarrassing to even park it here!" Shannon couldn't help but feel a deep chill in her heart after hearing what he said. She had lovingly cared for him for four years. And now, not only was he defending Laura, but he was even speaking so harshly to Shannon. At that moment, Thomas grabbed Laura's arm and announced excitedly, "Alright, let's go check out the room I've prepared for you—it's right next to mine!" Christopher shouted happily, "Yay! I'll have someone to play with now! Aunt Laura knows everything, unlike Mommy. She's just too boring!" Thomas glanced at Shannon, recalling that he had forgotten to inform her. "Laura's lease is up, so she'll be staying at the villa for a while." She remained unperturbed after hearing his explanation and merely hummed indifferently. Thomas was caught off guard by Shannon's reaction. He wasn't expecting her to be so calm. Meanwhile, Laura pretended to hesitate and spoke up. "Forget it—maybe I should just stay at a hotel. After all, Mr. Ford is your husband, and I'm merely an outsider." Christopher was dissatisfied upon hearing her words. "You got to know Daddy first, Aunt Laura. If we're being honest, you're hardly the outsider here." "That's right. This villa was bought for you in the first place. How could you possibly be an outsider?" Thomas said. He and Christopher then pulled Laura into the villa. Before they left, he even handed her car keys to Shannon. "Open the trunk and get Laura's suitcases out." "Can't she carry them herself?" Shannon asked. Thomas looked at her in shock. It was his first time seeing her act like this—as if she'd given up completely, no longer caring about his reaction. Somehow, that scared him. Thomas said, "Forget it. If you don't want to help out, I'll get Andy to—" "It's fine—just give it to me." Shannon took the keys as usual, yet her face was devoid of any expression, with all her remaining emotions carefully tucked away. By the time she finished moving the suitcases, Christopher was happily presenting the gifts he had prepared for Laura—four 0.2-ounce gold bars. Laura's eyes widened in surprise, while Shannon paled. The Fords were never short of money, but these four gold bars were something Shannon had saved up little by little. Every year on Christopher's birthday, she would give him a 0.2-ounce gold bar. They weren't just gifts, but her way of showing her faith and hopes in him. Shannon didn't expect him to give them away to Laura so easily. Thomas, upon seeing the dismayed look on her face, frowned at Christopher. "These are your birthday gifts from Mommy, Chris. How could you give away something so meaningful like that?" Christopher replied indignantly, "Aunt Laura isn't just anyone—she's someone I like! Besides, they're just a few gold bars. It's not like the Fords can't afford more." Thomas was about to say something when Shannon's cold voice came from behind him. She said, "Chris is right—a few gold bars aren't worth much, anyway. Let him give them away if he wants to." Disregarding everyone's surprise, she then headed back into her room. Shannon tiredly leaned against the door, her eyes shut in despair. There were only seven days left before she could finally leave for good.