Chapter 168 So I'm Rich Now

Uncle Benjamin's voice was calm, each word steady and deliberate, but the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. It made me pause, listening intently. Ever since my mom got married, it was like she'd become a completely different person. The close bond she once had with my uncle had gradually faded away. So much so that when my uncle picked out gifts for her, he avoided anything too expensive, worried it might upset her. Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration toward my mom. But then I remembered—she never badmouthed my grandpa in front of me. Whenever his name came up, she would just sigh heavily, a cloud of sadness passing over her face. My dad, on the other hand, never missed a chance to complain about how my grandpa's family looked down on us and kicked us out, making me resent them for years. Looking back now, I realized there might've been more to the story than I knew. Acting on impulse, I suddenly hugged Uncle Benjamin tightly. "Uncle Benjamin, my mom… she probably just let love blind her and ended up hurting you all. But I'm not like her. I love money. I love it to death." If Yvette had been poor, like my dad, I wouldn't have fallen for her in the first place. Let's be real beauty without money loses half its appeal. I'm a practical person, and I won't deny it—I love money. Hearing this, Uncle Benjamin's eyes lit up, and he looked at me like he was finally seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel. I glanced at the video on his phone again. The villa, all grand and luxurious, made my heart race with excitement. "Uncle Benjamin, this villa you're giving me is incredible, but it's so huge. I don't even have enough friends to fill it. Even if I moved all of you in, it'd still feel empty!" Uncle Benjamin didn't hesitate. "Then let's pick something that suits you better. How about we check out more options this afternoon?" The sheer thoughtfulness floored me. Who wouldn't love being treated like they mattered? Uncle Benjamin was amazing. "No, it's fine. The gesture alone means everything to me. Don't go overboard." "It's no big deal. You need a place you truly love. Whatever you want, I can get it." This was unreal, like a dream. Happiness had come so fast, I almost couldn't believe it. I had to resist the urge to laugh out loud. This was the kind of good fortune I didn't even dare to dream of—and it was actually happening. Before I could respond, Clover walked in carrying a kettle of hot water. She set it down, then wrapped her arms around Uncle Benjamin's arm, pouting playfully. "Hey, Uncle Benjamin, you're out here secretly buying houses for Owen, but what about me? I want to live in one of your fancy villas too!" She was likely the one helping take care of him these past few days. Uncle Benjamin didn't even blink as he brushed her off. "Go ask your dad to buy you one." Clover stuck out her lip, then turned her gaze to me with a mischievous sparkle. "Owen, see how biased Uncle Benjamin is? Since he dotes on you so much, I'm joining your team. Your new house doesn't have furniture yet, right? Leave it to me!" I froze for a moment. This was only my second time meeting her, and she was already so warm and affectionate. It caught me off guard. "No, I can't let you pay for that," I said quickly. She snapped her fingers, exuding the confidence of someone in charge. "Not a chance. Uncle Benjamin gave you such a big gift, and I can't be left behind. I just won a race, and the prize money's all mine. Trust me, I can afford to deck out your place with the best furniture." Then she added with a grin, "Think of it as your 'freedom from the ex' gift. Not just a welcome present, okay? You have to take it. It's to help you stay far, far away from trashy women!" Her words made me laugh. When luck's on your side, it's unstoppable. "Alright. I won't argue. But I'll make sure to return the favor and get you a gift too." She smirked triumphantly, even throwing a teasing look at Uncle Benjamin. Uncle Benjamin glanced at me and raised a brow. I got the hint and added, "Of course, I've got something special planned for you, too, Uncle Benjamin. Something custom-made, one of a kind." Satisfied, Uncle Benjamin nodded. "It better outdo hers." Clover chuckled, but then pouted. "Uncle Benjamin, you're so petty! Competing with me? I'm way younger than you—can't you let me win just once?" "Nope." "Come on, just this once! You've known him way longer than I have, and it's his idea to get me a gift in the first place. Uncle Benjamin, please just let me win…" Watching them bicker playfully warmed my heart. It was such a wholesome moment, and I couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Maybe it was because my past life had been so bleak, filled with betrayals and loneliness. It made me crave family warmth and support even more. Suddenly, I wasn't just some nobody anymore. I was rich—really rich. The feeling was beyond words. Honestly, I kind of wished I'd known about this earlier. When Yvette looked down on me for being broke, I could've thrown cash in her face and shouted, "I'm not broke anymore!" Just imagining her reaction now made me grin. That expression would've been priceless. After a while, I made up an excuse, saying I had things to do that afternoon and had to leave. I told Clover to stay and keep Uncle Benjamin company, and she didn't argue. In fact, she clung to him even more, clearly attached. Clover was clingy. There was no doubt about it. Smiling, I shook my head and left the hospital room. As I scrolled through social media on my way out, a trending topic caught my eye. Lila's car accident and her decision to quit the show were blowing up online. A pit formed in my stomach. I immediately called Kenny to get more details. Just days ago, Lila had been so confident, full of hope about making it to the big stage. She had the talent and the fanbase to win it all. Now, everything had changed—and it was all because of me. The guilt weighed on me like a stone in my chest. "Is there anything we can do to change this? What can I do to help?" "Unless a major investor steps in or public support shifts massively, there's not much…" Kenny trailed off. "I got it," I said, gritting my teeth. "Kenny, I've officially divorced Yvette. I'll explain everything else when we meet, but just know I'm free now—no debts, no ties. I'll do whatever it takes to get Lila back on that stage." Kenny was stunned. "Wait, you're divorced? Since when? Yvette agreed to this?" "Yeah, a few days ago. And yes, she was the one who brought it up."