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Mia smirked. “Of course, but let’s put it in writing.”
“A written agreement?”
“Yes, since I’m lending you this money, it’s only fair to have a written agreement.”
Mia reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen; she had been preparing for exams recently, so her bag was well¨Cstocked with these items.
Edna’s expression soured. “Mia, with all your wealth, can’t you just help us without all the formalities?”
“I am helping, aren’t I? I simply require her to sign a loan agreement. If it were someone else, I wouldn’t even bother with the paperwork.” Mia calmly responded.
She was hesitant to simply give away 5,000 dollars as a favor.
Did they truly expect to receive such a handout? Where was the dignity in that?
Karen immediately burst into tears and rushed over to clasp Patricia’s hand, pleading. “Patricia, you have to help me! I can’t afford to pay 5,000 dollars!”
Mia calmly remarked, “But didn’t you mention that Sean earns about a grand a month? Five months” salary should suffice.”
As she spoke, she noticed Karen sobbing even louder.
Patricia appeared torn, while Edna wasted no time in adding fuel to the fire, urging. “Patricia, just help your sister out.”
“But… but I don’t have 5,000 dollars either.”
“How is that even possible? Mia is so wealthy now; she must have been quite generous to you. And with your old house being demolished, you must have received a substantial sum of money,” Edna persisted.
Patricia sighed. “I entrusted all my money to Mia for safekeeping. She helps me with investments and such. I’m not very knowledgeable about these things.
“The last time I tried to make a payment with my phone, I almost fell victim to a scam. That’s why I’m reluctant to keep so much money with me,” she explained.
“Patricia, why don’t you ask Mia to return the money? It’s much safer to have it in your own hands.”
Karen couldn’t help but roll her eyes, her mind already scheming about how to spend the money once it was in her possession.
Mia smirked. “Sure. The money can be withdrawn, but we need to have a written loan agreement.”
With a troubled expression, Patricia stuttered, “Um, um, I really need to use the restroom.”
Unable to make up her mind, she quickly retreated into the bathroom.
Mia waved the pen and paper in her hand. “If you want to avoid ending up in jail, then write the loan agreement,” she demanded.
Certainly, Mia had no tolerance for freeloaders who constantly begged for handouts.
Mia understood Edna and Karen’s true Intentions.
Despite secking loans, they were more interested in receiving handouts than repaying their debts.
Over the years, they had borrowed substantial amounts from Patricia without any intention of returning the money.
Mia vividly remembered their Indifference when James fell seriously Ill and needed urgent financial assistance. This memory remained etched in her mind.
Consequently, Mia had no intention of portraying herself as a saint.
However, Karen remained adamant about not wanting to draft a loan agreement.
Standing nearby, Regina became increasingly impatient. “Are you going to make the payment or do I need to involve the authorities? I don’t have time to deal with your drama.”
Observing Regina reach for her phone to call the authorities, Karen reluctantly took the paper and drafted a loan agreement.
Mia couldn’t help but smirk. “Alright, would you prefer Venmo or Apple Pay?”
“Venmo works.”
Without hesitation, Mia promptly transferred the 5,000 dollars to Regina.
Glancing at Mia, Regina remarked, “Having financially burdened relatives like them can be quite a hassle.
Perhaps it’s best to distance yourself from them sooner rather than later.”
Yet, what other option did Mia have?
They were Patricia’s family, after all.
Peering into the bathroom, Mia called out, “Aunt Patricia, everything’s sorted out. You can come out now;
we’re ready to leave.”
Shortly after, Patricia emerged from the restroom, looking somewhat uneasy.
Karen’s tears flowed as she cried out, “Patricia, how could you be so heartless? You refused to help me and even demanded a loan agreement. It’s incredibly disrespectful.”
Edna echoed Karen’s sentiment, insisting, “Yes, this is simply unfair. She’s your sister, after all.”
With a smirk, Mia countered. “Where were both of you when Uncle James was in dire need of funds for his medical expenses?
“Aunt Patricia has generously lent you money numerous times over the years, hasn’t she? And what do you do in return? You chose to overlook her when she required assistance.
“In recent years, you haven’t even tried to stay in touch with her, fearing she might ask for financial help!”
The atmosphere turned tense.
Edna attempted to explain, “Back then, we truly had no money.”
Karen stumbled over her words, unable to offer a response.
“Enough with the charades. We’ve let things slide in the past. If you’re thinking of resorting to old tricks.
I’m sorry, but that won’t work this time.”
Mia held up the agreement firmly. “You have one week to settle this.”
“Mia, where do you expect me to find that kind of money? Why bother squabbling with your aunt when you’re already so well¨Coff?”
“I stand by my principles. You have one week, or I’ll involve the authorities. Being classified as a debtor and placed on the blacklist will have repercussions for your children in the future.”
With that, Mia grasped Patricia’s hand and guided her away, leaving Karen’s cries behind.
Patricia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. “Mia, are we doing the right thing?”
*Sean’s monthly earnings are sufficient to cover it. However, Aunt Patricia, this is about setting boundaries. They need to understand that they can’t manipulate you anymore.”
“I understand, but I blame myself for being so incapable and relying on you for these matters.” Patricia acknowledged.
Mia smiled reassuringly and replied, “It’s the least I can do.”
Without Patricia’s kindness, Mia wouldn’t have had a place to go when Bob and Mary abandoned her, especially considering Patricia’s own financial struggles at the time.
Mia was determined not to let Edna and Karen exploit Patricia’s generosity again.
Glancing at Mia, Eva remarked, “Mia, what you did back there was impressive. That’s exactly how you deal with people like them!”
As they left the restroom, Mia’s brothers playfully teased. “You two took quite a while in there, didn’t you?”
Exiting the restaurant, Edna and Karen hurried to catch up, afraid of being left behind by Mia.
Before long, they reached home.
Noticing Edna and Karen’s hesitation to leave. Mia firmly stated, “I’m not used to sharing a room. You two can sleep on the floor.”
Edna quickly feigned discomfort, claiming. “My leg is acting up again. It must be my old ailment resurfacing.”
“Mom, you can sleep in my room.” Patricia offered, unwilling to leave Edna to sleep uncomfortably in the living room.
In the end, Mia had no choice but to let Patricia share her room, while Edna and Karen occupied
Patricia’s room.
As Mia completed her bedtime routine and settled into bed, she couldn’t shake the surreal feeling of the day, as if it were a dream.
It was almost unbelievable that she had truly become the legitimate heiress of the Lane family!
However, Mia decided not to inform Patricia about this just yet, concerned that Edna and Karen might fake knowledge of the situation.
It seemed wiser to wait until she traveled to Nord City with her brothers before divulging the news to
Patricia.
A gentle smile adorned Mia’s lips as a wave of relief swept over her. Could this be the dawn of her newfound freedom as a carefree heiress?
In the morning, Mia swiftly finished her breakfast and made her way to campus, keen to avoid any encounters with Edna and Karen at home.
As she approached the entrance of her neighborhood, she noticed Connor waiting for her outside.