Chapter 301 Bargaining
Mira snapped, "Dash, quit dreaming. I'm not footing the whole bill, and I'm not letting you two just walk away. I'll cover half of Debra's tuition and living expenses, like we agreed. As for you, you need to get a job and start acting like a responsible father."
Dash's face went pale. He realized he wasn't going to squeeze any more money out of Mira this time.
Desperate, he tried every trick to get Mira to change her mind.
But no matter what he said, Mira stood her ground.
The argument ended with Dash and Debra defeated.
They knew their dream of living off Mira was over. They had to figure out a new plan.
Debra's face soured at the idea of going abroad. She wanted to stay in the city and had zero interest in leaving the country.
But one look at Dash's face told her it wasn't that simple.
Their biggest issue was money, and Dash's suggestion to study abroad was probably just a scheme to get more cash from Mira.
Mira looked at the father and daughter, her mind already made up.
After a moment, she said, "Alright, if you go abroad, I'll cover Debra's living expenses monthly. I'll give you $100,000 a month until she finishes her studies. After that, not a dime more. Whether you're trying to trick me or not, that's all you're getting."
Dash thought the amount was too low and was about to argue, but Mira's stern look shut him up. Her eyes said, "That's all you're getting. Be grateful."
Seeing this, Dash had no choice but to keep quiet.
He knew they had no leverage to negotiate with Mira anymore. They had to accept the terms and make plans to go abroad quickly, or they wouldn't even get the $100,000.
Debra, though unhappy, knew they had no room to be picky. She silently accepted the arrangement, vowing to work hard and make Mira regret her decision one day.
So, under Mira's pressure, the father and daughter started preparing to go abroad. Mira finally felt relieved, having rid herself of the troublesome pair.
After Mira went back to her room, Debra whispered to Dash, "Dad, are we really going abroad? $100,000 a month won't get us far there. If I start a business with friends or something, that money won't last a month. How are we supposed to live?"
Dash sighed, a sly look in his eyes. "Your mom's made her stance clear. We can't rely on her. But we don't actually have to go abroad. We'll get the paperwork done, then stay here and keep out of her sight. She'll keep sending the money, and we can live well here."
"But you need to cut back on buying designer clothes and save some money. We'll rent a nice place and find ways to get more money from her, like pretending you're sick. For now, this is our best option."
Debra, though reluctant, knew this was the best plan. She nodded in agreement.
They started preparing the paperwork for going abroad, knowing it was just a cover.
Their real goal was to stay and continue getting financial support from Mira.
In the following days, they carefully hid their whereabouts to avoid being discovered by Mira.
Meanwhile, Mira sent the money monthly, unaware of their true situation.
But lies can't stay hidden forever. Over time, Debra and Dash's deception began to unravel.
When Mira found out the truth, she felt deep disappointment and anger.
In the master bedroom of The Windsor Villa, Sterling sat quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding Sunny tightly, his eyes fixed on the video playing on his phone.
It was a video of Bella, secretly filmed by Colin, the only way he could see her now.
Sterling was filled with conflict and struggle.
He had thought about using force to keep Bella, but remembering her tear-streaked face and the deep fear in her eyes when she left, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Sterling knew she hadn't been happy at The Windsor Villa, and now she had finally gained the freedom she had always wanted.
As he was lost in thought, Zoey saw him through the half-open door. She sighed softly, feeling more sympathy for Sterling.
She gently reminded him, "Mr. Windsor, the company has called several times, and the board members have come to see you. Shouldn't you go check on things?"
Sterling lifted his head slightly, his eyes moving from the phone screen to Zoey. His gaze showed a hint of exhaustion and helplessness.
He nodded lightly, indicating he would return to handle company matters, but he still held Sunny tightly, as if it was his only support.
Sterling knew he couldn't stay lost in past memories. He had a company, responsibilities, and a future to face.
Bella might have become an indelible mark on his life, but he believed time would heal everything.
Sterling put down his phone, gently placed Sunny on the floor, and said softly, "Got it, Zoey."
His eyes still looked out the window at the gently swaying leaves, as if talking to himself, "Fall is here, and winter is coming. It brings back memories."
Zoey felt a pang of sadness. She paused, then couldn't help but express her concern, "It's getting colder today, and the wind is strong. Take care not to catch a cold, Mr. Windsor."
She turned to leave but ran into Owen at the stairs.
Zoey couldn't help but vent to Owen, "Mr. and Mrs. Windsor have had such hard lives. It breaks my heart to see them like this."
Owen, more composed than Zoey, didn't share her emotional response. "Just do your job, Zoey."
Zoey, annoyed by his lack of empathy, glared at Owen. "Heartless old fool! No wonder you've been single your whole life!"
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