Chapter 443 Barbara's Decision
She couldn't tell if it was just bad luck or something else going on.
No matter which lawyer Sarah reached out to, no matter how much cash she threw at them, they all turned her down!
Without a lawyer, Ryder's situation was looking pretty grim!
"What am I gonna do?" Sarah buried her face in her hands, tears streaming down as she panicked.
She couldn't help but think back to all the times she'd spent with Ryder over the past three years, especially how safe and warm he'd made her feel lately.
Those memories were so precious, she couldn't imagine letting them go!
She thought, 'Is this really how it ends? No way! I won't let it! I can't believe Ryder would get mixed up in drug trafficking! No matter what it takes, no matter what I lose, I have to save him!'
Sarah made up her mind and grabbed her phone to ask her friends for help.
Standing at the office doorway, Barbara peeked through the crack and her eyes welled up.
Suddenly, as if she'd made a decision, a determined look crossed her face, and she turned to leave.
With just two days left until Heather's 70th birthday bash, the whole Johnson family was in full prep mode!
From sending out invites, setting up the party, to hyping it up, everything was running smoothly!
The Johnsons had shaken off their recent setbacks, and everyone was grinning from ear to ear!
After all, the Johnson family's big comeback was just around the corner!
Finally, they could hold their heads high!
In her bedroom, Heather slipped into a brand-new red dress with gold trim, looking super fancy!
Sandra, standing next to her, gushed, "Mom, this dress is perfect for you. You'll totally steal the show at your birthday party!"
Heather's face lit up with pride.
She said, "Of course, this custom dress cost over $60,000! Honestly, it's a bit much! I've never worn anything this pricey before!"
Sandra replied, "Mom, what are you talking about? That's nothing! Once Barbara marries Mr. Young and we get access to all those resources, even if we spend $3 million on a dress, it won't be a big deal!"
Hearing this, Heather couldn't help but get excited!
Her dream had always been to make the Johnson family the top family in Houston!
Now that dream was within reach, and they even had a shot at making waves in New York City. How cool would that be?
Heather asked, "Sandra, how's Annie doing? Mr. Young is coming all the way from New York City, partly for the birthday party and partly to finalize the marriage with Annie. If she doesn't show up and ticks off Mr. Young, it could mess up the whole thing!"
Sandra looked a bit embarrassed.
She'd talked to Barbara a few days ago, but Barbara had flat-out refused, so even she didn't know when Barbara would come back!
They couldn't exactly send someone to drag her back, could they?
Just then, the maid's voice came from outside. "Sandra, Annie's back. She's in the living room and wants to talk to you!"
"She's really back?" Sandra was stunned for a moment, then her face lit up with joy. Without a second thought, she rushed out of the bedroom and headed to the living room!
But in the living room, it was just Barbara.
Seeing Barbara's red, swollen eyes and exhausted look, Sandra figured it had to be because of Ryder's situation.
She let out a cold, dissatisfied laugh. "A few days ago, you swore you'd never come back to the Johnson family. So why are you here now?"
Barbara looked up, her neck stiff as she stared at Sandra. "What will it take for you to leave Ryder alone? What will it take for you to stop tormenting Sarah?"
Sandra spread her hands and said, "What are you talking about? Ryder brought this on himself. What does it have to do with the Johnson family?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Barbara's face turned cold with anger. "I saw Andy take documents to the cops yesterday, saying he was gonna charge Ryder with ten crimes. These are completely made up. You're just trying to pin it on us, aren't you?"
Sandra's face darkened slightly. "Annie! Watch your mouth! I'm your mother, you have no right to talk to me like that!"
Barbara stiffened her neck and stayed silent.
Sandra continued, "I know you're upset. If you're here to vent your anger at me, you can leave now. Ryder's fate has nothing to do with you!"
Barbara asked, "What do you mean?"
Sandra's eyes showed a hint of malice as she coldly said, "As long as you agree to marry Mr. Young and promise not to cause any trouble, do whatever you're told, I will consider letting Ryder go. As long as Ryder and Sarah behave, I won't bother them anymore!"
Barbara was a bit skeptical and asked, "Really?"
Sandra said calmly, "I give you my word."
Seeing Barbara still hesitating, Sandra quickly added, "Annie, as long as you marry Mr. Young, you'll have everything you want! This is something that young girls in Houston, no, in all of New York City and even Texas, dream of. You must cherish this opportunity!"
Barbara took a deep breath.
In the end, she nodded, but the despair and emptiness in her eyes went unnoticed by Sandra, who was too busy being thrilled.
The news of Barbara's return to the Johnson family spread quickly.
Everyone in the Johnson family was ecstatic!
Of course, they weren't happy about Barbara marrying into a wealthy family and living well; they were excited about becoming part of the Young family and all the perks that come with it!
They even held a private family dinner that night to celebrate!
All the Johnson relatives, including Tyler, showed up!
There were two large tables set up for the guests!
Only Barbara didn't show up, locking herself in her bedroom, which made Tyler a bit unhappy.
He had been looking forward to Barbara's return, and now she showed no respect at all!
After dinner, while Tyler was smoking a cigarette, Sandra walked over.
Tyler greeted, "Sandra!"
Sandra said, "Tyler, I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, I know Annie has a bad temper, so I'll be on your side. She's just stubborn! With a little persuasion, she'll listen to you!"
Tyler was a bit confused and asked, "What do you mean?"
Sandra squinted slightly and took out two items from her pocket: a key and a blue pill.
Sandra explained with a smile, "I mean, once you two hook up, she'll listen to you!"