Chapter 139 Can't Drink
"What on earth is going on?"In the car, returning to the Smith Family villa, Mary hesitantly asked James, "How did Lydia end up owing Mrs. Thompson one million dollars?"
James evaded the question and replied, "Gabriella, the daughter of the Thompson family, was seriously injured in a car accident. I happened to be there and saved her."
"What?" Mary was shocked upon hearing this. "You saved someone with your medical skills again."
James knew what she was implying. "Don't worry, I just moved Gabriella from the driver's seat to outside the railing before the car exploded."
Mary blushed, still worried that James would showcase his medical skills again.
With such things succeeding ninety-nine times, one failure would be disastrous.
"Lydia is an EMT. She took the credit, claiming she saved Gabriella from the explosion."
James remained calm. "The Thompson family was grateful to her and rewarded her with one million dollars."
James continued, "Later, Mrs. Thompson checked the surveillance footage and exposed Lydia's false heroism. But Mrs. Thompson was preoccupied with Gabriella's injuries, so she didn't confront Lydia immediately. Lydia took the opportunity to run off with the check."
"She even used the persona of the savior of Gabriella and the one million dollars to find a wealthy boyfriend."
James shared his speculation, then opened his phone to show Mary the saved news report of the car accident.
"I see." After watching the video, Mary suddenly understood. "No wonder Alice and the others were so confident in buying the villa. It turns out Lydia got the money through illegitimate means."
James smiled faintly. "Too bad she has to return it, and her wealthy boyfriend left her too."
Knowing Lydia was a fraud and faced hostility from the Thompson family, Nathan immediately took back the contract and left.
"Then you should avoid them in the future," Mary suggested. "Otherwise, they'll cling to you and make your life miserable."
James remained calm. "Let them deal with the one million dollars first. I suspect Lydia has already spent a lot of it."
"Here's the key back." Mary took out the key to Peach Blossom No. 1 from her bag, saying, "I believe you saved Gabriella, but I know that credit isn't worth Peach Blossom No. 1."
Mary continued, "Mrs. Thompson gave you this key probably because she knows you have a good relationship with Olivia. So, they used Peach Blossom No. 1 to strengthen the relationship between the two families."
"You are just a tool in the middle. Rather than saying it's a gift to you, it's more like a gift to Olivia. This birthday gift makes me uncomfortable, and I suggest you return it to Mrs. Thompson."
She reminded him, "You shouldn't receive a reward without merit."
James was slightly taken aback, wanting to explain something, but he saw Mary's determined face, clearly convinced that Peach Blossom No. 1 was related to Olivia.
Today was Mary's birthday. James, who rarely gave gifts, wanted to show his appreciation but also understood Mary's nature.
James could only smile wryly and take back the birthday gift.
Perhaps seeing James' disappointment, Mary softly said, "The gift isn't important. It's the thought that counts, and that makes me happy."
James hesitated before speaking, "About the incident at the hospital last time."
"It's in the past. Let's not talk about it anymore." Mary quickly interrupted James. "Let's never bring it up again."
Seeing Mary's resistance, James had no choice but to drop the subject.
"James, I called you today to give us both a chance." As James fell silent, Mary softly spoke, "Whatever happened in the past, let's not dwell on who was right or wrong."
"Let's not mention the Vocal incident, the $14 million, or the hospital incident. I'll also try to avoid Joseph in the future. Can we just live a peaceful life?"
James' reprimand at the hospital had a significant impact on Mary. Although she was unwilling to face it and apologize, she tried to make small concessions.
Her feelings for James were complicated. She didn't know if she loved him or not, but she wasn't willing to let Olivia have him.
Moreover, when transferring money to Michelle, she remembered James' filial piety and was willing to give him a chance.
Of course, the last chance.
James didn't say anything. He knew in his heart that Mary's reconciliation was just out of unwillingness, not wanting to lose to Olivia.
As long as something made her unhappy again or caused a conflict, they would definitely part ways again.
Until Mary let go of her strong-willed and self-centered nature, there would be no good outcome for them.
So James didn't respond.
Mary was about to say something more when the car stopped at the entrance of the Smith Family villa.
James hesitated, saying, "You go in. I won't go in."
"Get out!" Mary walked to the other side of the car and directly pulled James out,
"You're staying here tonight."
James had no choice but to follow Mary inside. When they entered the hall, they found four people sitting at the dining table.
Besides Charles and Addison, Abigail and Christopher were also there, chatting and laughing while having dinner.
On the coffee table, there were a dozen gift boxes, some labeled with Garcia Group, indicating that Joseph had been there today.
Seeing James return, Addison's face changed slightly, and she snorted.
Charles' eyelids twitched, but he still called out, "James, Mary, you're back? Come and eat."
Regarding the Vocal incident, Charles still felt some guilt.
"Eat? What's there to eat?" Addison snorted, "Don't even know what he's busy with all day. Every day he comes back, can't even have a hot meal, and I have to reheat the food."
She said to James, "If you don't want to stay here, just get out."
These days, she had been meeting with Joseph, whose handsomeness, wealth, and expensive gifts made her dislike James even more.
And the hospital incident, which was clearly caused by James, but Mary had forbidden the family from mentioning it, made her very uncomfortable.
Seeing James being scolded, Christopher and his wife were, as always, gloating.
Mary interrupted Addison, "Mom, enough. James was out looking for a job. And we haven't been eating at home these days." She spoke up for James. "What are you complaining about?"
Addison sneered, "Looking for a job? What job can he find? Just because he knows a few rich people, he thinks he's something. You are you, and they are them. No matter how much you pretend to be powerful, you're not that tiger."
"Otherwise, why don't you bring business to Mary? Why don't you buy a Peach Blossom Island villa for Mary?"
Apparently, Alice had boasted a lot to her before buying the villa.
She continued, "Look at Joseph, one phone call and he's out of the police station, one favor and he brings millions of dollars in business to Mary."
Thinking about James extorting $14 million from Joseph and getting him into the police station, Addison was extremely angry and couldn't help but scold James again.
"Peach Blossom Island villa?" James spoke calmly, "I gave one, Peach Blossom No. 1, but Mary didn't want it."
"Peach Blossom No. 1?" Addison was first stunned, then sneered, "You, who can't even earn two grand a month, are talking to me about a $140 million villa?"
Christopher and Abigail also sneered. The entire Smith Family wasn't worth $140 million, and James said he bought Peach Blossom No. 1.
Mary's face darkened. "Mom."
"Alright, alright, stop arguing. Is it fun to argue every time you meet?" At this moment, Charles impatiently waved his hand, standing up to ease the atmosphere. "James is an adult. Why do you care so much?"
"Abigail, go bring out the Ganoderma soup to nourish everyone."
He also asked Abigail to bring the soup.
Abigail quickly brought out a large pot of Ganoderma soup, along with several plates of various nourishing foods.
The aroma was overwhelming.
Abigail then fetched five porcelain bowls and served five bowls of Ganoderma soup, one for each member of the Smith Family, except for James.
Mary frowned slightly and handed her bowl to James.
"James, you drink mine."
Addison's face turned dark. "What a waste."
James squinted his eyes, saying, "This soup is not drinkable!"
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