Chapter 464 Pay To Divorce
Justin chuckled on the phone, "Thalassa, you've got it all wrong. It was all your mother's decision. I even tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn't listen. She says it's your duty and responsibility."
Thalassa's gaze remained fixed on Maria, "Really? Didn’t you coerce her?"
"Of course not, you know your uncle. I'm not that kind of person. However, this whole situation is because investors pulled out, leading to our need for more funds to pay the workers for the project. Your mother was frantic about it, you see. If you have the means, lend it now, and I'll pay you back later."
Thalassa snorted scornfully.
He ended the call abruptly.
"I'll ask you once," Thalassa stared intently at Maria, "Did he force you, or did you come to me yourself?"
Maria looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Your father, Chris, and I... we're family..." Maria sobbed.
"Answer me!" Thalassa demanded sternly, "If you want money, tell me the truth!"
Maria bit her lip, a rush of self-pity hitting her.
"If I didn't come, he would divorce me..."
Thalassa took several deep breaths, holding back her rage, "Why can't you divorce? I've given you so much money, not to mention all the jewelry and the houses..."
"I can't get divorced, I just can't!" Maria cried, shaking her head.
Thalassa's hands clenched into fists.
"I need to think about this," she said gravely.
"How long?" Maria pressed eagerly.
"Miss Carey, we don't have much time…"
"Do you think seven million dollars just fall from the sky? Is it that easy to arrange it?" Thalassa cut off the thug's words.
Judging by his demeanor, Thalassa, from her experience, was sure this guy was the one Chris had sent to intimidate Maria and her.
"What kind of attitude is that? Are you..." The thug, offended by Thalassa's blunt words, instantly bared his teeth menacingly.
"You come here like bandits to rob us; what attitude do you expect me to have?" Thalassa faced the man fearlessly, "If you lay a finger on me, you won't get a dime."
The thug gritted his teeth.
"Just go back. I'll get in touch when I've made up my mind," Thalassa said to Maria.
But who'd have thought...
"Thalassa, you can get the money today, right? Just call Miss Rhoads and have her write a check!" Maria still clung to Thalassa, no longer fierce but pitiful.
"Trust me, if she finds out you've brought this whole entourage to shake me down for money, both you and the Shaws are toast," Thalassa warned, her finger prying Maria's grip off.
Without a backward glance, he strode through the turnstile and into the elevator, disregarding the curious and mocking gazes of the onlookers, and entered the lift.
Post-morning meeting, Thalassa returned to her office. There was an overwhelming backlog of cases awaiting her attention, and the day was shaping up to be a whirlwind of activity. Yet, when she opened the first file, she couldn't focus.
Thalassa could easily cover the amount Maria was asking for with the funds in her account. She'd always been generous with Maria, never hesitating to give, even now. If Maria wanted the money for herself, she would have handed it over without a second thought. But if it was to plug Justin's financial holes, she was unwilling.
Her mind, however, was haunted by the image of Maria in tears, crumbling in despair. If she didn't get the money, what would Justin do to her? Thalassa picked up her smartphone and stared at it for ages, unable to dial. Eventually, she set it down again. The thought crossed her mind to get Chris to handle her dad, but that idea was quickly dismissed. Could Chris truly stand up to Justin?
Thalassa remained seated for quite some time, her phone constantly vibrating with text messages from unknown numbers - all from Maria. She didn't read a single one; she didn't want to.
When texting proved fruitless, Maria's call came through after a while. Thalassa took a deep breath before answering, "What do you want? I'm working here!"
"Please," Maria pleaded through sobs, her voice barely a whisper. "I've seen Justin's true colors. Just give me the money, and I'll divorce him immediately!"
Thalassa paused. "Really?"
"It's his debt, but in my name," Maria explained amidst tears. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to you."
"Mom, Justin is not a good man. He's all sunshine when times are good, but the moment there's trouble, he'll be the first to throw you under the bus," Thalassa said sternly. "Do you want a divorce? I'll get you the best attorney."
"Okay!" Maria agreed, sobbing. "We'll give him the money today, and I'll file for divorce tomorrow."
"Mom." Thalassa's voice suddenly softened.
"What's wrong?"
After a moment of silence, Thalassa asked, "You're not lying to me, are you?"
"How could I lie to you? He almost had me jailed and pressured me to get money from you," Maria insisted. "I had a good man like your father. I see things clearly now; truly, I do!"
The mention of Dad always gave Thalassa a sharp pang of distress. If Dad were still here, how could they have ever ended up in this mess?
"Alright, I will trust you one last time," Thalassa said seriously, "but remember, if you try to con money out of this by faking a divorce, that's the final straw and the end of whatever bond we have as mother and daughter."
"You won't be conned; I would never do that to you," Maria quickly replied.
After hanging up the phone, Thalassa sat there in silence for a long while.
She wasn't a fool. Maria was crying about not wanting a divorce, and now she's suddenly saying she'd do it for money.
It was too suspicious.
But...
Thalassa wanted to take that gamble.
What if, against all odds, there was a chance?
She couldn't believe her mother would be that cruel to her.
That's her mom, after all.
Around noon, Thalassa made reservations at a nearby restaurant, ordering the Italian cuisine Maria enjoyed.
Maria arrived first.
Just as Thalassa walked in, Maria immediately stood up and asked, "Did you get the money?"
"Let's eat first."
Thalassa took a seat and started serving Maria some dishes. "Mom, the place you're living in now, I bought it. I've spoken to a lawyer, and with all the money I've given you, I could revoke the gifts and take them back."
Maria was taken aback.
Thalassa looked at her and smiled, "When it's time for the divorce, I can reclaim all of these for you, and then you can live the life of a wealthy and unfettered socialite."
Maria lowered her eyes and let out a soft smile, "Okay, I'll do as you say!"
Thalassa continued serving the food and said, "I've been real busy lately, and your divorce case may take a while. Once it's over, Kenny and I will take you to Switzerland for skiing."
At Kenny's mention, Maria's expression soured.
Ever since Thalassa got involved with this guy, she had changed, becoming disobedient and rebellious.
"This Kenny from Chicago, he isn't living off you, is he?" Maria asked discontentedly.
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