Chapter 189: Calculations
Fiona clenched her fists. Justin had received a house worth ten million, while she got nothing. Meredith was obviously playing favorites. They used to talk about sharing fortunes and facing hardships together, promising luxurious gifts if they ever struck it rich. Now, Fiona was left out.
Meredith had even waited for Fiona to leave before revealing the property deed, clearly guarding against her. The thought of Meredith casually giving Justin an apartment worth ten million filled Fiona with envy. While she scrimped for luxury bags from Terrence Sterling, Meredith received so much more.
It seemed Terrence truly favored Meredith over her. If Fiona knew the extent of Terrence's gifts to Meredith, her jealousy might well be considered terminal.
After leaving the restaurant, Fiona plotted how to get Meredith to also give her a house and money. She also considered how to use the photo she took to influence Terrence Sterling.
...
Persuaded by Meredith, Justin finally accepted the apartment. With this new home, he could enroll Gemma in a nearby public kindergarten, which was more affordable. It also meant a more comfortable living situation for his parents.
Mr. Thatcher had long complained about their old apartment. Meredith's timely gift solved many problems. In his heart, Justin didn't see the house as his own but as something borrowed from Meredith, planning to return it once he could afford his own.
After dinner, Meredith drove Justin back. At the entrance of the neighborhood, Justin said, "Meredith, you can go back now, thanks."
"We're family, and family doesn't need to thank each other. Go rest early," Meredith said from the car. "The apartment is ready; you can move in anytime. And remember, tell me if you're in trouble. Don't face it alone." "Okay," Justin replied, holding the deed heavily.
After Meredith left, Justin returned home. Gemma was playing in the living room, while Mrs. Thatcher, Mr. Thatcher, and Tristan were watching TV, laughing at the scenes occasionally.
Justin entered, changing his shoes, and Mrs. Thatcher noticed him, "Ainsley, you're home early today. Have you had dinner? We've already had dinner, but I can make you some noodles." "I've had dinner, Mom," Justin approached.
Gemma stopped playing and walked up to Justin, offering, "Daddy, are you tired? Let me massage your shoulders."
Her tender voice and thoughtful gesture warmed Justin's heart.
Hearing Gemma call Justin 'Daddy,' Tristan felt displeased on the couch, but still smiled and asked, "Ainsley, did you sort out the school for Gemma?"
"Almost done," Justin replied, then turned to Mr. Thatcher, "I've rented an apartment. We can move there tomorrow. It will make it easier for Gemma to go to kindergarten and later school."
Justin didn't reveal that the apartment was a gift from Meredith, merely stating it was rented.
Hearing about the new apartment, Mr. Thatcher smiled, "How big is it? How many rooms?"
"Three bedrooms and two bathrooms," Justin said. "One room for you and Mom, one for my brother, and one for Gemma and me. When Gemma grows up, she can have her own room, and I'll share with my brother." Mr. Thatcher frowned slightly at the mention of three rooms, "It's a bit small, but it'll do for now. Let's move tomorrow."
Eager to live in a new apartment, Mr. Thatcher was finally getting his wish.
Hearing Justin plan to share a room with Gemma made Tristan uncomfortable again. He had selfish reasons for letting Justin act as Gemma's father, mainly to avoid financial responsibilities. Yet, seeing Gemma's closeness to Justin irked him. "Okay," Justin smiled. "We'll move tomorrow."
That night, Justin still slept on the sofa. He hadn't told his family he had been hospitalized. Just before sleep, he received money transferred by Meredith.
Justin felt useless, not wanting to burden Meredith but ending up needing her help.
The next day, they moved into the new apartment. Mr. Thatcher was visibly happy, praising Justin's capability.
At the office, Mr. Chandler urged Justin to secure a spot in Sterling Corporation's external legal team.
Justin, having Terrence Sterling's contact but not using it, waited like any other law firm for an opportunity.
After a day of waiting without meeting the assessment team, they were dismissed.
Back at the office, a colleague reported the situation to Mr. Chandler.