Independence

Matthew paused briefly before responding, “You don’t need to come over. I can transfer the money directly.”

Elliott grew more enthusiastic, saying, “Since you’ve helped me, I must bring a gift and thank you in person.”

Matthew replied somewhat resignedly, “As you wish.”

20 minutes later, Matthew returned home to find that his parents were out. He grabbed a lounge chair and sat under the shade of a tree in the yard.

He enjoyed the breeze as the leaves rustled in the wind.

While enjoying the rare tranquility, Matthew began to ponder how to find Medieval Medicine.

He thought that perhaps Jenny would have some information about the ancient text. He could only hope she could help him in his quest.

Lost in thought, he suddenly noticed someone entering through the gate.

He realized that it was Tessa who had come.

Matthew’s mood instantly plummeted as a flood of painful memories rushed into his mind.

“What brings you here?” he inquired once she approached.

Tessa smiled sweetly as she informed Matthew that they needed to talk.

She purred, “I know you’ve always loved me; and honestly, I love you too. Our love for each other is still strong.”

Matthew found her speech ironic. “You want to talk about love now? That’s not what you said back then.”

He continued, “When we were in the middle of our divorce, I told you I loved you and asked you not to end our marriage after so many years. But what did you say?”

He remembered her dismissing his love as meaningless, labeling him a penniless ex–convict.

“You said I didn’t deserve someone like you, and now you want to talk about feelings?”

Tessa felt awkward upon hearing his words. “I was confused back then. I lmow I was wrong,” she admitted.

She explained that after the divorce, she realized Matthew was the only one who truly cared about her.

“In this world, you were the only one who would earn money and give it all to me,” she added. “When I got in trouble, you were willing to take the blame and go to prison for me.”

Tessa then informed Matthew that the company was struggling financially, and no one was willing to help her.

“I know you still love me. You’re the only man in the world who would shelter me from the storm,” she said.

She pleaded with Matthew to help her this time. Otherwise, the company he had founded would go under, and she would really end up in prison.

Matthew looked disgusted, realizing it was all about the company after all. He told her that her problems were not his concern since they had already divorced.

“If you end up in prison, it’ll be because of your own doing,” he remarked. “I’ll never make the mistake of trusting someone wholeheartedly like that again.”

Tessa’s face twitched in disbelief as she processed the insult directed at her.

She was used to being pampered for many years and was accustomed to getting her way.

She struggled to adapt to Matthew’s indifference, her eyes showing signs of irritation. “Matthew, what do you want? I’ve apologized and begged you repeatedly.

“Why can’t you forgive me? Why do you insist on holding onto my mistake?” she asked impatiently.

She explained that she had only asked Matthew for a favor in speaking to Elliott. “I’m not borrowing your money. Unless you’re bankrupt and have no qualifications to become a loan guarantee,” she added.

Matthew nodded and said, “Yeah, I’m bankrupt.”

Tessa was surprised as she listened. She had said these words just to provoke him.

She didn’t expect Matthew to admit he had no money. However, upon contemplation, she realized he probably hadn’t had the chance to earn money in the three years he was in prison.

She thought that even with a girlfriend like Rachel, the president of Wealthwave Group, she might only give Matthew a bit of pocket money, which wouldn’t be much help.

She felt disappointed as she thought about these things.

At the moment, she was facing a financial crisis and being pressured by the bank to repay her loans. She might end up in prison if she couldn’t secure the funds.

Remarrying Matthew wasn’t as urgent as obtaining money, which was what she needed most.

Tessa looked at Matthew with mixed feelings. “Since you have no money and can’t help me, I’ll figure something else

out.”

After saying that, she turned to leave. After a few steps, however, she noticed Elliott entering the yard with bags of gifts.

“Mr. Robins, why are you here?” she asked.

Elliott nodded at Tessa in greeting, then walked over to Matthew. He said, “Mr. Grant, thank you for your support at

work”