Chapter 307

Athena asked, "How much money are you planning to give?"

Peter was taken aback and finally understood Athena's true purpose today.

Peter asked, "Are you here to ask for money?"

Athena clicked her tongue in displeasure. "How can you talk like that? What do you mean by asking for money? Vanessa is my daughter; I'm her mother. I raised her and paid for her education. She's the only college graduate in our family; her brothers didn't go to school. We've put so much into raising her, it wouldn't be fair for her to just leave without any consideration for our sacrifices, would it?"

After saying this, Athena watched Peter's reaction.

Peter lowered his eyes and, after a while, asked, "Have you discussed this with Vanessa?"

Athena said, "No need to discuss with her. I'm her mother, and I decide on the money matters."

Peter pressed his lips together. "So how much do you want?"

Athena thought for a moment and said, "Considering all the expenses, at least $1.2 million."

Peter frowned and thought,' $1.2 million is not a small amount for an average person. Is there really such a way as giving money like this?'

Seeing him frown, Athena immediately changed her tone. "I'm not asking for that much, but there should be something. Otherwise, people will think Vanessa is worthless and was given to you for free. Don't you agree?"

Peter thought this made sense. He didn't want to wrong Vanessa or tarnish her reputation.

Athena continued, "I know it's not easy for you to earn money, so I won't be too demanding. Just give $880,000. This includes all the jewelry and clothes. Vanessa can't have a wedding now, but I still need to go back and explain to the family. You don't need to worry about the banquet; I'll handle it."

$880,000 was not a small amount, especially for Peter. Although he had saved some money over the years, he had spent a lot on buying a house and a car. Emma had given Vanessa $1 million, but the remaining money was confiscated. He still needed money to hire a lawyer for Vanessa and wanted to bring Penelope back to raise her. Everything required money. Even if he had $880,000, he couldn't give it to Athena at once.

But Peter couldn't refuse directly, so he said, "I think we should discuss this with Vanessa first."

Athena's expression soured. "What's there to discuss? Peter, are you reluctant to spend the money? Do you think Vanessa should be your wife for free? Even if you bought a wife, it would cost more than $880,000, right?"

Athena's words were cutting, making Peter frown. "Vanessa is a person, not an item. My marriage to her was the result of meticulous consideration, with the aim of sharing our lives forever. Athena, it sounds like you're selling Vanessa to me for $880,000."

Athena stood up abruptly. "Fine, since you put it that way, I'll be straightforward. I don't like Vanessa, but I raised her and must get a return. If you give me $880,000, I'll cut ties with her and Vanessa will be yours. Whether she lives or dies, I won't appear in her life again."

Athena's words left Peter reeling. He stood up, firmly saying, "This must be approved by Vanessa. If she agrees, I'll give you $880,000. If she doesn't, you won't get a penny!"

Athena didn't expect Peter, who seemed easy to deceive, to be so clear-headed.

Athena's face was flushed with anger. She pointed at Peter. "Fine, remember what you said. I'll go find her now!"

Peter walked over and opened the door. "Take care. I won't see you out."

Athena stormed out in anger.

"Vanessa, you have a visitor," the guard's voice sounded in her ear.

Vanessa thought it was Peter and said, "Tell him to leave. I don't want to see him."

The guard left and returned after a while. "She says she's your mother and insists on seeing you."

Vanessa was stunned. After a while, she nodded and agreed to meet her.

In the visiting room, Athena looked coldly at Vanessa and said, "Why didn't you inform the family about your marriage to Peter?"

Vanessa lowered her eyes. "Why would I inform you? Three years ago, when you wanted to marry me off to an old man for hundreds of thousands of dollars, didn't you say you didn't have a daughter like me?"

"Don't you dare bring up that incident!" Athena's face was suffused with resentment. "If you hadn't stabbed him back then, would we have had to pay such a hefty sum? And you, you just walked away, leaving behind all the mess for me and your brothers to clean up. You ungrateful wretch, disappearing for years!"

Vanessa sneered. "I paid you back double, didn't I? What, are you never satisfied?"

Athena's face changed. "How dare you talk to your mother like that?"

"You're not my mother. I'm an orphan," Vanessa said coldly, ignoring Athena's anger and even provoking her.

Athena was so angry that she couldn't breathe. She clutched her chest and said, "I'm not here to argue. I just want to know if you're going to marry Peter for free."

Vanessa looked at Athena without speaking.

Athena said, "I have already spoken to Peter, and the amount is set at eight hundred and eighty-eight thousand dollars. He mentioned that you hold the financial reins in your family, so as long as you nodded."

Vanessa laughed. "Mom, are you daydreaming? $880,000? Why don't you rob a bank?"

Vanessa laughed so hard that tears almost came out.

Athena gritted her teeth. "I gave you life and raised you. Isn't that worth $880,000? Vanessa, give me $880,000, and we'll cut ties. I never want to see your face again!"

Vanessa slowly stopped laughing and leaned back in her chair. "Stop dreaming. I won't give you a penny."

Athena shouted, "Vanessa!"

"Don't worry, I'll repay this worthless life soon."

Vanessa said, "Don't worry. I'll repay this worthless life soon."

Vanessa's eyes were full of destruction, but Athena felt no pity. After being refused, Athena became furious and pointed at Vanessa. "You'd better die."

Vanessa tugged at her lips. "Okay."

Athena was speechless.

In the middle of the night, news came that Vanessa had committed suicide in prison.