Chapter 21 Protected by the In–Laws
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Lydia set a time for both families to sit down and have a proper discussion about Logan and I.
Given the current situation, I didn’t think it was the right time for this. Plus, I was worried that Grandma might make a scene if things didn’t go her way, so I considered canceling the meeting altogether.
However, Lydia said, “This is a matter for the adults. You and Logan may have already registered your marriage, but the formalities still need to be followed. Out of respect, we need to meet your family.”
Grandma agreed without hesitation.
The meeting was set at a hotel under Harmon Group.
After the recent fallout with the Houghtons, we barely acknowledged each other when we met.
Grandma kept her expression unreadable. But when the topic of the wedding gifts came up, she immediately demanded ten million dollars. Otherwise, she said she wouldn’t agree to the marriage.
“And Jillian can’t take this money with her. Once she’s married into your family, she has nothing to do with us anymore.”
It wasn’t a wedding negotiation. It was a sale.
She had no regard for me at all.
I was about to speak up when Logan squeezed my hand, signaling me to stay quiet.
Lydia said calmly, “The wedding gift isn’t an issue. Jill marrying into our family is a blessing for Logan. But my husband and I believe that this money should be handled by the children themselves. What do you think, Mrs. Houghton Senior?”
Grandma immediately shot up from her seat, looking at me like I was her enemy. “I disagree! Mrs. Harmon, let me be frank. Jillian is heartless. She’s just watching as her brother struggles with the company and doesn’t have a shred of sympathy!”
She grew more agitated as she spoke.
“That ten million dollars is our family’s lifeline. If she gets her hands on it, I doubt we’ll see a single cent! Once she’s married, I won’t expect her to help us anymore. As far as I’m concerned, she’s no longer my granddaughter.”
Lydia smiled. “Mrs. Houghton Senior, don’t you think you’re being unfair? Your grandson is an adult. Now you’re demanding Jill’s wedding gift to help him? Doesn’t that trouble your conscience?”
Grandma’s face turned red. “Y–You’re all in this together, aren’t you?”
She let out a cold laugh. “Mrs. Harmon, I can see Jillian has completely fooled you. She’s an ingrate! She’ll bring chaos to your family just like she’s done to mine!”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Enough!”
“It’s not enough!” Grandma, realizing she wasn’t getting the money, had clearly decided to burn bridges. “Now you feel embarrassed? Did you think about that when you did those things? I’m going to expose your true colors in front of the Harmons and see if this wedding still happens!”
Just then, Jackson spoke up. “Jill, sit down and listen. Let’s see what else she has to say.”
Logan held my hand and whispered, “Don’t worry. Mom and Dad have dealt with people like her plenty of times.”
Sure enough, Grandma started listing all the things I had done.
I was shocked to hear how all my efforts for the Houghton family were completely twisted in her version of events.
“When her parents passed away, there was no one in the family who could take charge. I had no choice but to adopt her uncle’s son. When Archie was young, Jillian hoarded the company for herself, which I understand. But now that he’s grown up, she still refused to let go!
“Archie and I begged her multiple times, and only then did she begrudgingly agree to give him a position at the company. And it’s one without any real power.”
Grandma continued, “Later, she finally handed over the company due to public pressure. But after just one month, the company started struggling. It’s all because of problems she left behind, yet Archie is being blamed for everything.
“If it hadn’t been for her interference, Archie would have run the company perfectly. By next year, he could’ve taken it to the Fortune 500!
“The company is in trouble and desperately needs money. Jillian owns multiple properties but refuses to give up even one. Instead, she’s threatening to sue us!”
She dramatically collapsed onto the floor, wailing, “Oh, I’m so unlucky! How did I end up with such an ungrateful granddaughter?”
Lydia shook her head. “Mrs. Houghton Senior, as an elder, you’ve shown an incredible level of favoritism. You keep saying Archie is Jill’s brother, but don’t forget–Jill is the rightful heiress to the company. Archie is an adopted son. If it hadn’t been for Jill constantly giving way, do you think he would have inherited it?”
Grandma started being unreasonable. “I don’t understand a word you’re saying! I’ll take her to court! Let’s see whose side the law takes!” Jackson replied, “The law doesn’t favor men over women. Since we can’t resolve this within the family, let’s have a judge decide.” Grandma scrambled to her feet, her confidence wavering. “You think the court belongs to you? Let me tell you–I know people there!” Lydia stood up. “Then we’ll see you in court. One thing about the Harmon family is that we always protect our own.” “Fine! I’ll be waiting!” Grandma was clearly panicking, but she still clung to blind faith in her supposed connections. “See you in court!”
Chapter 22 Putting the Bitch in Her Place
