Episode 18

Selena had thought her mother would help her carry the clothes in her hands. Instead, Fiona snatched them away and flung them into the lake.

It was already too late when

Selena realized what was happening. The three sets of clothing, worth nearly $200 thousand dollars, had been tossed into the lake beside her.

"Mom, what are you doing? These are authentic brands! Who said they were fakes?"

Selena was so disappointed that she stamped her foot in frustration. Feeling a sense of loss, Selena rushed towards the lake, her eyes beginning to redden and appearing on the verge of tears.

This was the first time Fane had bought her clothes. After struggling for five years of their marriage, Selena was finally able to savor a touch of luxury. It meant all her five years of waiting had not been in vain!

"Authentic? How could they possibly be real? And if they are indeed genuine, how could Fane afford to purchase authentic international designer clothes for his daughter?"

Fiona, skeptical, crossed her arms over her chest. She doubted Fane had that kind of money to spend on real designer clothes for her daughter.

"Dear Mother-in-Law, the clothes are indeed genuine. We purchased them from the brand's official store. They wouldn't sell fakes, would they?"

Joan, who was standing next to Fane, finally burst out, "How could you toss almost $200 thousand dollars' worth of clothing into the lake?!"

"No, I must get them back!"

Selena, now panicking, prepared to dive into the lake to retrieve her clothes.

Fortunately, the lake was clear. Once she got them back, they could be cleaned and she could start wearing them.

Fane watched Selena's every move, his heart pounding.

Selena was only 20 years old. Five years earlier, she had already made significant contributions to her family's business at a very young age and was a distinguished lady from the Taylor family.

Back then, Selena was always adorned in designer clothes and enjoyed the treatment befitting an honored woman.

But now, Selena was about to dive into a lake just to retrieve a few pieces of clothing.

Fane stepped forward and quickly grabbed Selena. "Forget it, my love," he urged, "It's only three sets of clothes. I will take you shopping and buy you new ones!"

Selena stood her ground. "No," she protested. "The clothes are costly and you earned that money by risking your life. Besides, it's the first time you bought me clothes. I must retrieve them because they're still wearable!"

Fane chuckled at Selena's words. He was deeply touched. Having a wife like Selena, he thought, would surely make him the happiest man for the rest of his life.

As Fane released his grip on Selena, she dived into the lake and retrieved the clothes. Fane was soaked from head to toe, but Selena's words had warmed his heart.

"Really? They're truly authentic?"

Fiona was still in shock witnessing the whole scene unfold, she looked towards Joan and stammered, "Where did your son get the money?"

Joan responded with a bitter laugh, "It's all thanks to my son's five years in the military. Upon his return, he was awarded a sum of money in recognition of his service. He spent it on clothes for us. Though the money he received came from gambling with his life, Fane was willing to spend it all for Selena!"

"I....."

Fiona was left speechless. She hadn't anticipated that the clothes were authentic international designer apparel.

"You're truly useless. It doesn't matter whether the clothes are real or not; you should never have thrown them into the lake! Those clothes represent Fane's thoughtfulness!"

Even usually silent Andrew couldn't help but glare at Fiona.

Fane emerged from the lake and addressed Andrew, "Let's go home now, Father-in-Law. Your leg was accidentally injured. But don't worry, I can help heal it!"

"Improbable, isn't it?"

Andrew's heart raced at Fane's words before he frowned and said. "The famous hospital said my leg would continue to cause problems even with treatment. It's a nerve issue; the bones are becoming more fragile. Even when I walk now, my leg feels numb!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? You're useless trash, what do you know about medical treatment? I don't believe a word you say!"

Conversely, Fiona rolled her eyes at Fane and exclaimed, "Fane, don't you dare think that we will accept you just because you're now giving money and have bought some clothes for my daughter. Let me tell you this. It's not going to happen!"

Fiona then fell silent before continuing her tirade, "We've gone through so much hardship over the years. How could such a small amount of money be enough for us? Moreover, you owe me 10 million dollars for grandpa's 70th birthday. If not, don't even think for a second that we will acknowledge you!"

"Mom, what are you saying?! Fane is still Kylie's father, and a child cannot live without a father. Plus, Fane is a responsible man!"

Selena glared at Fiona. "It doesn't matter if you acknowledge him or not," she added, "I've made up my mind; Fane is the love of my life. Even if you banish him from the Taylor family, I refuse to marry Young Master Clark or Young Master Wilson . I see that those men don't even possess a fraction of Fane's character,"

"You..."

Fiona was infuriated. She pointed at Selena and said, "How could I have given birth to a daughter like you? Now you've become so disrespectful, do you understand? Were you born just to press your mother to death? Will you only be satisfied when I'm backed into a corner until death?"

"I — that's not what I meant! You can't always force me, you know?"

Selena could only hold back her frustration as she watched her mother weeping beside her.

"Alright. Stop talking about it, Mum. All these trials are my fault; I admit it!"

"I, Fane Woods, am a man and I will never take back my words. In accordance with my promise, I will give you 10 million dollars and I will never allow myself to be separated from Selena!"

Fane then laughed and said, "Well, it's getting late. Let's all go home to shower and change. After that, we'll have dinner out,"

Fiona's eyes sparkled at the mention of dining out. They had been living frugally for the last five years, and Selena was restricted from seeking employment. Her daughter had been relying on money from picking up trash to sustain their family.

Aside from Selena, all their expenses were covered with Andrew's income. His monthly salary was modest, but Andrew gave every penny to allow Selena to buy groceries. They had been living sparingly.

Hence, Fiona actually felt pleased to hear they would have a nice meal out.

Like before, though, her expression turned cold as she mocked Fane,

"You sure you want to dine out? I've told you before I won't eat at some lowly restaurant. If you want me to come along, it has to be a luxurious, high-class restaurant!"

"Of course. As long as you wish, wherever you choose, it's fine with me!"

Fane chuckled then hailed two cabs.

"Let's go," he said. "We'll go home first because Kylie and Jenny are both waiting for us. I think the little one must be starving by now. Then, get Jenny to keep working at our house. She can help us take care of Kylie and clean the house,"

Fiona rolled her eyes towards Fane. She said, "Don't call me mother. Unless I see the $10 million gift, I will never accept you as a son-in-law in my family. Hmph!"

On the other hand, Selena frowned. "Jenny is a good worker, but the Taylor family also offers her a not inconsiderable salary," she muttered. "Jenny is paid six to seven thousand dollars a month. We can't afford her!"

"Don't worry, I'll handle the money. The new academic year is about to start, so we must quickly enroll Kylie into school!"

Fane chuckled as he declared this.

"Yes!" Selena nodded.

It didn't take them long to reach home.

One of three guards in the Loner family, the Ghost-Faced Man, franticly rushed to find James after receiving a phone call.

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