Chapter 19

On Friday afternoon, Lydia called me. “Jill, I hope I’m not interrupting.”

I smiled. “Not at all I’m not too busy right now.”

She invited me out for some shopping. It was a classic bonding activity for a daughter–in–law and mother–in–law.

I quickly messaged Logan, asking about Lydia’s favorite clothing brands and jewelry preferences. He responded promptly.

After giving instructions to Kaylee, I went to pick up Lydia before heading to the mall.

From the moment we entered the first floor, I had the distinct feeling someone was following us. The place was crowded, so I couldn’t be sure if it was just my imagination.

By the time we reached the fifth floor, where the clothing stores were, Lydia eagerly pulled me into a trendy boutique.

She said gently, “See if there’s anything you like.”

As I browsed, an all–too–familiar voice suddenly rang out, “Oh my, you’re Mrs. Harmon, aren’t you?”

I turned around to see Grandma and Evie blocking Lydia’s way.

Lydia greeted them politely, “Hi.”

Seeing that, I walked over. Mindful of Lydia’s presence, I didn’t want to argue with them. “What are you doing here?”

Surprised, Evie said, “Oh, Jillian! You’re here too? You and Mrs. Harmon…”

She deliberately paused before adding, “So, I guess things didn’t work out with Mr. Harmon, and now you’re trying to win over Mrs. Harmon instead?”

The implication was clear. She was practically calling me a manipulative schemer.

Lydia frowned. “I invited Jill out today. Do you need something?”

Noticing Lydia’s attitude toward me, Grandma’s expression shifted immediately. She put on a warm smile. “Mrs. Harmon, I’m Jillian’s grandmother, Marlene Payne. This is Evie Carter, my granddaughter–in–law.”

Lydia didn’t seem surprised. “It’s crowded here. Let’s find a place to sit and talk.”

“Of course, of course.”

As we walked, I pulled Evie aside and asked sharply, “What are you two up to?”

She smirked. “I underestimated you, Jillian. You really have some skills. You actually charmed the lady of the Harmon family. But since we can’t get what we’re owed from you, have to ask Mrs. Harmon.”

I frowned.

Grandma put on an air of authority as she spoke to Lydia. “Jillian never tells me anything. If I hadn’t run into you today, I wouldn’t have even known that she’s about to get married”

Lydia responded in a gentle tone, “Jill is a wonderful girl. If she joins our family, we’ll make sure she’s well taken care of.”

Grandma’s eyes lit up. Her wrinkled face practically glowed with delight. “That’s wonderful news! Should we arrange a formal meeting between our families to discuss the wedding? I’ve prepared a generous gift for my future grandson–in–law.”

Bringing this up now was just a roundabout way of inquiring about the wedding gifts in return.

My frustration grew heavier. Their intentions were crystal clear. Did they really think they could use my wedding gifts to save their failing company?

What should have been a pleasant shopping trip was completely ruined by them.

Lydia, however, remained composed. “Of course. I’ll discuss it with my husband, and we’ll look for a hotel for the wedding.”

Grandma beamed and left with Evie.

I felt bad for dragging Lydia into this, but she surprised me by comforting me instead. “With a grandmother like that and a sister–in–law like her, I bet you’ve had a tough time.”

My eyes welled up. “It’s not so bad.”

She patted my hand. “Your parents are gone, and you’ve been holding this family together by yourself. Yet instead of supporting you, they’ve been exploiting you. As long as you have a clear conscience, you don’t need to pay attention to their complaints.”

No one had ever said something like that to me before.

I nodded. “Okay.”

Lydia gave me a reassuring smile. “Talk to Logan about these things. You’re husband and wife. You’re supposed to face hardships together. Don’t hesitate to depend on him.”

“Thank you, Lydia.”

She smiled. “Come on. Let’s continue shopping.”

This time, I decided to meet Archie.

When I arrived at the company and pushed open his office door, several people looked up at once.

I glanced around. “Perfect. Everyone’s here.”

Archie stood from behind his desk. “Jillian? What are you doing here?”

I glanced at him. “What, should I have let you continue harassing the Harmons?”

Evie looked smug. “You hear that, Archie? She and Logan are already discussing marriage. If she just speaks up, Harmon Group wouldn’t dare acquire our company.”

Archie shot me a look. “This isn’t about the acquisition anymore. Even if Harmon Group backs off, there are still other companies interested. What we really need is funding.”

Grandma cut straight to the point. “Then ask Harmon Group to invest in us. They’re giving Jillian a wedding gift anyway.”

The way she spoke, it was as if she already considered the Harmon family’s assets to be hers.

Meanwhile, Archie’s expression wavered. He was clearly tempted by the idea but too prideful to say so outright.

Their entitlement was downright laughable.

I sat down on the couch. “I won’t agree to that.”

Grandma’s face darkened at once, “You don’t agree? Jillian, don’t forget. I have the final say. If I don’t approve, you won’t be marrying into the Harmon family,”

I rebuked casually, “You’re welcome to try.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but Archie stopped her.

After hesitating for a moment, he said, “If you won’t ask them for help, could you at least use the house in Meadowlark Heights as collateral for me? Once the company stabilizes, I’ll return it to you,”

I looked up. “And if I say no?”

A flicker of guilt crossed his face. “You’re a woman, Jillian. You can’t win against me.”

Grandma was even blunter. “Jillian, if you hand over the house, I promise you’ll have a grand wedding and get every bit of your wedding gift.

“But if you insist on being stubborn, you won’t see a single cent from the Houghton family. We’ll take this to court, and I know people there. Archie is the legitimate heir by legal adoption. He has just as much right to that house as you do.“.

“Grandma, are you really my grandmother?” This was truly eye–opening, “You’re teaming up against your own granddaughter over money?”

Grandma didn’t even flinch.

“Jillian, I don’t want it to come to this, but think about it. You’re a woman. You can’t just let all that money slip into someone else’s hands. Archie is family, and he’s doing this for the company. If he manages to turn things around, won’t you benefit from it too?”