Chapter 260: The quarrel
Erica’s frustration boiled over. She had known this would happen, that Lydia wouldn’t help her. But she was desperate for money.
"Don’t be so heartless, Mom," Erica spat. "If I don’t pay them back, they’ll destroy me. My reputation will be in shreds! Do you want that to happen to your daughter?"
"It’s your problem." Lydia pivoted and pinned a stern glare at her. "You owed them, not me. Why would I help you? I warned you so many times to be careful, but you never listened. You’re reckless, just like your father. His debts ruined our family once, and now you are dragging us down the same path."
"I’m sorry, Mom," Erica apologized. She stepped closer and held her hands as she tried to appeal to the small shred of compassion she hoped still existed in her mother. "I know I messed up. But I swear, if you help me this one last time, I’ll change."
Lydia studied Erica’s tear-streaked face, her own expression wavering for a brief moment. But the years of frustration and disappointment had hardened her heart, and she quickly steeled herself against the plea.
"I’ve already spent millions on you. I don’t have that kind of money anymore."
A helpless look crossed on Lydia’s face. She had been saving that money for months, intending to secure a valuable piece of land. If she used it to pay off Erica’s debts, all her plans—her future—would crumble. She couldn’t take that gamble.
Her words only fueled Erica’s ire. "Don’t have money! Why are you lying? I know you have a rich boyfriend – Mr. Blair. Why don’t you ask him to help you?"
Lydia couldn’t believe Erica had said that. Before she could think, her hand lashed out, the sharp sound of the slap echoing in the room. Erica staggered back, landing on the edge of the bed, her cheek burning with the force of the blow.