### Chapter 8: A Plea for Cash The taxi rolled to a halt outside the imposing facade of the Lind family villa, an edifice that whispered tales of opulence and secrets. Janet, heart pounding with tension, darted out and hastily rang the doorbell, each chime echoing her anxious thoughts. Married to Ethan now, a promise fulfilled, she bore the weight of another urgent task — confronting her adoptive parents for financial help. The bittersweet reality of her marriage served a singular purpose: to secure the funds necessary for Hannah’s medical treatment. Inside, Fiona reclined on the plush sofa, cradling a steaming cup of coffee. Her gaze flickered towards Janet, a fleeting smile gracing her lips, yet it felt devoid of warmth. “How’s married life treating you, dear? You were wed just yesterday. Shouldn't you be celebrating? What brings you here? Something's troubling you, isn’t it?” The air thickened with tension as Fiona artfully skirted the matter of money, as if their past agreement had been mere shadow play. Janet’s expression hardened; she had no time for pretense. “I’ve come for the money, as you promised me. You said I would receive the funds upon marrying Ethan.” Fiona's smile morphed into a guise of tender concern as she set her coffee cup down, revealing her true intentions. It was all a game to her — a mere verbal understanding, easily twisted when inconvenient. Now that Janet was wed to Ethan, she believed the balance had shifted in her favor. “Now, now, Janet, there’s no need for concern. I assure you, we want to help. But you must be aware of our family’s situation. Your father made some investments recently but, tragically, it turned out to be a shady operation. The owner vanished with the funds and his paramour, leaving your father with the shattered remnants of his enterprise. Business is a treacherous sea, my dear. Look at your father; his hair is turning grey from the stress. We’re struggling to keep our heads above water and simply can’t part with that kind of money right now. Please, try to understand.” Fiona’s hand clasped Janet’s, her eyes shimmering with calculated sympathy, but Janet’s blood boiled at the deception. The jewels that adorned Fiona’s fingers likely surpassed the costs of Hannah's treatment, revealing the lies weaved into her mother’s words. Bernie, standing nearby, frowned deeply, catching on to the underlying tension. His heart ached for Janet at that moment, recognizing the unfairness in Fiona’s manipulation. “It’s really not a huge issue. We can manage…” he started to offer, his voice a comfort that barely cut through Fiona’s grip on the narrative. “What did you just say, Bernie? Do we have bottomless pockets? Jocelyn is preparing to study abroad soon; we’ll need every penny we can muster! The money we have left is what I’ve painstakingly saved after years of watching every cent. Do you have any idea the sacrifices I’ve made for this family? But you don’t give a damn, do you?” Fiona’s voice cracked as she feigned distress, tears welling in her eyes as she glared venomously at her husband. Bernie fell silent, a victim of an emotional trap he dare not challenge. “You assured me I would get the funds promptly!” Janet’s voice trembled with a mix of frustration and resignation. While anger coursed through her, the bitter truth remained: it was a mere verbal agreement, leaving her powerless to demand what was owed. With a theatrically sorrowful smile, Fiona replied, “Let’s not fret, sweetheart. Your mother and I will ensure you receive the funds as soon as they become available. Right now, I can offer you a few thousand dollars from my reserves. It’s not much, but it’s a start.” Janet's heart sank at the meager offer, her lips quivering as she prepared to voice her disbelief when suddenly, Jocelyn appeared. She glided down the staircase with an air of self-importance, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Janet. “What are you doing back here? Where's your husband? Has he deserted you?” Jocelyn’s voice dripped with mocking disdain as she approached, an unsettling smirk stretching across her face. “I married him to rescue your reputation. If he dislikes his wife, he must also quietly resent you,” Janet shot back, every word laced with icy precision. Jocelyn’s fury ignited at the sting of humiliation. In a fit of anger, she seized a glass of water and flung it at Janet, who, anticipating such a childish move, deftly sidestepped the impending splash. “Get out! This is my home!” Jocelyn shrieked, pointing imperiously toward the exit, her fury burning hotter as Janet remained unfazed. “I wouldn’t even be here if you hadn’t put me in this situation,” Janet countered, her calm demeanor only stoking Jocelyn’s wrath further. Fiona, witnessing her daughter’s irritation, finally lost her composure. “How dare you speak to your family like that! I don’t have a daughter capable of such disrespect. Get out!” A wave of disappointment washed over Janet, dispelling any remaining hope. Engaging in this fruitless argument was a waste of energy. With a heavy heart, she stood to leave, but as the door creaked open, she froze. Ethan stood outside, clad in a jacket that hinted at urgency. Behind him, another man panted heavily, clenching several bags in hand, setting the stage for what could be a turning point in this unfolding drama.