Mr. Neal, Mrs. Neal’s Gone With The Money

Chapter 10

“Joshua, come with me,” Old Man Neal said, standing up with his cane in hand. Joshua glanced at Cynthia before following his grandfather out of the room and into the adjacent study to discuss matters.

Mrs. Neal stayed with Cynthia, chatting about family matters. She mentioned that if Cynthia ever found Joshua to be a

worthy lifelong partner, their family would always welcome her back.

Cynthia felt warmth in this family. It was like the cozy days she had experienced before her mother passed away.

Half an hour later, Joshua returned from his conversation with Old Man Neal. Joshua appeared unchanged, but Old Man Neal looked somber and visibly unhappy.

Old Man Neal snapped and his emotions were crumbling, “Get out of here! Don’t make a scene. You have one month left to take good care of Cynthia. If she suffers any grievances, I’ll give all your money to her!”

With his exceptional demeanor, Joshua replied, “Understood.”

As the two were about to leave, Mrs. Neal Senior suddenly spoke up, “Wait.”

Joshua and Cynthia both turned back, the moonlight casting a glow on them, seemingly bringing them closer together. However, it was just an illusion.

“Have you two settled the division of assets for the divorce?” Mrs. Neal Senior was worried Cynthia would be at a

disadvantage.

“Rest assured, I won’t treat her unfairly. She won’t lose a penny,” Joshua said without going into detail, not wanting to give the impression that Cynthia was greedy.

“In addition to the house and car, you should also share some of your stocks and bonds with Cynthia,” Mrs. Neal insisted with no hint of joking.

Joshua hesitated, wondering if he was really their child.

Old Man Neal agreed, “She is right.”

Neal Senior chimed in, “Listen to my wife, and don’t make her worry about you.”

“I understand,” Joshua replied, holding back his frustration. He got in the car with Cynthia.

no longer needed to feign intimacy with each

Senior and Old Man Neal had worried expressions on their faces.

handle their own affairs. Don’t worry about it,” Neal

Old Man Neal patted

you explain what you meant by ‘substitute‘ earlier? What secrets are you and your son keeping from me?” Mrs. Neal Senior asked, looking at her

3/6

||

Senior hesitated, “I promised my

“Are you

gave in, “Let’s go back to our

in the back seat. This was not the first time

Cynthia

Joshua was genuinely curious. He realized once again that he

her seat with her eyes closed, “No, I’ve just read some

deepened, feeling like

mother said. We’ll split the assets acquired after marriage

What we agreed on before is enough,” Cynthia

her with scrutiny. She seemed

wanting money one moment and

the next.

acquired after marriage. Half for each of us,” Cynthia

unwillingly.

Crater: 10

assets to support Jayleen made her unhappy, but she could not cling to his wallet

of your money in a minute,” Joshua rejected

silent, disagreeing

to their prior discussion. If Joshua did

table again. Cynthia pushed it toward Joshua. “It’s your turn to sign. We’ll apply

tomorrow.”

He could not help but wonder what she felt when she signed the agreement. He was the one who wanted the marriage, and now he was the one who wanted the

he spoke as if his conscience was catching up to

reply. Upon hearing Joshua call her name, she

you can come to me. My grandparents and parents like you quite a bit. Even if we’re not married, we can still be friends,” Joshua