Is it something you can’t tell me?

Lia's grandmother's voice was stern and laced with fury. "How dare you speak like that? Get out. I don't want to see you in this room again."

"Grandma, please, calm down. Don't get angry," Lia said, rushing to comfort her.

"Lia, don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to meddle in your life, but you should understand that even though their family sells meat, they own several shops. Even if they're not in the best part of town, marrying into that family would be a blessing for you. I know I'm just your adoptive mother, but I want to see you live well. A poor match won't do you any favors."

For Karen, it was all about what someone could provide. If there was no financial advantage, it wasn't worth her time.

"Didn't I tell you to leave? Or are you trying to push me to the grave?" Grandma's fists tightened around the bedsheets. "I always knew you were selfish, but I didn't realize you were heartless enough to push Lia into a pit."

"Grandma, it's okay. Don't get upset, please," Lia pleaded, rubbing the old lady's shoulders to soothe her.

"Oh, Mom, why are you so worked up? I'm doing this for Lia's benefit," Karen said, her voice shaking slightly when she saw the old woman's ashen face. If anything happened to Grandma, she knew she'd be in trouble, especially if Lia severed ties completely.

"I already told you, I have a boyfriend. I'm not interested in any other man, no matter how well-off his family is," Lia said, her voice firm and resolute.

"You…" Karen's frustration was evident, but she forced a smile. "Lia, your father lost his job, and your grandmother's medical bills are piling up. Are you really going to turn your back on the family that raised you?"

"How can you say such a thing?" Grandma's voice shook with outrage. "John lost his job because he's incompetent, not because of Lia. And when has Lia ever thought of herself first? She's the only reason we've managed for so long. If anyone owes anything, it's us who owe her, not the other way around."

Lia reached for her grandmother's hand and spoke softly. "Grandma, you saved my life. I owe everything to you."

Turning to Karen, she added, "The money I've given has all gone towards Grandma's care. If you think I haven't done enough, then show me what you've contributed."

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't have that kind of money," Karen snapped. "And now that John's out of work, I have to look for a job myself. I can't keep coming to visit."

With that, Karen turned on her heel and walked out. She didn't want to waste any more of her time on them if there was no financial benefit in it.

Grandma's eyes filled with tears. "What did I do to deserve this? A weak son and a daughter-in-law who only thinks about herself."

"Please don't cry, Grandma. I'll take care of you. You have a surgery coming up, and you need to keep your spirits high," Lia said, patting the old lady's back gently.

"But, Lia, what if you're not here?"

This incident only solidified Lia's resolve to buy a small home for herself and Grandma, a place where they wouldn't be beholden to anyone. She didn't trust her adoptive parents to take care of Grandma, and after the surgery, she planned to hire a proper caregiver.

Lia knew her time with Cassius wouldn't last forever. She needed to prepare, save, and work hard while she still could.

"Grandma, don't worry about me. Focus on getting better. We'll get through this," Lia said softly.

"You've been so strong, Lia. I'm so sorry for all that you've had to endure," Grandma murmured, her voice cracking with emotion. She knew exactly the kind of person her daughter-in-law was—greedy and manipulative. 

"Don't worry, Grandma. I won't do anything I don't want to do. Besides, I already have a boyfriend," Lia said, her voice steady.

Grandma looked at her with a tired but determined gaze. "If you say so, then I'll believe you. Just remember, you don't have to come back to see me. I'm worried Karen will try to manipulate you."

"Don't worry, Grandma. I can handle her. And Dr. Arthur said your surgery is scheduled for this Saturday. Let's just focus on that and keep you in good spirits," Lia said with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, my poor Lia," Grandma whispered, her voice thick with love and sorrow.

Lia didn't feel sorry for herself; she was simply grateful to have her grandmother's support. That was enough.

Karen was simmering with anger when she returned home. She had been working tirelessly to take care of her mother-in-law, but no matter what she did, Grandma only ever favored Lia.

"Mom, what did Lia say?" Lily, Karen's daughter, asked as she idly examined her nails.

"Your grandmother's being difficult as usual," Karen muttered.

"Grandma's not thinking clearly. Lia's going to get married eventually, right? What are we going to do when she does? She's not even our real family. She's not going to care about us when she leaves," Lily said, her tone indifferent.

Lily's goal had always been to live a life of luxury. She had tried to use Lia's connections with Lucas to get closer to him, but it never worked. She was convinced that it was all Lia's fault for ruining her chances.

"What do you expect me to do? You'll have to start making an effort too. We have no money since your father lost his job," Karen said with frustration. Her dreams of a wealthy future seemed more and more unlikely.

"Ugh, I hate this. Everyone else's parents have money, and I'm stuck with a dad who's just a servant," Lily complained.

Karen felt a pang of guilt, but she couldn't deny the truth. Her family had little to offer, and she couldn't change that.

...

Lia sat quietly beside her sleeping grandmother, checking the balance in her bank account. Cassius had transferred ten million to her, of which five million went to pay off Mrs. Selena. After hospital fees and surgery costs, she was left with just over four million.

She knew exactly what kind of people her adoptive family was. If it hadn't been for Grandma, who insisted on raising her, they never would have kept her around.

Even when Mrs. Selena had granted her an education, Lia had still been responsible for her living expenses. With Grandma too old to work, the two of them had survived by collecting recyclables to sell. Lucas, never missing a chance to insult her, had often called her "the garbage girl" because of it.

Yet, despite the hardships, those times had held a certain joy. It was just her and Grandma, working together to make ends meet.

She longed to buy a small house for herself and Grandma, somewhere far from the Valen family and their manipulations. As for her adoptive parents, she didn't owe them anything.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—it was Cassius.

He had been calling more often lately.

Stepping out into the corridor, she answered. "Cassius."

"You're not home," he said, his voice neutral but inquisitive.

"I had some things to do," Lia replied vaguely. She wasn't ready to divulge her family troubles or Grandma's health issues to him.

"What things?" he pressed.

"I… It's personal," she said carefully.

"Is it something you can't tell me?"

"Cassius, why did you call?" she asked, wanting to steer the conversation away from her own affairs.

"Just to check on you," he said simply.

"Oh."

Silence stretched between them. Lia wasn't sure what to say next, and it seemed Cassius was also struggling to find the right words.

"I have a banquet tomorrow," he said finally. "I need a new tie, and I don't like the ones I have at home. I want you to come with me after work and help me pick one out. I trust your taste."

"Yes, of course. When do you get off work? I'll wait for you outside Ravencroft Group."

"Six o'clock."

Lia checked her watch. There were still a few hours left, enough time for her to find a caregiver for Grandma.

"Okay, I'll see you then," she agreed.

"Don't be late," he added, his tone softening.

"I won't."