A flicker of resistance shed across N''s face, but it quickly faded. She obediently handed over her freshly earned paycheck to Cami, who grinned as she began counting.


    Once she finished, her eyes lit up with delight, "100 grand? N, does Moonlit Apothecary really pay you this much?"


    N lowered her voice. "Dr. Lloyd gave it to me. He''s a really kind person... he takes good care of me."


    Cami turned to Andrew, eyeing him with uncertainty. Before stepping inside, she had spoken poorly of Moonlit Apothecary, though it had only been out of jealousy.


    In reality, Moonlit Apothecary was one of the most well-known establishments in Jayrodale, with a miracle doctor treating patients. Wealthy and powerful families flocked here in droves.


    Cami''s expression quickly shifted as she put on a ttering smile. "You must be the owner of Moonlit Apothecary. N works under you, so feel free to use her however you see fit-hardbor, long hours, whatever."


    She chuckled, her voice syrupy sweet. "Just as long as you keep being generous and paying her well every month, Dr. Lloyd!"


    0


    Andrew remained indifferent. "The Goth family is a well-established name in Jayrodale. Are you saying you''re short on money?"


    Cami let out a huff. "Of course not! The Goth family is wealthy! But N is just a useless burden. She''s going to get married off eventually!


    "Now that I''m pregnant, my son will inherit the Goth family. As for N''s wedding gifts and any other expenses, she''ll have to earn those herself. She shouldn''t expect a single cent from us."


    Francesca''s irritation deepened. As a woman, she had experienced firsthand what it was like to be treated as a financial burden by her own family, and the outdated mindset disgusted her.


    With a coldugh, she snapped, "If she''s expected to earn her own wedding gifts, then shouldn''t she be allowed to keep her paycheck instead of handing it all over to you?"


    Her sharp words sparked a heated argument between her and Cami.


    Cami,pletely unfazed, said matter-of-factly, "I''m her stepmother. She''s still young and irresponsible. If she has money in her hands, she''ll just waste it on food and nonsense! I''m only doing this for her own good. I won''t spend a dime of her money-just keeping it safe until she gets married."


    Francesca scoffed. ed. "That''s what a


    lot of parents say, but in the end, they treat their kids like cash cows They im they''re ''holding onto it for them, but when the timees, they pocket every cent and give nothing back!"


    Cami''s expression darkened as she snapped, "What are you trying to say? You think I''m after N''s paycheck? Let me tell you


    something-I''m thedy of the Goth family! Do you really think I need her money?


    "I spend tens, even hundreds of thousands every time I go shopping! A measly 100 grand is nothing-it wouldn''t even buy me a decent handbag!"


    She tilted her chin up arrogantly, throwing Francesca a condescending nce.


    Francesca''s patience finally snapped. This woman was the textbook definition of an evil stepmother. The way she greedily counted the money earlier made it obvious she was lying through her teeth.


    Not only was Cami shameless, but she was also disgustingly two-faced-acting like she was ''helping'' N when all she was doing was stealing from her.


    N had worked hard as a nurse at Jayrodale General Hospital before joining Moonlit Apothecary. There was no way Francesca would let someone like Cami bully her.


    She crossed her arms and smirked coldly. "Since 100 grand means nothing to you, why don''t you just give it back to N?"


    Cami''s face turned stormy. "How we handle money in the Goth family is none of your business! I am still technically her mother! Are you saying I don''t have the right to manage her finances?"


    Francesca clenched her teeth, ready to fire back, but N lowered her head and


    murmured softly, "Dr. Aicker, just let it go."