Ivan''s voice dripped with mockery. Julia could only cover her mouth and cough uncontrobly. By the time she managed to stop, the car had vanished.


    "Come inside. Let''s have a proper talk." Ivan turned and walked into the vi. Since Julia hade back, there was no need to worry about her escaping again.


    Coughing as she went, Julia slowly made her way inside.


    Julia scanned the vi anxiously. "Where''s my daughter? Hand her over. I''m the one responsible for everything. This has nothing to do with Ruby. If you have a grudge, take it out on me."


    Ivan sat on the couch, looking at her with disdain. "What worth do you have? Look at yourself, wheezing like a dying woman.


    "All these years, I provided for you and your daughter with afortable life. And this is how you repay me? I even protected your reputation outside. I stood up for you like you were the woman I cherished the most. And yet, this is what I get in return?"


    Julia''s face turned pale, then flushed with shame. Since the truth was already exposed, there was no point in making excuses.


    "I wronged you, but Ruby is innocent. She knows nothing. From when she was a baby, she has always treated you as her real father. Ivan, she has called you ''Dad'' for so many years. If not for my sake, at least let her go for hers. Do whatever you want to me, and I will not utter a word ofint."


    "Would you even dare toin? You''re nothing but a whore. What makes you think you can act noble in front of me?" Ivan sneered.


    "Julia, tell me, after all these years of treating you well, why did you do this to me?"


    Julia let out a weary sigh and sat on the couch across from him."Do you really need an answer? Now that you know, there''s nothing more to say. Let Ruby go. I will stay with you and help you through this crisis."


    "Ha! Julia, do you still think I am a fool?" Ivanughed in disbelief. "What use do you have? Tell me. Ruby is at least young and beautiful. If I send her to entertain clients, she can bring me profit and help me rise again.


    "But you? You were a mistress, and as your daughter, Ruby must have inherited your tricks as well. No need for training. I will send her straight to serve drinks.


    "Don''t you dare!"


    Julia''s anger triggered another violent coughing fit. When she finally managed to catch her breath, she red at Ivan with pure hatred. "Ivan, even a tiger doesn''t harm its own cubs. Ruby has called you ''Dad'' for so many years. You cannot be this cruel."


    "Then why did you not say the same thing when you urged me to abuse Sophia?" Ivan sneered. "Julia, don''t be such a hypocrite.


    He added, "Don''t worry, though. Even with your constant coughing, I will not


    mistreat you. The moment you repay me, I''ll let you and your daughter leave. Don''t say Ick mercy. After all, you''re still fine, and I have not harmed Ruby, have 1?"


    As he spoke, Ivan pulled out his phone and made several calls.


    "Mr. Walsh, let''s have dinner together tonight. I have a surprise for you, something you will definitely like."


    Whatever Nathan Walsh said on the other end made Ivan break into an eager, ingratiating smile. "Of course, you will not be disappointed."


    After ending the call, he dialed another business associate and used the same pitch.


    By the time he finished his calls, Julia''s face had gone deathly pale. Having been with Ivan for so many years, she knew better than anyone how ruthless and heartless he could be.


    "Ivan, are you really going to do this?"


    Ivan''s grin was full of malice. "Rx. You are included as well. Our family should stick together, even in hell. If I suffer, why should you and your bastard daughter have it easy?"


    Julia''s chest heaved violently. She knew exactly who Nathan Walsh was. If Ruby fell into his hands, the consequences would be unthinkable.


    She turned to Ivan, taking in his smug, gloating expression. A thought surfaced in her mind. If he wouldn''t let her and Ruby go, then she would have to strike first.


    Julia stood up. "I will make dinner. I am hungry, and Ruby must be too."


    "Fine. Go ahead. You dismissed all the maids, so from now on, all the housework will be your responsibility,"


    Ivan looked pleased with himself. He didn''t fear her pulling any tricks, not when Ruby was in his hands.


    A ruthless glint shed in Julia''s eyes as she suppressed another cough and headed for the kitchen.


    "Julia, don''t even think about poisoning the food. I will have Ruby taste it first."


    His icy warning drifted in after her. Julia''s grip on the knife tightened.


    "I understand. If you don''t trust me, you can make your own meal."


    "Ha... I doubt you would dare try anything."


    Julia dug her nails into her palm but forced herself to remain calm. She grabbed some pasta, set a pot of water to boil, and took meat and vegetables from the fridge. Then, she dialed Goodwill Pharmacy''s number. Having bought medicine from them for two years, she had a direct line.


    The call connected almost immediately. "Hello, this is the Dithoria State Goodwill Pharmacy. Who is this, and how may we assist you?"


    "Hello, I am Julia White," she said, coughing. "Last night, my maid, Wendy, stole from your ce. I took a few pills, but the rest were taken by her."


    Julia gritted her teeth and forced herself to speak. She wouldn''t survive much longer, so she might as well handle everything before she died.


    "How much was stolen? I willpensate you."


    Helena, on the other end, thought she had misheard. "Hmm? What did you just say?"


    "I am Julia White. The Goodwill Pharmacy was robbedst night. My maid did it. How much was lost? I will pay you back."


    "We have done an inventory. The total value of the stolen medicine amounts to three million six hundred and seven thousand ny dors and eighty cents. We can waive the eighty cents. Justpensate us with three million six hundred and seven thousand ny dors."


    Julia nodded, "Alright. Send me your ount details. If you want to report this to the authorities, I will not


    object. But my maid has alreadyet?


    fled. Iwill settle the financial first. Please send me Goodwill Pharmacy''s ount number, and I will transfer the money S immediately."


    "Understood. Hold on."


    Helena didn''t hang up. She sent over Goodwill Pharmacy''s payment details.


    Momentster, the fund arrived.


    Helena reviewed the transaction and noticed that Julia had even included a note specifying the reason for the payment.