?Chapter 1303:


    Leif was tending to the balcony nts, wanting them to thrive, while Tori lounged in front of the television, captivated by an ad for senior wellness supplements.


    Tori switched off the screen and turned to her daughter. “Ellie, darling, where have you been up totely? It’s been ages since youst visited.”


    She sifted through Ellie’s gifts, her fingers pausing on a luxurious woolen coat in a rich, deep purple, perfectly suited to her age. Yet, she shook her head. “Didn’t I tell you? No more clothes for me. This is far too loose. It doesn’t suit me one bit.”


    Ellie felt a pang of resignation. She prided herself on her keen sense of style and had chosen the pieces with her parents’ preferences in mind. Why was her mother always so hard to please? “Alright, I’ll return itter,” Ellie sighed.


    Tori slipped on the pants. “These are decent,” she said.


    Then, she tried the shoes. “The shoes are also lovely, but that coat? Not quite right.”


    Leif, finished with his gardening, ambled over to inspect the haul. “What a splendid coat!” he eximed. “Why are you fussing, Tori? Just wear it. Ellie must’ve spent a fortune on it. It’s far finer than anything you would pick out. Stop your grumbling!”


    Leif, delighted with his sleek new ck jacket, admired how it kept him warm while shaving years off his appearance. “Ellie, don’t mind your mother. These are fantastic choices. After all, you’re a top fashion designer!”


    Tori huffed, waving a hand dismissively. “I would rather you just slipped me some cash next time.”


    Ellie reached into her bag and pulled out a brown paper envelope, which she gently handed to Tori. “A little pocket money for you,” she said.


    Leif extended his hand toward the envelope, but Tori swiftly swatted it away. “I manage the finances in this household,” she dered firmly. “Why are you reaching for it?”


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    Leif’s expression soured. “Can I have a bit of spending money? I’ve handed over my entire pension to you.”


    Tori shot her husband a sharp look. “What do you need money for? You don’t handle the grocery shopping. Are you nning to splurge on someone else?”


    “Don’t be ridiculous!” Leif snapped, abandoning his plea for pocket money and turning his attention to the crabs Ellie had brought.


    Soon after, Hank and his new bride, Mattie Moore, arrived, their affection for each other still radiant from their recent wedding. They set their belongings on the table.


    Hank’s eyes immediately locked onto the thick envelope in Tori’s hand, which appeared to hold a substantial sum of cash, perhaps as much as fifty thousand dors.


    “Mom, what is this money for?” he asked, stretching out his hand to take it.<fn7068> Updates are released by </fn7068>


    Mattie, too, gazed at the envelope, wanting to have the money.


    Tori swiftly swatted Hank’s hand away. “Don’t even dream of taking it. This is from your sister. Your father and I are getting on in years and can’t earn like we used to. This house doesn’t run itself. Utilities and upkeep aren’t free. Have you ever chipped in a single dime?”


    Hank’s face fell, his tone tinged with frustration. “I only justnded a job, didn’t I? I’m making six thousand a month, and Mattie brings in five. We’re barely scraping by. Our own home’s bills and maintenance eat up over twenty thousand a year. We’re stretched thin.”


    His eyes lingered on the envelope, his longing palpable.


    Tori, sensing his intent, promptly whisked the envelope away to her bedroom for safekeeping.


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