?Chapter 1559:


    Finally, exasperated, Keira blurted out, “Why won’t you just tell me how much money you have? I swear I won’t touch a cent. I’m done with gambling.”


    Sandra let out a softugh. “I’ll give you a monthly allowance for your needs. As for how much I have, don’t bother asking. I won’t tell you.”


    Keira rolled her eyes, muttering, “You’re just scared I’lle after your money!”


    Sandra didn’t mince words, her tone sharp. “Exactly. You can’t handle more than two thousand at a time. Any more, and you’ll be at the gambling tables, blowing it all. I know you too well, Mom. That habit’s not going anywhere.”


    Keira fell silent, struck by the truth in Sandra’s words.


    Her daughter indeed knew her well.


    The night air was crisp as Sandra made her way back to the Harper estate. Outside the gatedmunity, she noticed people leisurely strolling along the street. Then, she spotted Ethan’s car pulling in.


    When Ethan stepped into his home, warm light spilled from inside, and theforting aroma of a home-cooked meal drifted from the dining room.


    His brow furrowed—his mother hade uninvited.


    Sure enough, Elsa was bustling in the kitchen. He sighed, resigned. “Mom, what are you doing here?”


    Elsa knew her presence wasn’t wee here, but she brushed it off. She was bored to death at home. The housekeeper was nopany, and she hadn’t connected with any neighbors. Loneliness gnawed at her.


    “What, I can’t visit you? It’s dull being alone with no one to talk to. Your brother’s tired of me, but you’re not going to push me away, too, are you?” Her eyes welled up as she dabbed at them, her expression pitiful.


    Ethan caught the glint of gray at her temples and felt a pang of sympathy.


    He said, “Fine, stay if you want. But I’m serious—don’t interfere in my life or start picking at everything. Brenna and I are getting married soon. When she moves in, don’t give her a hard time.”


    Elsa wiped her eyes with theatrical ir, huffing in mock offense. “She’s not even your wife yet, and you’re already siding with her, making me look like I’m some wicked viin. What if she picks on me? Will you have my back then?”


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    Ethan nced at her as he walked toward the dining room, his voice calm. “Brenna’s not like that. She doesn’t start trouble unless someone provokes her first.”


    Elsa nodded. “Alright, I’ll y nice. I think Brenna and I will get along—she’s not like Rosanna. Our families are on equal footing, so we’ll probably see eye to eye.”


    Ethan had attended a business dinner earlier, drinking heavily but eating little. As he sat at the table, eyeing the array of simple, hearty dishes, he thought perhaps having his mother around wasn’t the worst thing. At least he’de home to a warm meal.


    Elsa felt a flicker of relief when Ethan didn’t object to her staying. It gave her a small surge of happiness. Kenny—the son she had coddled and showered with affection all his life—had pushed her away without hesitation.


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