<b>Chapter </b><b>543 </b>


    Sophia’s loaded question instantly put me on guard. I shot her a calm look. “No, why do you ask?”


    Sophia gave a little “oh,” her disappointment written all over her face. “Mr. Hob’s business is massive. Didn’t he give you a few extra properties when you split?”


    “He did, just not in Braylin,” I replied, keeping my tone cool.


    Sophia’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me, then she put on a troubled face and asked, “Sis, could you lend us some money for a down payment? Aiden and I just want a ce to call our own.”


    I honestly hadn’t expected Sophia to have the guts to ask me for money.


    I mean, even my own brother wouldn’t dare bring this up, but she just went for it.


    “Sorry, Sophia,” I said, keeping my tone firm. “I’ve invested all my money, and I don’t have any extra cash on hand.” ‘If she’s bold enough to ask, I’m bold enough to say no,‘ I thought to myself.


    Sophia eyed me suspiciously. “Sis, you’re not fooling me, are you? Even if all your money’s invested, with your monthly sry andpany bonuses… you must be making at least this much.”


    She held up a finger. “A million, easy.”


    No wonder she works at a bank–her guess wasn’t far off.


    I chuckled. “Sophia, you guys just started working. It’s way too early to think about buying a ce. Give it some time.”


    “Sis, everyone at the bank already owns their own ce, except me… I honestly feel like such a loser,” Sophia started up her sob story,ying it on thick. “If you could just spot us the money for a down payment, I swear we’ll pay you back…”


    “Sophia, don’t stress about it. I’ll talk it over with Mom and Dad,” I replied, already feeling wary after this whole thing.


    If Aiden ever did buy a ce in Braylin, there’s no way I’d put it under his name. People can be downright ruthless when ites to money–you’ve got to be smart about it.


    Sophia didn’t say anything when I turned her down, but she walked off looking pretty annoyed.


    of her


    She came in talking about marriage and babies right off the bat–clearly trying to nt <i>the </i>seed, so that when Aiden has a kid, I’d feel pressured to step up as Aunt Quinn.


    <i>‘</i>If she thinks she can test my sense of family duty, she’s dead wrong,‘ I thought.


    As soon as Sophia left, I called Aiden.


    “A house? What house? I’m not looking to buy a ce here,” Aiden asked, totally confused.


    “Sophia really wants you guys to have your own ce,” I said with augh.


    “Yeah, I know she wants a house, but we just don’t have the cash right now,” Aiden admitted, sounding a bit regretful. “Honestly, we spent way too much before. If we’d saved even a little of our allowance, we could’ve used it for a down payment by now.”


    “If I helped you out with the money…” I started.


    “No, Sis, really. I’ve got a job now–I can’t just keep relying on you,” Aiden said, sounding more fired


    up than ever. “You gave me all that money back in college and let me live the <i>good </i>life. I swore I’d make something of myself on my own.”


    I couldn’t help butugh. “Alright, just keep grinding. Things will turn around.”


    “So, are you actually thinking about marrying that younger guy curiosity obvious.


    “I don’t know, probably not,” I replied, keeping it vague.


    ou’re seeing?” Aiden asked, his


    Aiden’s voice turned serious. “Sis, I really think he’s just after your money. You need to watch out. Sure, he’s got a Braylin household registration, works at the Foreign Ministry, and looks all respectable, but honestly, guys like him just use their looks to chase after rich women. He definitely knows you just got divorced and have cash on hand…”


    I couldn’t help but burst outughing at that.


    I couldn’t believe Aiden was actually worried Ryan might be after my money. ‘Looks like this kid’s finally got some sense,‘ I thought.


    “Don’t worry, he’s not after my money,” I reassured him.


    “Then maybe he’s just into your looks…” Aiden joked.


    Iughed and cut him off. “Alright, Aiden, I know what I’m doing. You don’t need to worry about me.”


    “I’m just looking out for you, Sis/Seriously, you should find yourself a decent guy and settle down for real. Stop wasting your time with these boy toys,” Aiden said, genuinely worried.


    “Yeah, yeah, I hear you!” I said, then hung up.


    Just after seven that evening, Ryan came to pick me up for dinner. Honestly, I never expected to see


    him every single day, but he just couldn’t seem to stay away from me. Whenever he wasn’t working. he’d always find a way to spend time with me.


    田