?Chapter 203:


    Ethel and Chasen, persistent and unyielding, remained at the doorstep. Their appearance was ragged and tired. They had been locked in by Malcolm, who left them without food, aiming to cut them off. Fortunately, their ingenuity had led them to escape using a crawl space found in the backyard.


    Ethel was determined to speak with Marlon. After all, they were family, and Malcolm seemed intent on harming them. Additionally, Malcolm had restricted their financial resources. With the funds drying up, Rory’s situation became dire. Rory’s treatment was expensive, costing a staggering half a million each week.


    Financial support from Malcolm and Marlon over the years had dwindled to nothing, just as Rory’s medication was about to run out. With only a day’s supply remaining and no forting help from Marlon, Rory faced a grim reality without his medication.


    Contemting this, Ethel copsed to the ground, poised to unleash her frustration. “I am indeed a true member of the Johnson family! How can you be so foolish? What gives you the right to bar my entry, Mrs. Johnson?”


    Ethel’s outburst was cut short as someone recognized her.


    Ethel’s gaze lifted, and there stood Samira.


    Locking eyes, Samira asked, “Did youe to visit Marlon? Why aren’t you going in?”


    The recognition left Ethel feeling slightly embarrassed. She extended her hand, expecting Chasen’s help to rise, but he remained still.


    Annoyed, Ethel stood up on her own, clumsily dusting off her clothes. “What’s the matter with you two?” Samira asked, her tone filled with suspicion.


    Clearing her throat repeatedly, Ethel responded with frustration, “The guards here are too obstinate. They won’t allow me inside.”


    She then turned to the security guards, demanding, “Did you hear that? I belong to the Johnson family. May I enter now?”


    With a nod from Samira, the guards finally let Ethel and Chasen pass. As they walked, Samira asked, “Why didn’t you simply call Marlon? A quick call would have alerted security to let you through.”


    Ethel touched her nose, her gaze darting around nervously. Malcolm had taken their phones. Their escape this time was a desperate bid to seek financial help from Marlon.


    g?lnσνe??s has the stories you love


    Preferring not to reveal more, Ethel briskly pulled Chasen forward, quickening their pace.


    Watching their hurried departure, Samira murmured, “Such haste… utterlycking manners.”


    Arriving at her own doorstep, Samira spotted Marlon emerging from Alexander’s residence. Instinctively, she said, “Oh, Marlon, what brings you here? I just helped Chasen and Ethel. The gate security didn’t recognize them and refused entry, so I stepped in.”


    Samira had nned to use this encounter to build a connection with Marlon.


    The Johnson family was a major patron in the entertainment industry, funding well-known television shows, films, and variety programs.


    Elyse had recently been excluded from the Jewelry Design Association and was feeling disheartened at home. She had expressed interest in exploring opportunities in entertainment.


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