Chapter 6 Slapping the Kashi Family's Face

"Since you know Miss Irene, go pick out some gifts and deliver them to her today," Stefan's gaze fell on Walter, who was driving. His blue eyes appeared empty, but they made Walter break into a cold sweat. "Schedule my time; I'll personally visit to thank her in a few days." "Yes!" Stefan looked at the now bright-eyed Marta: "Satisfied now?" "You're the best brother ever!" Walter felt a chill run through him from Stefan's gaze. Having been with Stefan the longest, he knew his capabilities well. Finding Miss Irene wouldn’t be hard; he just needed to contact the Kashi family. Though she had run away from home, her foster parents' phone should still be reachable, right? Walter pictured Irene's cold face in his mind. She should answer...right? Of course not. If Irene knew what Walter was thinking, she would have sneered. The crowd in front of the art store gradually dispersed, and the entrance returned to its usual calm. Irene entered the store and was choosing paints when a familiar, irritating voice interrupted her. What a nuisance. "What are you doing here?" The speaker was Irene's foster mother, Helen Cook. Holding herself with a superior air, Helen spoke naturally but didn't even mention Irene's name, showing her disdain. Irene turned and saw members of the Kashi family walking around the gallery in small groups. Leading the group was Helen's biological daughter, Joanna, supporting the elderly patriarch with a delicate smile on her face. The old man, leaning on his cane, seemed to adore Joanna, his hand gently patting hers with a constant, warm smile. The Kashi family members were the center of attention, exuding an air of importance. Helen, her hair neatly pinned up, and draped in an expensive silk scarf, positioned herself to block Irene. "Your father and I are very angry about you running away from your marriage. Since you're unhappy with the match we arranged and refuse to come home, your father has decided to cut off your allowance starting today." Irene couldn't help but laugh at Helen's haughty expression. Veins bulged on Helen's forehead: "What are you laughing at? Dissatisfied? Family interests come above all! You’ve benefited from the family, so you can't just walk away! If you insist on your own way, your father and I won't oppose, but from today on, you’ll have to earn your own living!" Irene, uninterested, replied, "Oh really? If I remember correctly, the original match was supposed to be for Joanna, right? Stop pretending. You cut off my allowance long ago." Helen glared coldly at Irene. All she does is talk tough! A lying fraud! If she wasn't out of money, how could she have found us? Oh my God! Look at what she's wearing! Only poor people wear cheap jeans, yellowing Martin boots, and that gaudy pink backpack! How pathetic! Leaving home has turned her into this! No skills, and she rejects the man we found? How many rich old men are there? Just wait a few years until he dies, and all the inheritance would be hers! Helen arrogantly said, "I can give you ten thousand G dollars, but you must apologize to your fiancé and earn his forgiveness." Irene twitched her lips. She pulled out a card from her bag, initially meant for buying paints. But now, disgusted by Helen, she just wanted to repay any money spent on her and cut ties completely. At that moment, a sweet voice chimed in, "Who is this? Miss, you're so beautiful." Joanna approached, gently shaking Helen's hand, her familiar, coquettish manner making Helen smile. Even the old man looked over. "Nobody, Joanna. Just a college student I once helped." Irene, lazily leaning against the counter, was about to speak but then closed her mouth with renewed interest. How interesting, Joanna. You saw me through the car window, and my picture hangs in the living room. Yet you claim not to know me? Go on, show me what else you've got. Helen took a deep breath and coldly said, "Irene, if ten thousand isn't enough, I can raise it to twenty thousand, but the conditions remain the same." Irene stayed silent, and Joanna added, "We should give this sister more. She must really need help." The old man nodded approvingly, "Such a kind child." The head of the Kashi family, watching from a distance, noticed the old man’s approval and did not intervene to help Irene. He continued chatting with others, holding a glass of red wine. The old man, growing impatient, glanced at his watch. Joanna quickly took the cue and said, "Mom, I’ll go with Grandpa Decker to view the exhibition." Helen glared at Irene. If it weren't for her, they wouldn't be wasting time. Today was crucial for Joanna to connect with the FBI higher-ups. If the old man took a liking to Joanna, got her a clerical position in the FBI, the family would have an insider in the police. "I’ll give you one more minute. If you don’t agree, we’re leaving." Helen raised her voice, turning away, not even glancing at Irene. Everyone expected Irene to buckle under the pressure, but she merely sneered and threw the card back. Joanna, not far off, turned just in time to see the card hit her face with a loud slap! Everyone was stunned! Especially Helen, who, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, screamed, "What are you doing? I'm your mother! How dare you treat me like this? I help you, and you repay me like this?" "I didn't do anything to you, foster mother," Irene said sweetly. "As for the young lady, my apologies, it was a mistake." Helen was so furious her nose seemed to be crooked. "Honestly, I'm not interested in your money or conditions. Here’s a million. Didn't you say raising me was expensive? Take this back, and list any expenses. I'll repay them all." Helen was both angry and shocked, but Irene continued. "Foster mother, you should keep more money for yourself. After all, you were the mistress who took over. The money's in the hands of the old Kashi lady, isn't it? You need it more." "Besides, I heard you recently brought your daughter back. You’ll have to support her too. Must be tough. I hope she's here today; I'd love to meet her." The scene fell silent after Irene's words!