Chapter 215

Annie's POV

"Calculate the total amount and have him transfer the money to me," my voice was calm and steady as I gently tapped the screen, handing my phone to Betty.

Strangely,my hand didn't tremble at all. Perhaps it was because I no longer felt afraid when facing Betty's scrutinizing eyes.

To be honest, I hadn't originally planned to ask for this money back. But listening to Betty ramble on about how I had supposedly squandered her son's money, a peculiar stubbornness welled up inside me. I was curious to see what expression she would wear when she discovered that throughout our entire marriage, it was actually "generous Annie" who had been subsidizing her "stingy son."

Betty took the phone with her trademark haughty expression,the corner of her mouth slightly upturned as if victory was already hers.

"Very well, let's see just how much money my son spent on you!" She deliberately raised her voice, her eyes filled with contempt, as if appraising a worthless item. "If you have any dignity at all, now that you've found a wealthy man like Howard, you should return all the money my son spent on you."

"No problem," I replied, almost cheerfully, unable to suppress a small smile."If the results show that I subsidized your son, please make sure he returns the money to me as well. Fair is fair."

Betty nodded confidently, like a queen graciously bestowing favors. "Of course."

She began scrolling through the screen, reviewing my detailed records.Interestingly, her expression gradually changed-first confusion, then disbelief, and finally complete shock. I coud see her brow furrowing tighter and tighter, almost knotting itself.

I almost laughed out loud at that moment. Each entry in those records was precise down to thecent, clearly displaying every expense I had paid for Philip. I had even thoughtfully excluded what I had spent on Brian.More ironically, she could see how generous I had been toward Philip-never questioning the price when purchasing luxury items for him,all using money I had earned from my illustrations.

Betty finally looked up, the confuIsion in her eyes almost tangible. She opened her mouth, then closed it, like a fish thrown onto shore.

I calmly broke the silence: "By the way, I haven't included what I spent on Brian. Since you've already abandoned him, I won't trouble you to return that money."

I could see my words cutting into her pride like a knife; her cheek twitched slightly.

Betty finally found her voice, though it no longer sounded so aggressive."You spent over two million dollars on my son in those six years? That's impossible!"

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a quiet satisfaction rise within me:′′Ifyou question any expenditure, you can point it out. I can tell you exactly when and where that money was spent on your son-I've kept every receipt."

Everything was clearly documented in those spreadsheets, accurate to the penny. I watched her gaze dart between me and the phone, as if facing an unsolvable puzzle.

Seeing her trying to comfort herself. I couldn't help but laugh inwardly.Some people always find ways to maintain their incorrect perceptions.

Betty quickly returned to her usual dominant posture, patting Philip's shoulder, her voice suddenly sharp: "Where are the records of things Philip bought for you? Show me those! There must be many,right?"

I noticed that Philip remained silent, his gaze firmly locked on me. His expression was complex-anger, confusion, and a hint of somethingI'd never seen before-respect?

I met his gaze without flinching. Once, this kind of stare would have made me nervous and retreat, but now I felt only a strange calmness.

"Enough," Philip finally spoke, his voice clearly tired and irritated. "Do you really need to embarrass my mother like this?"

His words made me chuckle softly. This was absurd.

"How interesting, Philip," I shook my head, my voice tinged with undisguisable sarcasm, "Your mother shows up uninvited at Howard's home, claiming that my mother and I were after your money. Even after I explained that I barely took any money from you, she still persisted in slandering me. I'm simply trying to prove my innocence, and yet you say I m embarrassing her?"

I paused,looking directly into his eyes: "Your logic is truly remarkable."

Strangely, his old trick of trying to make me feel guilty no longer worked on me. This realization brought an unprecedented sense of lightness.Thank heavens I had found the courage to leave Philip. Otherwise, my life would have been slowly drained by this relationship filled with accusations and manipulation.

"Yes," Philip answered without hesitation, his tone carrying that familiar condescension. "You know what she's like. You used to understand and tolerate her..."

I interrupted him: "I used to tolerate her because you were the person I loved." My voice was surprisingly calm, as if discussing today's weather.Feeling the tranquility within me, I continued: "I was willing to overlook your mother's behavior for your sake, to endure unnecessary criticism and insults."

I took a deep breath, feeling new strength flowing through my body: "But now. you're nothing more than a stranger to me. Your mother too. That being the case, why should I still inconvenience myself to make you happy? Why continue to allow you to violate my dignity?"

It felt so good to say these words, like truly breathing fresh air for the first time in years.

Philip stared at me intently, his lips pressed into a severe line. I could see the resentment and anger flickering in his eyes.

Just as the atmosphere almost solidified, I felt Howard's figure shift slightly,protectively standing in front of me. In that moment, a warm sense of security enveloped me.

"When a man marries a woman," Howard began, his voice maintaining that famailiar calm and restraint I knew well, yet each word powerful,"it should be because he truly loves her. He wants to live with her and create a beautiful future together."