Chapter 84: Derek Harlan Rubbed His Hands Together

"You can't seriously believe that!" Derek Harlan rubbed his hands together, forcing an ingratiating smile. "Everyone has a conscience. We've treated him so well—surely he wouldn’t turn out to be an ungrateful wretch?" He clung to a sliver of hope.

Martha Cooper stomped her foot in frustration.

"Derek Harlan, you’re unbelievable!" Her eyes reddened. "Fine! Go live with your precious nephew then! I’m divorcing you—at least I won’t die alone with no one to care for me." The story Elena Ward had shared earlier churned in her mind like a storm.

Derek panicked. "Woman, what nonsense is this about divorce?" Though his mother had nagged him for years about not having a son, he’d never once considered leaving his wife. He was just weak-willed, still shackled by the outdated belief that sons mattered more than daughters.

Martha wiped her tears and turned to Elena. "Dear, your sister was a wise woman. She knew there was no future with that kind of family and was willing to risk everything for her daughter. And your brother-in-law—he understood who truly cared for him. But me..." Her voice cracked.

Elena handed her the towel Martha had given her earlier to dry her hands.

Seeing his wife in such distress twisted Derek’s heart. Over the years, she’d endured endless humiliation for not bearing a son. They’d poured all their money into supporting Derek, leaving their three daughters with barely any dowry when they married.

"Aunt Martha, Uncle Derek," Elena said gently, "divorce isn’t the answer. Uncle Derek has a good heart. Don’t let anger make this decision for you."

Martha glared at Derek, her eyes still red. "I’m giving you an ultimatum—either cut Derek off completely, not a single penny to him, or we divorce. I’d rather live in peace alone!"

Derek wrung his hands anxiously.

Elena suddenly smiled. "Actually, there’s an easy way to settle this. Why don’t we test Derek?"

"How?" the couple asked in unison.

"Like this..." Elena leaned in and lowered her voice, outlining her plan.

Martha’s eyes lit up. "Brilliant!"

Derek nodded eagerly. Who wouldn’t want to know if their nephew’s affection was genuine or just an act?

"Then it’s settled," Elena said, clapping her hands. "Once we have the results, you’ll know what to do."

Martha grabbed Elena’s hands, her voice trembling with gratitude. "You’ve been such a blessing to us!"

Before Elena left, Martha insisted on stuffing her bag with jars of preserves and pastries. Derek even rode his vintage bicycle to escort her to the bus stop, urging her to visit again soon.

With the heavy bundle in her arms, Elena waved goodbye and boarded the bus. The sunlight streaming through the window warmed her heart.