Chapter 5 Vivian's Provocation
Ethan wasn't happy. "Henry, this is your responsibility. Maria's a good girl, and I need you to promise me you'll take care of her."
Henry was a man of his word, and Ethan wanted that promise.
"Grandpa, I'm already married to her," Henry said, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
"Are you still hung up on Diana from the Wilson family?" Ethan's tone was sharp, making Henry feel embarrassed.
Henry didn't confirm or deny it. After a moment, he gave his word. "I'll treat her well."
Ethan knew that Henry had made his compromise. He just wanted Henry to forget about Diana. He could accept a granddaughter-in-law from a poor family, but not one with poor character. And Diana was definitely scheming.
Maria left the Rose Garden Community an hour and a half early, just barely making it in time to clock in. After arriving, she grabbed her cup to get some water.
As she stepped out of the office, she saw Vivian blocking her way and raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"
Vivian's face was full of undisguised glee. "I heard you're selling your house."
Maria had no idea where she heard that, but she didn't care. "Do you want to buy my house?"
Vivian nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Billy's used to living there, so you might as well sell it to us."
Maria didn't expect her to actually want to buy it. "Are you sure you can come up with that much money?"
Vivian's face changed. "Can't we pay in installments? Billy and I can pay you off in installments."
It seemed they planned to use the house first and then pay slowly. Maria smiled and said, "I'm not selling it to you."
With that, Maria walked around Vivian and headed to the break room.
Vivian was immediately unhappy and followed her persistently. "Maria, we've been friends for so many years. Whether you sell the house to someone else or to Billy and me, it's the same. Why not help us out? And it's not like we won't pay you."
Maria found her annoying and turned around without hesitation. "Haven't I helped you enough? In the end, you stole my boyfriend and wanted to use my card to buy bags. Now you want my house too? Vivian, you and Billy are too shameless."
It was work hours, and there were quite a few people in the hallway. Vivian's face flushed with anger as she felt the peculiar gazes from those around her.
Before Vivian could speak, Maria continued, "And with an unemployed bum and you earning only two thousand dollars a month, what makes you think you can afford my house?"
At this, Vivian was so angry that she cried and ran off covering her face.
Maria believed Vivian was just looking for trouble, thinking Maria was an easy target. Despite hoping the morning's incident would lead to a peaceful day, Maria was surprised when Vivian returned from lunch in the afternoon holding a bouquet of roses.
"Maria, Billy just took me to lunch and bought me flowers. He also told me some good news." Vivian stood proudly in front of her desk, deliberately bringing the roses close to her.
The scent of the flowers made Maria feel a bit uncomfortable. "If you don't want me to throw the flowers away, take them away."
Maria grabbed a tissue and rubbed her nose.
Vivian's face changed, her voice sharp. "Maria, you're jealous that Billy gave me flowers, aren't you? Let me tell you, Billy not only gave me flowers, but he also went for an interview at Luminex Innovations. I heard the president of Luminex Innovations personally interviewed him and was very impressed with him."
Maria was speechless and pointed to the side. "Then the president of Luminex Innovations has poor judgment. You can leave now."
Vivian was furious and left with the flowers in a huff.
Maria rubbed her temples and tried to focus on her design draft, but she was too distracted and didn't finish by the end of the day. So, she packed up her draft and planned to work on it at home. When she walked into the living room, she didn't see Ethan.
Ethan was probably in his room, and Dora was cleaning the living room. Dora looked Maria up and down. "Ms. Brown, have you eaten dinner?"
Maria looked up, sensing something off in Dora's tone. "No, has Grandpa eaten?"
"Mr. Ethan Smith has, of course, eaten. Do you expect him to wait for you to come back to eat?" Dora replied.
Maria frowned. "I was just asking, Dora. Why are you reacting so strongly?"
Dora snorted, "Ms. Brown, I'm here to serve Mr. Ethan Smith. Besides Mr. Ethan Smith and Mr. Henry Smith, I'm not responsible for anyone else. You'll have to take care of your own meals from now on."
"I understand." Cooking for herself was no big deal for Maria; she used to cook for herself all the time.
Maria wasn't hungry yet, so she took her bag upstairs. After a shower, she got back to work on her design draft and finally finished it.
Maria stretched, feeling the stiffness in her muscles, and checked the time; it was already ten o'clock at night. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten dinner. She decided to head downstairs to the well-stocked kitchen to find something to eat.
Not wanting to make anything complicated, Maria made a simple plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce. As she walked out with her spaghetti, she saw Henry coming in.
His gaze fell on the spaghetti in her hand, and he frowned. "Didn't you have dinner?"
Maria hesitated; she had only made one plate. "I'm hungry. Do you want some?"
"No," Henry said and walked up the stairs.
Maria breathed a sigh of relief. She was too hungry and tired to make more spaghetti, so it was good that Henry didn't want any.
On the stairs, Henry glanced down, thinking the spaghetti looked pretty good.
After finishing her meal, Maria returned to her room and found Henry there. He was sitting on the bed, wearing pajamas, clearly having just taken a shower.
Maria's heart started to race. She wanted to ask if Henry was going to sleep here tonight, but she felt she had no right to ask, as they were already legally married, so it was normal to sleep together.
"Maria." This was the first time Henry called her by her name, and Maria was a bit surprised.
He handed her a contract.
"What's this?" Maria looked up at Henry in surprise.
His gaze was steady, and his voice was calm. "A postnuptial agreement."
Maria took it and looked it over. The agreement outlined several key terms:
[During the marriage, it was crucial to take meticulous care of Ethan, requiring both parties to display affection in his presence. They were also required to attend certain events together. Beyond these obligations, there was no requirement to engage in marital relations.]
[The arrangement was initially set for six months, with an unconditional extension should special circumstances arise. Upon termination of the marriage, the six thousand dollars in gifts did not have to be returned, and an additional six thousand dollars in compensation would be provided.]
Realizing she would get twelve thousand dollars in six months, Maria was stunned and could hardly believe it.
"Have you finished reading?" Henry asked.
Maria nodded instinctively.
"If you agree, sign it," he said.
Maria didn't hesitate at all. She picked up her pen and signed immediately.
Not having to fulfill marital duties and just taking care of Ethan, she felt like she was getting a great deal.
"Mr. Smith, when will you give me the compensation you mentioned?" Maria hadn't forgotten that she had borrowed twelve thousand dollars, an amount that had been given to her by Henry along with the gift last night.