Gerald suddenly slammed the table, pointing at me and shouting, "Good, very good! When I asked you to pay for my renovations last time, you told me your salary was low, that rent was expensive and you hadn’t saved anything! Turns out you secretly bought a house for yourself! How could I have fathered such an ungrateful daughter like you!"
Meanwhile, Martha’s eyes lit up with excitement. "I knew my granddaughter was extraordinary. She bought a house just like that! This is perfect. I was just saying there wouldn't be enough room at home for Brian and Vanessa. This solves everything."
"You can move back home. It's close to your workplace anyway. The house you bought will be just right for your father, me, Vanessa and Brian to live in. Three bedrooms and a living room. Absolutely perfect!"
My mother immediately shouted, "That can't be! That house belongs to Elena. It's in her name alone. Even if I die, I will never let you get away with this!"
However, no one paid her any attention.
Martha’s words had clearly given Gerald an idea. The anger on his face vanished, replaced by a broad smile.
"Good, very good. I was just wondering how to get Brian a house and it turns out you’ve already bought one."
"Let me make the decision. Tomorrow, you’ll transfer the house to Brian."
"As a woman, it’s useless for you to keep a house. Besides, you said it yourself that you don't intend to marry or have children. Since you don't plan to start a family, the house would go to Brian when you die anyway."
"It’s going to belong to him sooner or later, so why not just hand it over now? You'll even save the inheritance tax!"
Vanessa was overjoyed, yet she pretended to hesitate as she said coyly, "How could I accept that? Although Elena is the elder sister and it’s natural for an elder sister to help her younger brother, I’m afraid Elena might not be willing."
My mother was furious. Without thinking, she slapped Vanessa hard across the face.
"You shameless bitch! I treated you so well and this is how you repay me? I kept wondering why you came here, stirring up trouble and trying to force me out. So, it was all because of the house!"
Martha rolled her eyes at my mother and snapped, "Are you out of your mind? We gave Elena her life. What’s wrong with asking her for a house? If she dares say no, I’ll be the first one to deal with her!"