Chapter 481: Chapter 481: The Dowry Belonging to Her
Moira Besian took a deep breath and pretended to be loving, “Xaviera, look, Mag has already paid the price. She has been injured all over her body, and her marriage with Moore can’t proceed. You should let go of your anger now, right?”
Seeing the situation escalate to this point, the guests were already eager to leave. But with Mr. Caleb Mamet present, no one dared to leave first.
Under the scorching gaze of the crowd, Xaviera spoke calmly, “When my mother married into the Evans family, there was a dowry. I heard that Mrs. Rose Campbell intended to pass on that dowry to Mag Evans as her dowry for marrying Moore Mamet. Is that true?”
Hearing these words, Rose’s heart suddenly tightened, and she was shocked, “Xaviera, I… I thought…”
Seeing Caleb Mamet’s stormy expression, Derek Evans hurriedly stepped forward, trembling as he tried to explain, “Xaviera, don’t misunderstand! We’re not keeping the dowry for ourselves, it’s just that the Evans Company is experiencing some financial difficulties right now, and we can’t afford to spare any money. Mag is about to get married, and she’s marrying into the Mamet family. So we thought that we could borrow your mother’s dowry for her first. When the Evans family gets back on its feet, we’ll return the dowry to you.”
“Humph.” Xaviera sneered, “But Mag and Moore can’t get married now. Shouldn’t the dowry be returned to its original owner?”
Derek was sweating profusely, and his face was full of panic. The two of them stood there, feeling as though they were surrounded by an icy chill.
Derek bowed his head, saying nothing. His late wife Nina Hughes’s dowry was worth a fortune, more than the Evans family itself.
Without the company, the Evans family had to rely on the wealth and business left behind by Nina to make ends meet. If they lost this money, they would be in real trouble.
What’s more, the dowry had been in his possession for all these years. Why should he give it back to Xaviera just because she asked for it?
Derek looked uncomfortable, but if he didn’t agree, Mr. Mamet may not be easily appeased and his life could be in danger!
“It seems that my father is… unwilling! Both Mag and I are daughters of the Evans family. When she was getting married, you were afraid she would be wronged, and you were willing to give her my mother’s dowry. Now that I’m married, why can’t you give the dowry to me? After all, the dowry originally belongs to me. It’s only fair that I should have it!”
Xaviera continued, “I married into the Mamet family, and I need the dowry. What, in your eyes, Caleb Mamet is less worthy than Moore Mamet? I can be dealt with perfunctorily, and my dowry isn’t necessary?”
As soon as the words fell, Caleb Mamet looked up slowly, glaring coldly at Derek Evans.
Derek Evans’ face turned instantly pale. Helplessly, he said, “Xaviera, that dowry was left by your mother, and I should’ve given it to you. But…”
Derek struggled with his words, seemingly carrying a tremendous burden on his shoulders, his body trembling slightly.
“But you know how difficult things are for the Evans family now. We desperately need this money to make ends meet. Furthermore, your mother left you behind when she passed away, and the Evans family has been taking care of you ever since. You know how much it costs to raise a child. Even in her death, your mother had the responsibility to provide for you, so she should contribute her share of the support.”
Derek turned to Caleb Mamet with a fawning smile, “Mr. Caleb Mamet, we wouldn’t dare to treat you perfunctorily! It’s just that Xaviera didn’t tell us she was getting married. Otherwise, I would’ve definitely given her the dowry. I thought she wouldn’t need the money for the time being, so I decided to let Mag use it first. I never thought Xaviera would marry you.”
“Besides, you know how the Evans family has been struggling all these years. The assets and dowry left by Nina have all gone to patching up the holes. Xaviera demands that I hand over that dowry, but I just really… can’t do it!”
The guests nodded thoughtfully.
In fact, Derek’s words made sense. The dowry was Nina Hughes’s pre-marriage property, but years had passed since Nina’s death. The money should indeed belong to Derek, especially considering that he had been supporting Xaviera’s livelihood all these years. Those expenses weren’t negligible either, and it seemed a bit inappropriate to force the Evans family to pay up.
Seeing the guests nodding in agreement, Derek’s face eased a little.