Chapter 84

"You can't seriously believe that!" Frank Harris 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.

"Frank Harris, 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 Luna White had shared earlier churned in her mind like a storm.

Frank 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 He was just weak-willed, still shackled by the outdated belief that sons mattered more than daughters.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 Luna. "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.

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

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

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

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

Frank wrung his hands anxiously.

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

"How?" the couple asked in unison.

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

Martha’s eyes lit up. "Brilliant!"

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

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

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

Before Luna left, Martha insisted on stuffing her bag with jars of preserves and pastries. Frank 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, Luna waved goodbye and boarded the bus. The sunlight streaming through the window warmed her heart.