Axell managed a strained smile.

He hadn't expected Monica to bump into Jessie and her mom later that day and stir up trouble.

Jessie skipped work to go shopping with Lettie. She planned to spill the beans about her breakup with Axell when her mother was in a better mood.

As Lettie tried on clothes, Jessie stepped out of the store to take a call.

By chance, Axell's folks were also at the mall and spotted Jessie cozying up with her mom. Annoyed, Monica murmured to Daley, “Heard they went bust. Jessie's mom never introduced herself. What's her game? Is she not keen on her girl marrying our boy or just stingy with the dowry?"

Daley cleared his throat. "You're overthinking it."

But Monica's anger simmered. "I have to confront them now. If she keeps that dowry later, we're in for it."

Though Daley wasn't keen on Jessie, he didn't fancy this confrontation.

But his wife was unstoppable.

“Lettie, right? Jessie's mom." Monica approached with a forced grin.

Lettie was trying on clothes. Once she had been wealthy but now she had scaled back. Yet, old habits die hard, like her fussiness.

She was haggling with the saleswoman when Monica popped up.

Monica grinned. "I'm Axell's mom! Your daughter is dating my son.

Since we ran into each other, thought I'd say hi. There's a coffee shop across the street, want to chat?"

Lettie suddenly understood.

Unaware of Jessie's breakup with Axell, she agreed eagerly. “Jessie mentioned you came to Duefron recently. I'm glad we finally meet."

Hand in hand, they strolled to the coffee spot.

Lettie pinged Jessie, informing her about their presence across the street.

They took their seats.

Eyeing Lettie's posh attire, Monica couldn't resist a smile. "Lettie, here's the deal. My boy's a doctor. Two years back, after penny-pinching, we scraped together four million bucks for a house in Duefron. Now he's got a crib, wheels, and a title. He could pick any girl. Since he's set on your daughter, what's your dowry plan? We've mused on it. Figured it should be at least two million. It's not for us. It'll be theirs once they tie the knot."