He made it sound like he was being magnanimous, but in truth, he was only covering up for himself.

Julie studied him quietly. She felt as though she no longer knew him. She continued to stare at him for a long while, making Bill tense up.

“Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?" he stammered.

“Is there something on my face?"

Julie shook her head. "Before my father passed away, he left a third of his shares to me. I don't participate in the business matters of the Smith family, but it is a considerable amount of fortune."

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Bill's and Vivian's breathing pick up.

They were Like starved wanderers who had just been served a feast. They truly were cut from the same cloth. It should be no wonder, as they were father and daughter.

Bill was excited by this piece of news, and so was Vivian.

They stared at Julie with a mix of anticipation and fear. They couldn't possibly let her go so easily.

It was Bill who broke the silence. "Julie," he said in a more mellow tone.

“We haven't gone through the formal process of divorce yet.

I deserve my share of your inheritance!"

An amiable smile was plastered on Bill's face, something that Maria had never seen before.

Vivian mirrored the same exact smile.

They were eagerly waiting for Julie's reply.

But when they realized that Maria was still there, their brows Turrowed.

Needless to say, Bill didn't think that Maria should inherit a cent of the money Mathias had left.

She was a complete outsider.

She didn't belong in their family.

But as things stood at the moment, Bill could only shut his mouth.

He was afraid that Julie would be displeased by his outlook, and would even deny him his share of the inheritance because of it.

"Tell, isn't that just great for you, Maria?" Bill grumbled to himself.

“No.”

The word rang out in the spacious living room, making Bill freeze where he stood.