Back in Miller Villa, Monica gingerly approached Thomas as he hung up his phone. "Patrick has been spending a lot of money these years. It's impossible to make up for it now…"

"I know that!" Thomas snapped, his face dark. "Tomorrow, I'll ask him how much money he has left and find a way to come up with the rest."

"What?" Monica's eyes widened. "No way! You shouldn't even have to deal with this shit! I'll talk to Dad and blame everything on Yvonne–"

"Enough! Things are messy enough as they are." Thomas glared at his wife. "Yvonne promised to let Patrick go once she receives the money. So that's what we'll do."

"Why do you have to be the dupe? Patrick got himself into this mess, so why should you clean up after him?" Monica pointed a finger at him. "The old man doesn't take you seriously because you're too weak! Can't you stand up for yourself? He'll be the one to regret cutting ties with you anyway! Ha! He's also got a good eye for weaklings. He knows how to keep you under his thumb for