Matthew gaped at Renae in a daze. Renae hadn't mentioned anything about this during their ride over. Even though it was clear she was just dealing with some family pressure, Matthew's heart inadvertently started racing. Sandra sized up Matthew. After staring at him for a while, she looked disappointed and firmly said, "It's not happening. You can't pick him."

Donna echoed the sentiment. "I don't think he's good enough either. When choosing a partner, you need to find someone capable if you want a good life. Other than being young, what can he offer? He clearly isn't a successful person." Matthew wanted to give Renae a hand, but Donna and Sandra had dismissed him. He shrugged at Renae, indicating that he couldn't help since her family wasn't impressed by him.

Renae cleared her throat. "You're mistaken, Mom, Donna. Matthew is quite successful, and he even runs his own company."

Sandra turned to Matthew. "You'd better think it through, young man. If you want to be with Renae, you need to give us 500 thousand dollars as a wedding gift. Can you afford that?"

500 thousand dollars? Matthew was shocked. Back in his hometown, people typically asked for 10 thousand dollars, and that was already considered a lot. However, Sandra asked for a truly outrageous amount.

But it wasn't a big deal. He just saw it as purchasing the medical literature and covering the cost.

Matthew was about to say something when Renae interjected from beside him. "Are you losing your mind over money, Mom?

"The women in the village usually receive about 10 thousand dollars for their wedding gift. Why are you asking for 500 thousand dollars? That's too much."

Sandra was frustrated by Renae's attitude. "You don't know anything. That's the amount for an engagement. The wedding gift for a woman who's been divorced or widowed is doubled compared to a bachelorette. "You don't have a child, so the number can get higher. If he doesn't give me 500 thousand dollars as a wedding gift, he'll never get to marry you."

Donna walked right over to Matthew. "You don't look like you can come up with 500 thousand dollars for the wedding gift. Just get lost already. The person I set up for Renae will be here soon. Get a move on." Matthew furrowed his brows. "500 thousand dollars, huh? Sure. I'll give it to you."

He wasn't serious about getting engaged with Renae. Instead, he merely wanted to pay 500 thousand dollars and get his hand on Scholarly Tradition, the medical literature. He needed to finish the mission Nicholas assigned to him as soon as possible. Donna's expression changed slightly. She was surprised when Matthew said that he could fork out 500 thousand dollars.

"That's still not enough. The match I found for Renae is a mayor. He's got authority and influence that could benefit our family in the future. What can you bring to the table?"

Matthew's gaze turned cold. He tried to be patient with Sandra and Donna because of Renae, but they were getting increasingly unreasonable.

Just then, a man in his 50s walked in. He looked to be about the same age as Sandra. He came in with a beaded necklace that seemed like a collector's item, a big gold watch on his wrist, and a noticeable beer belly.

The man called out to Sandra, "Sorry for being late, Mrs. Brown. The district leader's been injured, so I had to visit him with a gift."

After saying that, he spotted Renae and excitedly said, "You're back, Renae. Long time no see. You're still looking great."

Renae frowned. "Hello, Mr. Gabrielson."

It was Damian Gabrielson from the town. He used to drink heavily and got divorced years ago. Rumor had it that he started a company and made a fortune.

Donna reprimanded Renae. "You don't need to be so formal with him, Renae! Just call him Damian. He's the mayor of our town. If you marry him, you'll be set for a good life." Renae exclaimed, "He's old enough to be my dad! How can you ask me to marry him?"

Donna enthusiastically remarked, "Being older means he is more caring and considerate. Isn't that fantastic? He'll look after you like his daughter, and you'll have a great life together."

Renae was visibly upset. "What if I don't marry him, Sandra?"noveldrama

Donna scowled and pointed at Renae's nose. "I've talked to Mom. No matter what, you're going to marry him."

With a darkened expression, Sandra stated, "Listen to me, Renae. We don't have the money or connection, so help Stephen out.

"If you marry Damian, he'll help Stephen start a property company. Our family will finally own a business."

Tears rolled down Renae's cheeks.

She said through sobs, "You said the same thing last time I got married, Mom. Back then, I listened to you because you're my mom. But this time, I can't do that."

Sandra snapped, "I'm your mother! If you acknowledge me as such, you'll do what I say."

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