After Mark’s brother passed away, his mother insisted that Mark should take on the responsibility of caring for his widow-Jessica. Jessica managed the income. I managed the expenses. The entire family's income went to Jessica, while I was responsible for the spending and the savings. I work hard on it. When expenses exceeded income, I even paid the difference from my own pocket. At year-end, the whole family gathered to settle the household accounts. Jessica smiled. "Mark, this year you made $150,000 salary plus a $50,000 bonus—that's $200,000 total! You're amazing!" The whole family cheered. Only I remained expressionless. Mark turned to me, a smug grin on his face. "I got a raise this year, Chloe. Since we lived frugally, the savings account must be fat compared to last year. How much do we have?" I said flatly, "Not a penny." Mark's smile vanished instantly. His face contorted. "We scrimped and saved all year! Where is the money? Did you funnel it to your own secret stash?" The entire family looked at me like I was a criminal. I laughed coldly and looked at Jessica's guilty face. ...... "Chloe, I'm talking to you. Why do you keep staring at Jessica?" The next second, Mark roared at me. His face was dark as storm clouds. "Chloe, tell me the truth. Where did the money go? Did you give it all to your family?" "You're the only one managing this household. My monthly salary is $12,500. Even if groceries and bills cost $4,000, that still leaves $8,500!" "Over a year that's at least $102,000, plus the $50,000 bonus—$152,000 total. How could there be nothing left? Where's the money? Did you steal it!" I replied indifferently. "The money is indeed gone." As soon as I spoke, Mark got even angrier. "Chloe, I'm warning you. Don't push it!" Mark's parent immediately tried to smooth things over. "That's right, Chloe. In previous years when Mark made less, you still saved almost $100,000. This year with more money, how is there nothing left? That doesn't make sense." "Or think harder—maybe you put it in a different account and forgot?" In previous years, Mark's month salary was $120,000. After household expenses for five people, we'd save over $80,000 annually. This year his salary increased $30,000, plus a $50,000 bonus. Yet somehow there was nothing. No wonder they were so angry. I shook my head again and said calmly. "I didn't miscalculate. There really is nothing." "CHLOE!" Mark's voice nearly broke. "I trusted you completely—I put this whole household in your hands. Is this how you repay my trust?" I glanced at Jessica. She showed no reaction. Just smiled ingratiatingly. I sighed helplessly. "There's no other way. This year, that's just how it was." Unexpectedly, Jessica spoke up. Acting sincere and concerned. "Chloe, think harder. Are you in some kind of trouble?" "I remember last month you took out a loan to help your brother, right?" Her words were vague but the meaning was clear. "If you really took the money, just admit your mistake. We'll definitely forgive you." After Jessica's words, everyone's expressions changed drastically. Mark instantly exploded and slammed the table. "Chloe, normally I overlook when you slip your family little favors. But now you dare touch our foundation? Do you have any respect for us?" "Don't forget—you married into the Miller family. You are Chole Miller." Mark's mom immediately screeched in agreement. "This is sinful! My son works himself to death earning that money, and you use it to fill your family's bottomless pit?" Mark's father pointed at my nose. "You ungrateful leech! My son was cursed the day he married you!" Mark's sister chimed in. "Exactly. So selfish." Jessica looked at me with pity. "Stop yelling at her. Just get the money back from your brother, Chloe. We can move past this." I almost laughed at her shamelessness. Since that's how it is, no need to save face. "Jessica, aren't you confused?" "The one who borrowed money for her brother's loan sharks—wasn't that you? Last month you said it was urgent. Didn't you take all that money?" "We should actually be in the negative. I was afraid it would look bad, so I even added a few cents from my own pocket." Jessica's face flashed with panic. She looked at Mark helplessly, her eyes instantly reddening. "Mark, it wasn't me..." Mark didn't even hesitate. He turned on me like a rabid dog. "Enough, Chloe! Stealing the money wasn't enough? Now you're framing Jessica?" I sneered. Ten years of marriage. And he trusted her crocodile tears over me in a heartbeat. I pulled out my phone and opened the chat history. "Look. This is proof of when Jessica borrowed money from me." "She promised to pay it back by year-end. She still hasn't."
Jessica's face instantly turned pale. This was Jessica's usual trick—playing weak, using her dead husband as an excuse. Painting herself as the world's most innocent victim. The first time she came to me crying. "Chloe, I know I shouldn't ask, but my brother is really in trouble. He desperately needs money to save his life." "My husband is gone. He's my only family left. I can't just watch him..." "You're the only one I can ask in this family. Mom and Dad are too old. Mark is a man. Chloe, please help me. I promise this is the last time. I'll pay you back by year-end, okay?" I felt sorry for her, so I transferred the money. I even helped hide it from Mark's parent to avoid causing problems. Never expected she'd turn around and accuse me. Jessica, caught in front of everyone, glared at me. "Chloe, I admit I asked to borrow money from you. But I already paid it back!" "How can you deliberately keep the records and slander me?" She said this while her eyes reddened. "Fine. Since you insist I took the money, then I guess it was me. My husband is dead anyway. In this house, I'm just an outsider." She fumbled for her phone, constantly glancing at Mark. Sniffling. "I'll transfer the money to you right now." Sure enough, the next second Mark exploded. He grabbed her hand. "Jessica, Chole did wrong. Why are you giving her money?" "Chole is clearly bullying you. She stole from us and won't admit it—now she frames you." "Chloe, do you have any humanity? Bullying a widow—has your conscience been eaten by dogs?" Jessica playfully tapped him. "Mark, don't say it like that. Maybe Chloe just got confused." "Since I'm part of this family and you've all helped me over the years—I have $20,000. I'll help cover $20,000 for Chloe." "As for the rest, as long as Chloe admits her mistake and makes up the difference, we're still family. We can be harmonious, okay?" I laughed coldly. What a perfect plan. Using that $20,000 to sweep this under the rug. To confirm my crime of secretly helping my family. All these years she'd been using her dead husband's name to play both sides. Whenever there was anything good, she'd take it first, using me as cover. Before, I pitied her and was willing to help. But now it's clear—all that kindness was wasted. Before I could speak, Mark got angry again. Pointing at my nose and cursing. "Chloe, are you really so vicious you'd bully a widow? Look what you've driven Jessica to!" "People would think we couldn't tolerate Jessica after my brother died. Today you MUST repay every penny. And you need to apologize to Jessica!" Watching him lose control, I suddenly understood. The real issue wasn't about money. He couldn't stand me saying one harsh word to Jessica—not even a look. Seeing me stay silent, he assumed I felt guilty. He got more aggressive. "I bet you've stolen more than just this year's money. All these years everyone was fooled by your act. Who knows how much you've given your family." "Today since Mom and Dad are here, let's thoroughly audit your accounts. Go through every expense and income from all these years and see exactly how much you stolen." As soon as he finished, Jessica's expression changed drastically. #$ She blurted out "Mark, it's New Year's! Why audit accounts? It'll hurt everyone's feelings." "Whatever the issue is, let's talk it through. Chloe, I'll transfer you the money right now." "Jessica." Mark stopped her again. "I already said—SHE did wrong, not you. How can I take your money? You've had it so hard all these years. Keep that money for yourself." Mark's mom gratefully squeezed her hand. "That's right, Jessica. You're so thoughtful. Don't worry—Mom will protect you. If Chloe bullies you, tell me. I'll back you up." Mark's father agreed. "You are so considerable. Having a daughter-in-law like you is a blessing. Even though you're struggling, you still think of the family." "Even though Mark's brother is gone, in our hearts you'll always be our daughter." Maybe one of the kids opened the door. Our argument had been too loud—the doorway attracted nosy neighbors. Pointing and whispering. Jessica shot me a pleading look, wanting me to let it go. Though their actions made me cold inside, they were still family. And there were children. I didn't want outsiders laughing at us. So I spoke softly. "Fine. Let's eat dinner first. We can discuss this after." Hearing this, Jessica's face relaxed. I didn't expect Mark to remain relentless. "Eat? That's all you think about! If we don't settle this today, you're not eating this meal." After saying this, he glanced at the doorway and sneered. He walked over and opened the door wider. "So you do know shame. Well, now I'll let you be thoroughly humiliated." "Let everyone see exactly what kind of person you are." Instantly, more onlookers crowded the doorway. Jessica rushed over, trying to close the door. Clearly, Mark completely misread the situation. "Jessica, don't be afraid. Everyone will support you. This woman won't get away with framing you." Jessica saw things spiraling out of control. In desperation, she lied outright. "Chloe, I really did give you that money—in cash. You even said there was no rush, that we're family so why keep strict accounts." "Also, I've seen you inflate grocery costs, pocketing the difference for your family. Just admit your mistake in front of everyone, and we'll let it go. It's New Year's—don't make this ugly." I froze, stunned by her words. All these years my family had been subsidizing me. When had I ever given them a penny? Ignoring my reaction, she continued, looking at Mark. "Mark, since we're all family, let's not be too hard on Chloe." "Have her repay this year's $152,000, plus a $152,000 penalty—$304,000 total, into the family fund. How about that?"
"Mark." Jessica gently tugged his sleeve. "Please? It's New Year's. Auditing accounts would hurt feelings." Mark glanced at Jessica. He snorted and reluctantly nodded. "Fine. For Jessica's sake—Chloe, hand over the money and we'll turn the page." I laughed coldly. So they'd calculated this all along. They knew my parents recently felt bad I'd been struggling without a car. They'd given me exactly $304,000 to buy one. Jessica saw him agree and quickly signaled me to transfer the money. "Chloe, see? Mark is compromising. $304,000 isn't difficult for you." "Whatever misunderstandings there are, we can discuss privately later." I almost laughed at her shamelessness. "Jessica, what makes you think I'll keep being your scapegoat?" "Since you claim you withdrew $152,000 in cash and gave it to me, show me the withdrawal record right now." Jessica immediately looked away. "Chloe! You're deliberately making this difficult. You know I lost my bank card recently. Fill in the money first, and once I get my replacement, I'll show the withdrawal records to Mom, Dad, and Mark." Then she pleaded, tugging at my sleeve. "Please, Chloe. Help me this one last time. I swear I'll pay you back." I scoffed. I shook her off coldly. By now, how could I not see her true face? Once the Millers got their money, would they care how it came? "Dream on!" "Since you can't provide proof, well—I have proof." "Proof of who's been secretly taking all the family money these years." "Ahh!" But she deliberately stumbled into the table corner, crying out dramatically. Mark saw this and immediately rushed over, slapping me hard. "Chloe! Look what you've become—bitter, mean. For a few dollars you've stopped being human?" "Jessica was trying to help you, and you dare lay hands on her." "Believe me or not, I'll call the police right now. Report you for theft, transferring marital assets, and assault. Let the cops throw you in jail." My face burned with pain as I stared at him. Never imagined he'd hit me for another woman. Years of feelings, gone in an instant. "Fine. Then let the police investigate thoroughly who really stole the money. Let them examine everything one by one." "Mark, listen carefully. If I took even one extra penny, forget $300,000—even 3 million dollars, I'll pay you back if it bankrupts me." I paused, pointing at Jessica. "But what if it was her? Would you still call the police?" He sneered. "You think everyone is like you—two-faced? Jessica would never do such a thing." "Even if Jessica used family money, I believe she didn't do it on purpose. I'd willingly pay for her." "Great!" I nodded repeatedly. If it weren't so inappropriate, I'd laugh. The heart I'd loved for years suddenly died. Jessica immediately rushed over in panic. "Mark, we're all family! How can we call the police? Quick, put your phone down!" Mark reassured her with a smile. "Jessica, you're just too kind. That's why this woman keeps slandering you." "Don't worry. We all believe you. When the police come, they'll clear your name." I laughed coldly and pulled out all the account statements from my bag. "Is that so? Then open your eyes and look carefully." Did she think she could lie without evidence? "Police! Who called the police?" Just then, a voice rang from the doorway. Mark's mom proudly waved her phone at me. Jessica's pupils contracted sharply. #$ "Officers! It was me! This woman stole every penny my son earned working himself to death. Not a cent left!" "Nearly $200,000! Officers, you must help us!" "Not only that, she viciously framed Jessica. Jessica is a young widow—so honest. You must investigate this evil woman thoroughly." Mark's mom ran up, pointing at me with a twisted expression. "Chloe, you refused the easy way. Now the police are here—let's see how you explain. If you don't pay up, enjoy prison!" I laughed coldly and pulled up a chair. Perfect. Saved me the trouble. The neighbors started whispering. "They called the police—this must be serious." "Right? That woman secretly transferred all the family assets. The year-end audit caught her. Not a penny left. I bet she's stolen way more. Calling the police was right." Another person quietly said. "Don't be so sure. Look how confident she is. She even volunteered to audit. She's not scared at all. Meanwhile, Jessica's face has been off from the start. Maybe there's something fishy. If they wrongly accused her, that marriage is over." Mark's sister munched sunflower seeds like watching a show. She didn't care who took the money. She just wanted drama. "Chole, weren't you acting tough? Now that the police are here, show us those statements. Let us see how this family got drained." Jessica immediately panicked. "No! You can't!" She tried to grab the statements from my hands. I sneered and dodged. When that didn't work, she ran to Mark. "Mark, quick—tell Mom to send the police away. This is our private matter. We can resolve it. We can't let it go public. How will we live together after?" "Harmonious?" He smirked. "Jessica, you're too kind. When this woman was stealing and smearing you, did she think about 'harmony'?" "Since she has no shame, we don't need to save face for this woman." He walked to the officers and pointed at me. "Investigate her, officers. Please examine this woman thoroughly and see how much she stole and how much she transferred." The two officers exchanged glances. The older one looked at me. "Ma'am, please cooperate." "Regarding your family's accusations, we need to understand the situation." I smirked, glancing at Jessica's ashen face. I handed over the statements. "Officers, these are all the household income and expense records since I took over, with bank statements and transfer receipts." "From hospital bills to a bottle of soy sauce—everything is documented." I'd originally prepared these just in case. Never thought there'd be a day I'd need them. Before this, I'd always pitied her widowhood. I didn't want to make things ugly. This year not covering for her was just to see her attitude. If she'd admitted it, I never would have revealed how much she'd secretly transferred to that gambling-addict brother. But today's actions truly broke my heart. Since that's how it is, no need to keep being the scapegoat. #$ Instantly, everyone's eyes were drawn over. Neighbors outside craned their necks. Jessica tried to snatch the documents. One look from the police froze her. The officers' expressions grew complex as they read. After a while, one asked: "Who is Jessica Miller?" "Jessica?" Mark froze. The angry denunciation he expected never came. He frowned in confusion. Mark's parent immediately crowded forward. The longer they looked, the grimmer their faces. Mark couldn't take it anymore. "What's wrong with these statements? Let me see." "Is the amount more than Chloe lied about? I knew it—this woman is calculating. She never had good intentions." He glared at me, walking over cursing. "Chloe, I was blind to marry a traitor like you." "Look at Jessica—how considerate, filial, caring. You're not worth a single hair on her head." I laughed coldly. The words buried for years finally came out. However, the moment he grabbed the statements, he roared and tore them to shreds. "No! Impossible! This can't be real! It's fake!" Mark got more agitated, nearly lunging at me. The police blocked him. "Chloe, you're shameless! Making fake accounts to frame Jessica!" I scoffed and pulled out backup copies. "Mark, can you tear up all of them?" The police photographed the statements. Some curious neighbors squeezed inside. They picked up statements and read aloud. "'Chloe, Mom's in the hospital—emergency. Can you transfer $50,000? I'll pay you back next month. Please don't tell others.' Date: March, two years ago." "'Chloe, help! Danny gambled and owes loan sharks. They'll break his legs. Please lend me $80,000. My husband's dead—I have nowhere else. Please help.' Date: June, last year." "'Chloe, $100,000. Danny swore this is the last $100,000. Once paid, he'll quit gambling. Please. I'll pay you back by year-end.'" For easy accounting, I'd pinned large amounts to the top. Smaller amounts were organized chronologically, clear at a glance. Those who thought I was helping my family fell silent. Only Mark kept screaming. "Officers, no—it's not like this! I don't believe it! She photoshopped these—forged the records!" "It's slander! This much money—how would I not know? How could she transfer it without discussing?" "Besides, previous years' accounts were correct. Where would you get this money?" His words gave Jessica courage to lie. She snapped back. "Chloe, I've always respected you. How can you treat me this way?" "I never asked to borrow that much! I never said those things!" She turned to Mark, crying. "Mom, Dad, Mark—please believe me. I really didn't." "Chloe is trying to destroy me." Mark stared at me venomously. "Chloe, look what you've done to Jessica. What is your heart made of?" "Apologize to Jessica publicly right now. Admit you forged evidence. Otherwise, you'll never enter this house again."
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