Natalie's smile froze, and she stared at me in disbelief. "Aunt Christina, what did you say?"

Julia also turned to look at me, her brow furrowed in concern.

I raised an eyebrow and said, "Is it that hard to understand? I said no!"

Tears were already welling up in Natalie's big eyes, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

Julia, though clearly displeased, kept a smile on her face as she pulled me aside. "Christina, not giving in is the right thing to do. You've spoiled that girl rotten over the years!"

Julia was right; I had indeed been too indulgent with Natalie. I'd treated her as if she were my own child, always saving the best of everything for her.

Whenever I mentioned not getting married, Natalie would always promise to take care of me in my old age.

I'd agreed without a second thought, never imagining they'd have such ulterior motives!

Julia's inner voice still echoed in my ears. Crazy woman, she's gotten money and now thinks she's all that. It's better she just dies already!

I pulled my hand away from Julia's grasp and took a few steps back, creating some distance between us. "She's your daughter. Why does she keep asking me for money?"

At my words, Julia managed to maintain a veneer of harmony, but Natalie's facade started to crack.

She glared at me and snapped, "Aunt Christina, didn't you say you'd treat me like your own daughter? With this attitude, how am I supposed to take care of you in the future?"

Her tone carried a thinly veiled threat, as if my refusal was a grave offense.

I couldn't help but shiver. I thought, Letting Natalie care for me in my old age? I might end up in a worse situation!

I didn't respond; I just grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

I was done being their fool. If they wanted to find someone else to take advantage of, so be it.

When Julia saw me about to leave, Julia's expression softened, and she cheerfully stepped in front of the door to block my exit. "Christina, you wouldn't be petty enough to hold a grudge over a child's joke, would you?"

Beneath her friendly facade lay venom and scheming. You think you can just walk away? I haven't even asked you to buy me a house yet!

I shot her a look. "What, you want me to stay? Are you planning to ask for money now? Julia, you know I just got my relocation funds recently. You wouldn't want people to think you're after my money, would you?"

Julia didn't expect me to hit a nerve, and a hint of embarrassment crossed her face.

If she asked for money now, it would confirm her greed for my wealth.

Julia forced a smile. "Of course not. I just wanted you to spend a nice birthday with me."

She tried to drag me back inside, holding on to me as if she were clinging to her last dime.

I managed a strained smile. "Sorry, sis, but I've got plans to check some houses today. I won't be able to join you for dinner!"

On the way here, I had been considering telling Julia about my plans to buy a house for Natalie.

But now, it seemed utterly unnecessary.

I'd rather donate the money to charity than spend another cent on this ungrateful pair!

Ever since I told Julia about my property's impending demolition, she'd been incessantly drilling into me the importance of buying a school district property.

For the sake of my only niece, I finally decided to go through with it.

But I never expected things to turn out like this today—it seemed like the universe was on my side!

Julia's eyes lit up with surprise. "Where are you thinking of buying? Bridgeland's?"

She'd mentioned that neighborhood so many times I felt like my ears were about to develop calluses.

Natalie, too, chimed in with a beaming smile, "I knew Aunt Christina would come through!"

This mother-daughter duo always played the innocent card in front of me, but their greedy eyes betrayed their true colors.

Just then, I heard their inner thoughts echoing simultaneously. What a sucker! Finally got it right; we want the two-story one!]

It was clear they had already done their homework and knew which property was the most expensive.

Julia gently stroked the back of my hand. "I've heard that the property deed needs to be in the parents' name for the kids to attend the high school there."

She might as well have been throwing her calculations in my face, looking at me like I was a complete fool.

I shook my head, pulled my hand away, and headed for the door. "I'll go for something near my office; it'll be more convenient for me."

Julia's face immediately darkened, and she no longer bothered to maintain her sweet facade.

Her voice sharpened with irritation. "Wasn't it agreed that we'd get a school district property? If you buy one near your work, what about your niece?"

Julia's grand plan was for me to buy a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in a top school district so I could live with them, too.

She hadn't even considered that the commute from that district would take me over an hour each way.

It was clear she didn't give a damn about my life as a working person!

Natalie seized the moment to turn on the waterworks, mastering the art of emotional blackmail.

She flopped onto the floor, clinging to my leg, and started throwing a tantrum. "Aunt Christina, once I get into a good college and make a lot of money, I'll definitely take good care of you!"

But as soon as she touched me, I heard her true thoughts. I've already given you an out, and you're still stubborn—how clueless can you be? Just wait until you're old; I'll make sure you regret this!

My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively kicked Natalie away.

She fell to the floor with a thud, wincing in pain as she rubbed her aching back and glared at me.

I took a deep breath and forced a resigned shrug. "Sis, you said it yourself—Natalie is my niece, not my daughter. If you want her to go to a good high school, then you should buy the house yourself!"

The house I bought was the result of four years of juggling part-time jobs during college and two years of grueling work.

I hadn't bought a single expensive item during those years; I lived frugally.

Back then, Julia had mocked me, calling me a country bumpkin who hadn't seen the world.

Fortunately, luck was on my side. The small house I had purchased was slated for demolition, bringing me several million in compensation. It wasn't long after I bought the house that Julia, who had been indifferent for years, suddenly began inviting me over for meals.

Julia's expression soured even more. Her long nails dug into my flesh as she hissed, "Now that you have money, you've turned your back on family. You're truly a 'wonderful' sister!"

I was done with this charade. I yanked my hand away from Julia and made my way downstairs. With our parents gone, I had hoped Julia and I could stick together, but it looked like I was on my own.

Behind me, Julia and Natalie's curses echoed. Just wait and see! When you're dead, I wonder who'll get their hands on those millions!

Their words were so vicious they felt like a slap in the face, completely unbefitting of family.

At that moment, I could barely distinguish if those were their true thoughts or what they were shouting in reality.

I smirked bitterly. What a joke—family bonds? Sisterly love?

It is all nonsense. If they want to see me fail, let's see who has the last laugh!

I'd finalized the purchase and signed the contract for my new house.

It was conveniently close to the office—just a ten-minute walk away.

But Julia wasn't giving up. A few days later, she and Natalie showed up at my doorstep, putting on a sob story about being broke and desperate.

By the time I got home from work, a crowd of neighbors had gathered outside, whispering and pointing.

Julia was sitting on the steps, tears streaming down her face as she vented her grievances to the onlookers.

"Mom and Dad passed away too early," she lamented, "I gave up college and spent every penny I earned on my sister's education. And look where I am now!"

It was true that Mom and Dad died young, but Julia never helped me with school.

I worked multiple jobs to cover my tuition and living expenses.

The neighbors eyed me with suspicion as I walked up, holding a bouquet and dressed in stylish, high-quality clothes.

Julia and Natalie, on the other hand, were wearing faded, worn-out outfits. The contrast made it look like I was the ungrateful, self-indulgent one.

A nosy neighbor couldn't hold back and pointed an accusatory finger at me. "Look at the good life you're living now, all thanks to your sister. You're such a thankless wretch!"

Julia, ever the manipulator, gave a dismissive wave. "Christina is my sister. No matter how she treats me, I won't hold it against her."

She walked up to me, enveloping me in a false show of affection. "Christina, I know you're a good girl who appreciates kindness. You'll take care of your niece, won't you?"

For a brief moment, her sickly sweet gaze nearly threw me off balance.

But her inner thoughts hit me like a thunderbolt: Now that so many people are watching, I bet you're too embarrassed to hold your ground!

Julia was trying to use her pitiful act to force me into submission through public pressure.

I was having none of it. If it was a pity party she wanted, I could play that game too—better than her.

Tears began to flow freely down my face as I choked out, "Julia, do you remember when you tried to burn my college acceptance letter so I'd marry that old bachelor from the next village just to get the bride price for your husband's car? Have you forgotten?"

If I hadn't acted quickly back then, I'd have fallen right into Julia's trap.

Once the scheme was exposed, she had tried to pull a fast one on me, saying, "This marriage was arranged by Mom and Dad. I didn't want you to get married!"

I had been duped then, but now I wondered if her plans to use me for financial gain had started back then.

I didn't bother to wipe my tears or snot, letting them smear my face as I threw myself into the arms of the nearby woman, putting on a show of utter despair.

Julia was caught off guard by my refusal and immediately caved in instead of matching her drama. Seemed momentarily at a loss.

Natalie, ever the opportunist, fell to her knees in front of me. "Aunt Christina, you can hit me or scold me, but don't accuse my mom of things she didn't do!"

I crouched down and grabbed Natalie's chin. "Accuse her? Let your mom swear on our deceased parents to see if I'm lying."

In that instant, I heard Natalie's inner voice. You rotten-hearted wretch, may you get what you deserve!

I was no longer fazed by the spiteful thoughts of this mother-daughter duo.

I smiled, releasing Natalie and standing up to face Julia. "Julia, care to make an oath?"

Julia remained silent, glaring at me with venomous intensity.

The onlookers' curiosity was piqued as all of them turned to Julia, eager to see if she would dare to swear an oath.

I was just as curious to see if she had the audacity to lie through her teeth.