?<strong>Chapter 264:</strong>


    “We’re broke! Completely broke! If you keep pushing me, you might as well kill me.”


    After saying this, Belle tried to shut the door, but the employee blocked it with his foot. “Mrs. Romero, I’m truly sorry. ording to our policies, this vi must be mortgaged to the bank.”


    “No way!”


    Rafael tried to soothe her, saying, “Mom, avoiding this won’t solve anything. Since Dad made those guarantees, we have to face the consequences eventually.”


    “And the money? Do you have a way toe up with the money? This vi was handed down from your grandfather. We can’t just sell it!”


    Exhausted, Rafael said, “Let them in for now.”


    Belle reluctantly followed Rafael’s advice, opened the door, and allowed the bank representatives inside. The living room quickly filled up. The bank staff presented ample evidence to show their visit was both reasonable and legal.


    Over thest couple of days, Rafael had been overwhelmed by paperwork. He asked, “If I manage to pay this debt, can we avoid mortgaging the vi?” The employee was taken aback. He had knowning in that the Romero family couldn’t cover a twenty-billion dor debt.


    “Absolutely.”


    Rafael nced at his watch. “Just a moment. The money will be delivered here shortly.” This news surprised everyone.


    Belle pulled Rafael aside and inquired, “Rafael, where did you get the money?”


    “I borrowed it.”


    “From whom?”


    Rafael preferred to keep it brief. “You’ll find out soon.”


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    Belle was still concerned. “Rafael, you didn’t resort to loan sharks, did you?”


    Liza joined them and added, “Rafael, I have some savings too. It’s not a lot, but it could cover our living expenses for a bit.”


    Rafael disregarded her and addressed Belle’s concern. “Mom, don’t worry. I didn’t turn to loan sharks.”


    Liza hung her head low. Ever since the incident with Humphrey, she had tried to reach out to Rafael several times, but he had coldly pushed her away. She was carrying his child. Didn’t he care about her, or even the baby?


    Normally, Belle would be attentive to her emotions, but with the family’s current turmoil, Belle had no energy to advocate for her. Liza felt increasingly invisible within the family.


    “Mom, my stomach hurts. I’m going to go upstairs and rest for a bit.”


    “What?”


    Concerns about the baby should always be taken seriously. Despite the family issues, Liza was still pregnant with a child.


    Belle quickly supported her and asked quietly, “Is it the baby? Do we need to go to the hospital for a checkup?”


    Feeling noticed again brought a sense of relief. Liza smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ll just go rest upstairs.”


    Then the doorbell rang. Rafael went to answer it, and Belle assisted Liza upstairs. Everyone was curious to see who had lent Rafael such a significant amount of money.


    As the door opened, everyone was taken aback. Standing there were Shawn and Can, Adrian’s assistant.


    Seeing Can, Rafael’s face showed confusion and clear hostility. Can’s presence meant he was sent by Adrian. Rafael’s rtionship with Adrian had changed from friendship to rivalry over romantic interests. He would prefer to seek help from Shawn than ept it from Joelle’s former husband.


    Realizing Rafael’s thoughts, Shawn spread his hands and said frankly, “You borrowed money from me, but I don’t have twenty billion to give all at once. Adrian and I will lend you ten billion each.”


    After a brief silence, Rafael thanked him stiffly. Shawn then put an arm around Rafael’s shoulder, patting it as he offered advice in an experienced tone.


    “Now’s not the time to think about pride. Trust me, the priority is to clear the debt! Neither Adrian nor I will charge interest. Focus on paying us back after the person responsible is caught.”


    Rafael appreciated that Adrian and Shawn genuinely wanted to help. Yet, he felt uneasy about owing money. Whether the debt was to the bank or his friends, Rafael no longer felt like their equal.


    Half an hourter, the bank employees departed with two checks in hand. Can left as soon as his task wasplete. Shawn rxed on the sofa in the living room. Not long before, Belle had harbored resentment towards Joelle. But after the crisis struck her family, the Watsons extended their support despite past conflicts.


    “Thank you, Shawn.”


    Shawn smiled and gestured with his hand, modestly declining Belle’s gratitude. “If it weren’t for Joelle and Rafael, I wouldn’t be here. Please, keep the gratitude in your heart. If you ensure their rtionship remains undisturbed going forward, I’ll consider that as repayment.”


    Belle felt humiliated, especially now that she was indebted to him for ten billion, whichpounded her embarrassment.


    “Mom, I won’t be home tonight.”


    It had been a while since Rafael had seen Joelle and their two children. With the immediate family issues now under control, he was eager to visit them.


    “Go ahead,” Belle responded without hesitation this time. “Joelle must be worried about you.”


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