?Chapter 388:


    He opened his mouth to probe further, but Alexander had already grabbed his suitcase and was heading out the door.


    Alexander left with a definitive stride, showing scant interest in the wedding details. He left it all in the Harper family’s hands, indifferent to their ns.


    Richard, however, couldn’t shake a nagging unease.


    Resolved to gain rity, he arranged a meeting with the Harper family over dinner.


    At the dinner table, Richard cut straight to the chase.


    “As for the bride price, we’re nning to provide Joyce with 30 million in cash, a mountaintop vi, and a few other tokens. All told, it sums up to about 50 million.”


    Joyce, soured by days of discontent, finally saw a spark of joy flicker across her face.


    The Bet family still valued her.


    Deep down, she had always believed that despite the world turning against her, Alexander would remain her steadfast champion.


    The Harper family’s promises were of little consequence to her. Once married, she resolved to devote herself entirely to the Bet family—to those who truly valued her.


    Joyce shed her brightest smile.


    But then Richard asked, “So, what about Joyce’s dowry?” The question caused Katrina and Caiden to hesitate momentarily, their polished expressions cracking ever so slightly.


    Before Joyce could respond, Katrina stepped in, masking any tension with a lightugh.


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    “Richard, you’re as thorough as ever. Joyce is our daughter, after all. There’s no question we’d give her the best in the world.”


    Richard, a veteran in the business world, was far too sharp to be cated by empty reassurances.


    He wanted a straightforward answer. With a polite smile, he lowered his gaze slightly and said, “Of course, it’s not about the amount Joyce brings. We value her as a person. But, as you know, we move in high-society circles. If Joyce’s dowry falls short of expectations, it’s not just Joyce who would face criticism. The Harper family’s reputation would also be at stake.”


    Joyce’s heart swelled with happiness at the phrase “we value her as a person.”


    In that moment, she felt even more assured of the Bet family’s genuine regard for her.


    Deep down, she resolved to repay Richard’s thoughtfulness someday.


    However, Katrina and Caiden weren’t fooled. Beneath Richard’s courteous tone, they recognized his subtle probing.


    They also understood the true reason the Bet family had weed Joyce, even with her child. It wasn’t about Joyce as a person—it was the advantages that came with her.


    Katrina’s smile didn’t waver as she responded seamlessly, “You’re absolutely right. Joyce means the world to us. We’d never allow her to be a subject of ridicule. As we mentioned earlier, our shares and vi will all be transferred to her name.”


    At this, Richard’s expression eased, appearing satisfied for the moment.


    “And when can we expect the paperwork to be finalized?” He wasn’t the kind of man who could be swayed by vague promises.


    “It’s all taken care of!” Katrina said with a reassuring smile.


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