Chapter 3: Negotiating Terms and Making Deals

A graceful and elegant woman stepped out of the car. Lilith Douglas and Trista Felix exchanged glances, silently asking each other: Do you know her?

The woman was wearing a dark green cheongsam that complemented the emerald earrings she had on, exuding an air of nobility. She also had a mink shawl draped over her shoulders, which was quite fitting for this early autumn season.

"Are you Lilith Douglas?"

Lilith Douglas nodded, somewhat bewildered, "Yes, I am. And you are...?"

"I'm Leo Orlando's mother. If you have time, let's find a place to sit down and chat."

The woman's gentle and kind face made it hard for anyone to refuse her.

Lilith Douglas nodded, "Okay."

Lilith Douglas did not understand why Leo Orlando's mother would come to see her in person, but she guessed it must be related to the marriage proposal.

"Don't be so formal; we will soon be family," the woman said warmly.

Lilith Douglas was taken aback for a moment, "Madam, I have already declined the marriage proposal."

"Don't rush to decline just yet." Tabitha Haywood smiled gently and handed Lilith Douglas a piece of paper.

Lilith Douglas looked down at the paper, which was a notice of overdue hospital bills from Darren Noah Hospital. "What does this mean?"

"If I tell you that I can help you get your mother's house back, pay off your brother's medical bills, and even send him abroad for treatment, would you consider accepting the marriage to my son?"

To redeem the villa, real money was needed. Steward Lucius had set the price at fifty million yuan, and there were already many people inquiring about it. Fifty million for the happiness and joy of her childhood was worth it. Fifty million for Darren Noah to continue receiving good treatment was also worth it. But fifty million for a lifetime with a living corpse? That wasn't worth it.

Between what was worth it and what wasn't, Lilith Douglas quickly made her decision. "Alright, I agree."

"Miss Lin, don't you want to think about it more? Once the engagement is signed, there's no going back," Tabitha Haywood said.

Lilith Douglas looked at the calm yet confident woman across from her and smiled lightly, "Isn't Madam here to negotiate terms and make a deal? You know very well how important the house and my brother are to me. Why ask such a question? I don't want to waste our time."

Tabitha Haywood was pleased as she looked at the radiant beauty in front of her, "Of course, if you have any other conditions, feel free to mention them. The Orlando family is not unreasonable."

"There is one condition."

Tabitha Haywood paused, "Go ahead."

Lilith Douglas pursed her lips and spoke slowly, "I hope Madam understands that my marriage into the Orlando family has nothing to do with the Lucius family."

This surprised Tabitha Haywood. She had thought that if Lilith Douglas had any other conditions, they would be something like helping the Lucius family through their difficulties. She hadn't expected her to want to cut ties completely.

"That can be arranged."

Lilith Douglas nodded, "Then when should I move in?"

"As soon as possible."

"Alright."

Tabitha Haywood smiled slightly. This girl, though young, was very meticulous. If she got what she wanted, a mere marriage contract might not be enough to bind her. But for now, she was the best candidate.

"You can rest assured that after you and Huaishen get married, I will have someone handle the matters regarding the house and your brother right away. But it will take some time."

"I can wait."

With just a few words, Lilith Douglas had sold herself. But it didn't matter. After all, she was homeless now, with only a few hundred yuan to her name. With the Orlando family as a safe haven and the title of Mrs. Orlando, her life wouldn't be worse than the ten years she spent in the countryside.