Chapter 4 Sanctions

• Yamila's face twisted in dismay. "Grandma, remember, Leon saved our entire family's lives!"
• The elderly woman scoffed dismissively. "He merely gathered herbs for a few seasons and was compensated each time. We owe him nothing!"
• "Grandma ... " Yamila hesitated, searching for words. Leon had risked his life gathering those herbs, and the Simpsons had only paid him a pittance. Did that truly settle the debt?
• The old lady slammed her cane on the floor, her voice rising with authority. "Yamila! Understand your place! If you defy us today, you will be expelled from the Simpsons. You will no longer belong to this family!"
• Yamila trembled, tears brimming in her eyes. She bit her lip, consumed by a sense of injustice and frustration.
• Why should she be sacrificed for the sake of the Simpsons' prosperity?
• Suddenly, a voice echoed from outside. "Mr. Collins' engagement gifts have arrived!"
• All heads turned towards the entrance, where a procession accompanied by drums and firecrackers announced the delivery.
• Each woman carried trays adorned with precious pearls, gemstones, and gold and silver ornaments.
• "Wow, the Collins \ is incredibly generous. Just the diamonds on those trays must be worth a fortune, right?"
• "Absolutely, these engagement gifts must be about six figures!"
• "Yamila is so lucky to marry into their family."
• "She'll lead a life of luxury and still complain. Always thinking about that mountain boy. If only Mr. Collins would notice me instead."
• Nova's envy seeped through her bitter words. If only she possessed Yamila's beauty, she thought resentfully.
• Yamila's expression darkened further at the scene unfolding before her.
• "Grandmother, I won't marry!"
• "Hmph!"
• The elderly woman thudded her cane against the floor, her face tight with displeasure.
• "Yamila! Your marriage isn't your decision!"
• "Lock Yamila in her room until the wedding! She mustn't leave!"
• "Let's forget about that mountain, lad. He's been dispatched and may well be gone by now. He's no longer our concern!"
• Yamila's expression soured. Leon had yet to appear. Could he truly be so callous?
• "Grandmother, please don't force my hand!"
• Before the elderly woman could reply, Nova stepped in.
• "Mila! How dare you speak to your grandmother like that! You need to learn your place!"
• With those words, Nova slapped Yamila across the face.
• "Mila!" Lillian felt sympathy but remained silent. She had to be resolute to ensure Yamila married into wealth.
• Locked in her chamber, Yamila wept.
• She recalled the times Leon brought medicine to the Simpsons. Though no words of love had passed, in retrospect, they had been sweet moments.
• Leon, why did you do this?
• Are all men alike?
• Word of the Collins' engagement spread through the city, stirring gossip.
• Leon caught wind of it as well, of course.
• Seated in the president's office of White Financial Group, Leon had eight bodyguards behind him and John at his side.
• "Mr. Leon, about the Collins ... " said John.
• "Sanction them," answered Leon coldly.
• "Got it, Mr. Leon," John acknowledged. With the White Financial Group's influence, imposing sanctions on the Collins was straightforward.
• "But what about the Simpsons?"
• Leon paused, his thoughts drifting to Nova and Lillian. His countenance darkened as he replied, "We need to impose sanctions on them as well!"
• "Of course."
• After issuing the directive, Leon attempted to call Yamila once more, yet there was no response.
• He had sent several texts, clearly explaining the situation involving Nova, but Yamila hadn't replied to any.
• Mila, why won't you trust me?
• ...
• As the Collins departed, the Simpsons, joyous over the engagement gifts, suddenly turned grim when Emery received a troubling phone call.
• "Grandma, what's wrong?" Nova asked anxiously.
• Emery's expression soured as she answered the call, her brow furrowed.
• "The bank is demanding immediate repayment of our debt. They've abruptly cut off our credit, citing a terminated partnership with a business associate! Could there be an issue with our medicine?"
• Nova furrowed her brow. The Simpsons were in pharmaceuticals, and she personally ensured their products' quality.
• "That can't be. Our family's medicine can't have any issues!"
• Just then, Emery's phone rang again.
• "Mr. Queen? You want to terminate our contract too? Mr. Queen, why? If we've made a mistake, we can fix it. Mr. Queen? Mr. Queen ... "
• Emery's visage contorted in dismay, casting a pall over the once-cheerful Simpsons household.
• Dear Lord, this is a calamity!
• The Simpsons, previously buoyant with joy, now find themselves thrust into turmoil.
• The bank had halted its lending, the financial chain had snapped, the production line teetered on the brink of shutdown, and bankruptcy loomed large.
• Nova proposed urgently, "Grandma, let's swiftly seek aid from the Collins!"
• The Collins, a distinguished family far more influential than the Simpsons, held the key to averting this crisis if they extended their assistance.
• Emery nodded decisively, casting a brief glance at Yamila. "Mila, approach Mr. Collins for help."
• "And considering you're soon to be married into their family, he won't turn a blind eye," she added.
• Yamila's countenance shifted abruptly. "Grandma! I don't wish to marry him!"
• Nova retorted sharply, "Your marriage isn't up for debate. The Simpsons have nurtured you for over two decades. Can't you make a sacrifice at this critical juncture? Moreover, marrying Mr. Collins is also in your best interests!"
• The elder woman declared firmly, "Nova speaks truth. This is a matter of life and death for the Simpsons. We can't indulge your wishes any longer."
• "Mila, you must go through with this marriage!"
• "Otherwise, the Simpsons will be ruined!"
• ...
• Alone in her room, Yamila felt utterly disheartened, like a soul adrift in the void, abandoned and forlorn.
• In that moment, she yearned to reach out to Leon. Despite knowing he couldn't offer much help, the desire to connect with him remained strong.
• Yamila's phone had been confiscated, prompting her to stealthily enter Nova's room in search of her own device.
• As she rummaged through the drawers, she unexpectedly came across a medical report.
• Her demeanour shifted abruptly upon reading it. "Nova is pregnant!"
• And she had an abortion?
• At that very moment, Nova entered the room and swiftly seized the medical report.
• "Mila, what are you doing?"