Chapter 120: Samuel Jackson Clenched His Fists

Samuel Jackson clenched his fists, his eyes shining as he stared at his aunt. The calm confidence in her voice ignited a fire in his heart. He swore silently to himself: I'll get into college just like Aunt Elena and make something of myself.

"Where did this money come from?" Rose Jackson trembled as she held three crisp hundred-dollar bills—more cash than she'd ever seen in her life.

Elena Ward smirked. "I saved someone, and they gave it to me. I wanted to hand it over properly today, but after seeing Darren's face..." She lowered her voice. "If this money went into the Lewis household, they'd probably gamble it all away."

Tears welled up in Rose Jackson's eyes. Her little sister had thought of everything.

"Don't hold back, sis." Elena Ward clasped her sister's rough hands. "The kids are growing. I get stipends at college, and I can take side jobs—"

"No!" Rose Jackson shook her head violently, tears splashing down. "I'm the older sister. How can I take your money—"

Thud!

Elena Ward suddenly slammed the table and stood. "Sis! When you saved your own rations to feed me all those years ago, did I ever say no?" She shoved the money into Rose Jackson's pocket. "Take it!"

Samuel rushed over, wiping his mother's tears with his sleeve. "Mom, we'll remember Aunt Elena's kindness. When I grow up, I'll pay her back twice over!"

Rose Jackson laughed through her tears and ruffled her son's hair. She was being silly—what mattered now was making a better life for them all.

"Oh, right." Elena Ward dropped her voice to a whisper. "File for divorce tomorrow. The day after, we'll go demand the land from Uncle Calvin."

Rose Jackson paled. "But Uncle Calvin—"

"Who cares?" Elena Ward scoffed. "If he refuses, you're coming to the city with me. The policies are loosening now—even setting up a street stall beats farming!"

Rose Jackson hesitated. City life wasn't that simple. Without a residency permit, they wouldn't even get food rations...

Elena Ward saw her sister's worry but couldn't explain. How could she say, I'm reincarnated—I know private businesses will thrive soon?

Thinking of tomorrow's meeting with Agnes Ward, Elena Ward's lips curled into a cold smile. The old woman was probably living very comfortably right now.

Meanwhile, by the pigpen in the Ward household, Vera Ward was dragging Agnes Ward by the collar and throwing her onto a tattered mat.

"Disgusting old hag! Wetting the bed again!" Vera pinched her nose and flung the stinking blanket at the old woman. "No dinner for you—save the food for someone who deserves it!"

Agnes collapsed onto the mat, her cloudy eyes burning with hatred. That bitch! And that ungrateful son of mine!

Vera suddenly bent down, digging her nails into Agnes's arm. "What are you glaring at? Who else would take care of you now? Your precious son won't even visit!"

The stench of the pigpen was nauseating. Agnes gritted her teeth, cursing inwardly: Strike them down, heavens! Smite these monsters!