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Following my divorce, I received a settlement of five hundred million and returned to my parents' home with my child.

While shopping for family gifts at the supermarket, I spotted my mother. I phoned her, expressing a desire for ribs at dinner. She inquired about my unexpected return.

Feigning sadness, I explained my divorce and my husband's dismissal, stating I'd be living at home indefinitely.

She abruptly ended the call.

Glancing up, I observed my mother assisting my sister-in-law with a maternity dress fitting.

"Quick! Divina's divorced and coming back. Claim you need pregnancy rest and take over the house. Don't let her reclaim it!"

My sister-in-law, teeth clenched in anger, retorted, "Is she mad? Who'll support us if she's divorced? There's no room for her! If she stays, she pays!"

My hand, poised to redial, froze. The ice cream in my mouth lost its appeal.

Despite the sweltering 35-degree heat outside, I felt a chill throughout my body.

My daughter's voice brought me back to reality.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"Anna, Mommy's just overheated. It's so hot my eyes are sweating."

I wiped away tears and treated my daughter to another ice cream to regain composure.

Growing up, my brother and I were incredibly close. Surely, he'd sympathize if he knew about my divorce.

Clinging to this last shred of hope, I headed home.

My daughter eagerly approached my mom, who grumbled with a sour expression.

"Divorced is one thing, but bringing a burden too!"

The dinner table boasted my brother's favorite braised pork trotters, my sister-in-law's preferred steamed fish, and my dad's drinking snacks, but no ribs as I'd requested.

I deliberately asked, "Mom, no ribs? Didn't you visit the supermarket today?"

My mom responded impatiently, "It's scorching today. I felt unwell, so I stayed in. If you're desperate, order takeout!"

I lowered my head, chuckling coldly, seeing through her lie but choosing not to confront it.

I dragged my suitcase to my room.

Upon opening the door, I found it filled with my nephew Andy's toys.

"Mom, where's my bed?"

"This room's a mess. Where will Anna and I sleep tonight?"

My mom didn't even turn to face me.

"You've arrived unexpectedly. Since you're rarely home, it's now Andy's playroom."

Six-year-old Andy muttered, "What? I don't even use this room..."

Before he could finish, my mom covered his mouth.

I immediately understood it was a fabrication.

"Anna and I will occupy this room tonight. Please help tidy it up."

At that moment, my sister-in-law Jane rushed out, "Divina, what are you implying? You return to commandeer the child's room? What kind of aunt does that?"

"Don't assume you can bully us just because you paid for the house. A married daughter is like spilled water. Even if the room isn't for Andy, it's certainly not for you!"

Jane pointed at the room, yelling, and I couldn't be bothered to argue. I turned to my mom and asked.

"Mom, what do you mean? You don't want me to stay here, do you?"

My mom sighed helplessly, "Divina, it's not that we don't want you. Your dad recently broke his leg, and I can't manage his care. This room is for the caretaker."

What a coincidence!

They were truly going to great lengths to drive me away.

Jane looked at me triumphantly.

I remained calm. I picked up a toy car from the room and tossed it out.

"With so many idle people in the house, why hire a caretaker? Let Andrew and her tend to Dad."

Jane, as if stung, screamed hysterically.

"What are you insinuating, Divina? Who's idle? Do you think throwing money at us fulfills your duty? Haven't I and Andrew been caring for Mom and Dad all along? I'm telling you, go back where you came from! Or live on the balcony!"

"Why should I?" I coldly questioned, throwing out a toy bear.

Spoiled Andy charged at me to hit me.

"You're throwing my toys! I'll beat you, you bad woman!"

Most of these toys were my purchases. Seeing this brat's behavior was truly hurtful.

My daughter, witnessing me being bullied, began fighting with Andy.

The children's screams and cries finally drew my brother from his gaming.

"What's all this commotion? It's such a minor issue. Sis, you can stay. Jane and I will move out."

I finally felt a glimmer of appreciation.

At least my care for him hadn't been entirely in vain. Someone in this family still cared about me.

At the dinner table, I maintained a cold demeanor.

My brother smiled, adding food to my plate, asking concernedly, "Sis, did you and brother-in-law have a disagreement?"

"Come on, you're an old married couple. I bet brother-in-law will have to spend big this time."

As he spoke, my mom and Jane's eyes lit up.

Previously, when I had conflicts with my ex-husband, I'd come home to decompress.

Each time, he'd come to retrieve me, generously gifting my parents money. My brother and Jane naturally benefited too.

Unfortunately, this time they'd be disappointed.

Maintaining my composure, I solemnly announced, "No disagreement. We're divorced. Anna's with me."

"So, I'll be staying long-term. You two needn't move out, just clear that room for me."