Mr. and Mrs. Dunhill were the kind of parents that made local gossip rags seem like they were reporting mundane everyday life. It was unheard of, unfathomable even, that their daughter hadn't received an ounce of parental affection despite both parents being alive and well. Instead, she was exploited as a sacrificial offering for her elder sister's benefit—a tale both pitiful and tragic.
"Do you really think handing over that three million today will make them keep their word and leave you alone? Based on your description of them, it seems that once they discover they can extract money from you, they’ll only tighten their grip on you in the future."
Balfour's cautionary words froze Ivy in her tracks. She had hoped that this hefty sum would close the chapter on her dealings with the Dunhills, but Balfour knew the family's character all too well. The scenario he painted was all too plausible.
The Dunhills were insatiable in their greed. Once they got a whiff of money coming from Ivy, they'd surely tighten their grip, seeing her as nothing more than a cash cow!
"I've got to run. Quinton will be in touch," Balfour said before abruptly ending the call.
Ivy was left somewhat bewildered.
What did that mean?
Was Balfour in or out?
Minutes later, her phone buzzed with a call from Quinton.
"Ivy, I've taken care of what Balfour asked. The legal team has drafted an agreement, and I'm sending the digital copy to you. It's your call whether to have the Dunhills sign it. Also, could you send me your bank details? I'll transfer the three million to your account promptly."
Hearing how Balfour had arranged everything so meticulously, Ivy was taken aback. "Uh... sure, I'll send it right over."
After hanging up, Ivy's email pinged with the digital agreement from Quinton.
The gist of the agreement was straightforward: upon accepting the three million, Ivy would no longer have any association with the Dunhill family, freeing her from any daughterly duties, and the Dunhill family would no longer be allowed to morally coerce Ivy under any circumstances.
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