Lillian's tone grew sharper. "What's there to be afraid of? The Bolton women have always been arrogant. They must have provoked the wrong person, so that's why they got dealt with. If you go politely to deliver a gift, do you really think anyone would harm you?" Seeing Rosalie still looking hesitant, she scolded her in frustration, "How many times have I told you—fortune comes with risk! Back then, if I hadn't borne the pressure to give birth to you, would the two of us be living this comfortable life now?" Rosalie still resisted. "Mom, can't we just keep to ourselves? The supplies in the basement can last us a long while!" Lillian shot her a glare. "Last how long? A lifetime?" Rosalie fell silent. Of course not a lifetime—three years at most. Lillian glanced back at the villa and lowered her voice. "Things aren't like before. Your dad's useless now. We need to find a new protector quickly." Rosalie protested. "Why do you say Dad's useless?" Lillian's expression turned serious. "All the money, the stocks—they're nothing but scraps of paper and empty data now. Your dad's wealth has turned into smoke. You've been outside before, so you've seen what's the most important thing out there now." Rosalie thought for a moment. "Strength?" Lillian nodded in approval. "Exactly. Strength, force. Your dad's too old to protect us anymore. If we don't find a new backer soon, once the villa area falls into chaos, what will we do?" Rosalie had grown up under her mother's care, while her father was absent for most of her life. Only after Natalie's mother passed away did she start living with him, so she never had much attachment to her father. Hearing her mother speak this way, she was convinced."Alright. I'll visit the new neighbor later." Lillian shook her head. "Not yet. Tomorrow." Rosalie blinked. "Why?" Lillian tapped her on the forehead. "How can you be so slow? You're nothing like me." Rosalie rubbed her head in annoyance, about to retort, when Lillian added, "The new tenant is already angry after being provoked by the Bolton women today. Why should we run into her wrath now? Wait until her mood has settled tomorrow." Rosalie finally understood. "You're right." Then she asked, "Mom, if you think Dad's useless, why do you still take such good care of him?" Lillian sighed. "The world's too chaotic now. No matter what, our family needs a man. Doesn't matter if he's useless—as long as he's standing there, people will think twice before bullying us." Rosalie nodded, half understanding. As they walked back, Lillian reminded her, "What we said today stays between us. Don't breathe a word to your father, understand?" Rosalie followed behind. "Got it. I'm not stupid." When they returned to the dining table, Jacob had already eaten most of the food, leaving only scraps. The mother and daughter ate together but barely got half full. Lillian shot him a displeased look. Jacob lifted his head. "What took you so long? What's going on outside?" Lillian quickly softened her expression and smiled gently. "Nothing serious. Isabelle and her daughter offended the new neighbor and got punished."Jacob frowned. "A new neighbor? At a time like this? How did someone move into the villa? What were the guards doing?" Lillian sat down. "She's a girl living alone. She has a gun, so what could the guards do?" Jacob felt uneasy. "Hillside Villa has always been safe. How did someone suddenly show up armed?" Lillian soothed him. "She probably just thought it was safer here and wanted to move in." Jacob still was not reassured. "We don't know her background. What if she's some fugitive?" Lillian was not as tense. "It's fine. We'll check tomorrow." Jacob thought for a moment. "It's too dangerous outside. Rosalie should go. You stay here." Rosalie stopped mid-bite. Are you really my dad? Lillian glanced at Jacob. She knew he was not worried about her—he only wanted her body. Sure enough, he asked, "Has your period come this month?" Lillian gave a quick glance at her daughter, who was lowering her head at the table, then nodded awkwardly. "It started days ago. Just ended yesterday." Jacob's face fell. "Still not pregnant, huh?" When Lillian stayed silent, he stood up, his tone cold. "Hurry and finish eating. Afterward, come upstairs and massage Mom." Without another word, he went upstairs. Lillian softly replied, then, once he was gone, her face darkened as she looked at the scraps left on the table. It's the end of the world, and yet he still acts like there's a throne waiting to be inherited.