hapter 39 20 vouchers When Natasha first moved out at eighteen , Madeline had secretly visited her place . To save money , Natasha shared an apartment near the university with a friend . It was crowded and noisy - right by a commercial street . But Madeline was angry at Natasha's defiance , hoping hardship would force her home . Though it hurt , she stayed out of it . Natasha , stubborn as ever , never asked for help . By the time Madeline reconsidered , Olivia said Natasha had moved . Madeline assumed she'd accepted their money for a better place . Subsequent meetings were either at the Clark mansion or elsewhere . This was Madeline's first visit to Natasha's new home in years . Her first impression upon arriving at Natasha's place was how tiny the house was . Accustomed to sprawling estates , the compact space felt stifling for Madeline . Margot's accusation of favoritism echoed uncomfortably . The smallest property gifted to Olivia dwarfed this apartment . Alexei was out . Natasha let Madeline in and poured her a cup of water . The quiet tension between them was thick . Madeline took a breath . " This place is too cramped . Thomas will arrange a new apartment for you ." " No need for that . I can't accept it . " Natasha's refusal was flat . Madeline fumed . " Why not ? You're our daughter . A house is nothing - we'd look bad if we shortchanged you . " Natasha scoffed . " I'm afraid you'll demand it back someday . " When she'd left the Clarks , they'd claimed everything she took was theirs . They cut her money and had maids search her bags , banning valuables . They treated her as if she were their enemy . It had been a gloomy afternoon . Standing before the grand gates , a single suitcase beside her , she'd endured the humiliation of maids meticulously inspecting her belongings . Her family , united in outrage , had accused her of ingratitude and spite . Andrew , usually composed , had trembled with rage . Andrew snapped , " We've cleaned up your messes for 18 years . What more do you want ? Ungrateful ! You won't rest until you've torn this family apart , will you ? " Fine , just go . And never come back . But if you have any spine , repay every cent we spent raising you ." 1/3 4:35 pm PD Chapter 39 EX 20 vouchers At 18 , with nothing , debt would've chained Natasha to them . Clutching her suitcase , nails bleeding into her palm , she stayed calm . Natasha said flatly , " Let me remind you , I didn't beg to be born . And the law obligates you to support me until adulthood . " Since middle school , Thomas , Noel , and Olivia got $ 170k- $ 300k monthly . I got $ 300 . If you're fine with people laughing at how little you spent on your daughter , let's tally it publicly . " Andrew had been incredulous . " We restricted you because you wasted money . And we gave extras- must you nitpick ? " ' I never got them , " Natasha's voice stayed steady . Andrew didn't believe her . " Fine . Have it your way . Step out that gate , and not a single Clark cent Couches you again ." They wouldn't risk the scandal of demanding her repayment , and Andrew hadn't truly wanted the money . The Clarks dropped it . Rest assured , " Natasha had said , turning away , " if claiming my basic rights is this hard , I won't covet a single thing that isn't mine . " Natasha drew a clear line . The support she'd received was her legal due , far less than the Clark standard . She owed them nothing . If necessary , she'd repay equivalent elder care someday . The Clarks ' wealth was theirs to give ; she expected nothing . Getting less before eighteen meant aking more later would only deepen the debt they'd hold over her . Natasha walked out clean . From that point on , she never once turned to the Clarks for help . Natasha never regretted it . At first , she scraped by on part - time wages , stretching one bread for two meals and crying through illness in lonely nights - it had been brutal . But she'd endured . This tiny apartment Madeline scorned was hers , earned by her bare hands . No one could reclaim it , point fingers at her , or claim she owed them . The memories made Madeline shift uncomfortably , and she touched her nose . " Must you hold onto grudges ? " Madeline thought , 'Weren't those just angry words ? Like we'd hound an 18 - year - old for pocket change as child support ? ' Yet she remembered - Natasha's 5 % Clark Group shares , given to Olivia . They'd wronged her . Madeline hesitated . " After you marry Lucas , we'll give you that 5 % . " " Something they got unconditionally at eighteen , I must trade marriage for ? " Natasha's voice dripped scorn . 2/3 4:35 pm PA Chapter 39 20 vouchers " Must you be so mean ? " Madeline snapped , stung . " If you hadn't caused your aunt's death or bullied Olivia , you'd still have those shares . They're hers by right . Is your aunt's life worth less than shares ? " And the ' trade marriage ' talk - making us sound like bad guys . You and Lucas grew up together . Marrying him is what you always wanted before , isn't it ? " " Didn't they tell you ? Lucas and I broke up . " Natasha challenged . Madeline waved a dismissive hand . " You young folks can't keep your cool - making a mountain out of a molehill over nothing . " I heard he went to the hospital during the proposal . Don't be petty . I called him - Olivia needed him more then . You'll be Mrs. Wright ; be generous . Stop being jealous . " A bitter smile touched Natasha's lips . ' If Olivia were left, I'd be called unreasonable , ' she thought . " I hope you'll be just as generous if it happens to Dad . " " Natasha ! " Madeline's eyes flashed . She took a deep , furious breath , remembering her mission . " I'm here to tell you - come home tomorrow . " " We're hosting your birthday party and announcing your engagement to Lucas . " She muttered under her breath , " It's been delayed long enough . "