Chapter 2 - Five Shocking Words|
The word came out quiet, but it cut cleanly through the music.
Patricia looked up. Her smile widened, full of provocation.
“Margaret. Finally. We wondered if you’d arrive before the cake or after the inheritance speech.”
Brandon’s eyes flickered nervously.
There it was. The reason for the rented ballroom, the photographers, and the guest list packed with bankers and lawyers Patricia wanted to impress.
My late husband’s trust fund.
For years, Patricia had treated Emily like a walking bank account with stretch marks. I had once believed Brandon married for love. But no, Patricia had forced her son to marry for access to wealth.
I crossed the rug. Every step felt slow, though my heart hammered like war drums. I took the sponge from Emily’s shaking hand.
“Stand up,” I ordered.
“Mom, please—”
“Stand up right now, Emily.”
She did, clutching her huge belly with both hands.
Patricia clicked her tongue.
“Careful, Margaret. Pregnant women are emotional. We were just teaching her responsibility.”
“No,” I repeated, locking eyes with her. “You were teaching me a lesson.”
Patricia laughed mockingly.
“Oh? And what is that?”
I looked at Brandon. He refused to meet my eyes.
“That I waited far too long to do this.”
I gently helped my daughter smooth her dress, wiped the wine off her pale fingers, and turned toward the DJ’s microphone. Patricia was still smiling smugly when I took it.
She did not know I had spent the last three months listening and gathering evidence.
May you like
I tapped the microphone lightly. A harsh screech echoed through the room, silencing everyone instantly.
“The trust fund is gone.”
