My mother-in-law didn’t knock.
She never did, but this time, she didn’t even pretend. The door swung open, and her voice sliced through the house before I could set my purse down.
“Where’s the money from your mother’s apartment sale?”
I froze. Seven million dollars. Money tied to memories, late-night calls, hospital visits — everything my mother had built with her own hands.
Ethan appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his calm mask barely hiding the tension.
“Sophia… sit down,” he said.
“No. Just tell her,” Linda pressed.
My chest tightened.
“What truth?” I asked.
Ethan sighed. “Mom and I agreed the seven million goes to Ryan’s debts.”
Ryan. His brother. A lifetime of gambling, failed businesses, and unpaid taxes. And now, apparently, my inheritance was their solution.
“Ryan’s debts?” I repeated, voice steady but sharp.
Linda shrugged. “He’s family. Your mother would’ve wanted to help.”
I almost laughed. “My mother barely knew him.”
Ethan’s tone sharpened. “This isn’t the time to be selfish.”
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