Chapter 15 - Evelyn’s Surrender
That afternoon, Evelyn Miller arrived in an ancient sedan. She didn't march up the walk with her usual arrogant authority. Her shoulders were stooped, her expensive designer jacket rumpled.
I met her on the front porch.
“Claire,” Evelyn said, her voice shaking. “David Reynolds’ legal counsel called me. They want sixty-two thousand dollars, or Ben goes to jail. And the bank is threatening to repossess Vanessa’s car because the lease was obtained fraudulently.”
“Then I suggest you visit the bank and take out a reverse mortgage on your condo, Evelyn,” I said smoothly.
“I can’t do that! That condo is my retirement!” she wept. “Vanessa has no money! Jonah is locked in his room refusing to play his violin! Our family is completely destroyed!”
“Your family destroyed itself the moment you decided my daughter was disposable,” I said. “You sat back and watched Ben bleed our savings dry. You encouraged him to treat Lily like a second-class citizen while putting Jonah on a pedestal. You made your bed, Evelyn. Now sleep in it.”
“You have no heart!” she sobbed.
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“I have a heart,” I replied, looking directly into her eyes. “It beats for Lily. And that’s the only child I am obligated to protect.”
***
