Chapter 5 - The Vanishing Funds
I hit refresh. The page reloaded, but the numbers remained identical.
*$142.18.*
My heart hammered in my throat like a trapped bird. That account didn't just hold my recent consulting bonus; it held the remnants of my late father’s life insurance payout, which I had earmarked for Lily’s college tuition fund.
I clicked frantically on the transaction history.
Ten days ago: a wire transfer of $25,000 labeled *Saint Jude Trust Account*.
Two weeks ago: a direct transfer of $12,000 to *V. Miller – Personal Checking*.
Three days ago: an electronic withdrawal of $7,500 to *Apex Luxury Auto Leasing*.
Vanessa didn't work. Her husband had walked out on her three years ago, leaving her with an underwater mortgage and zero savings. Since then, Ben had constantly insisted we “help out family where we could,” but I had always set strict boundaries: groceries and minor utility assistance, never cash handouts.
Ben had emptied our daughter’s future to fund his sister’s delusions of grandeur. He had paid for Jonah’s conservatory tuition, paid off Vanessa’s credit cards, and seemingly leased her a luxury car—all while signing a waiver to prevent his own daughter from eating a ten-dollar lunch at her birthday party.
My phone rang on the quartz counter. The caller ID flashed: *Evelyn (Mother-in-Law)*.
I took a deep breath, tapped the screen, and placed it on speaker.
May you like
“Claire!” Evelyn’s voice boomed through the speaker, laced with sharp accusation. “What on earth is wrong with you? Vanessa just called me in hysterics! Jonah’s entire scholarship committee walked out because you decided to throw a temper tantrum over a few cupcakes!”
***
