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“Ethan will leave you,” Bri said, almost gentle. “You know he will.”
The cruelty stole my breath, threatening to shatter a child’s world to fund my sister-in-law’s scheme.
Bri stood, collecting her purse. “Tomorrow.
Five thousand.”
She walked out, holding the envelope like a grenade.
The next evening, Bri knocked on my door at exactly six o’clock.
William was building a tower out of blocks in the living room, narrating an elaborate story about castles and dragons. Ethan was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.
I’d told him everything the night before. Every word Bri had said, every threat she’d made.
And instead of the fear or anger I’d expected, he’d gone very, very calm.
“Let her in,” he’d said quietly. “Let’s see what she does.”
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