Part 1: The Question That Changed Everything

January 17, 2026 by ucef

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The color drained from his face.

“Claire,” he said slowly, “are you telling me you never got a single payment?”

I shook my head, my hands trembling as I held my newborn closer.

Before he could respond, the door flew open.

My husband, Mark, and his mother, Vivian, walked in laughing, arms full of glossy shopping bags from luxury stores I’d only ever seen in magazines. They looked carefree, pleased with themselves.

Until they saw my grandfather.