Part 1: The Question That Changed Everything

January 17, 2026 by ucef

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“Expenses?” I let out a short, broken laugh. “I worked two jobs while pregnant. You made me feel guilty for buying anything full price. You told me we were barely getting by.”

My voice shook. “And all this time, you had that much money?”

Vivian jumped in defensively. “You don’t understand how expensive appearances are. Mark has a reputation to maintain.”

“Enough,” Grandpa roared. “You stole more than eight million dollars.”

That was when Mark finally exploded.

“Yes, I took it,” he shouted. “I deserved it. Claire wouldn’t understand what real success looks like.”