Chapter 10 - Lauren Finally Speaks
Daniel’s sister had been silent for years.
That ended at a family meeting.
Vivian accused Lauren of betrayal.
Lauren laughed.
“Mom, you spent my college account.”
The room froze.
Vivian went pale.
“What?”
Lauren looked at Daniel.
“You didn’t know?”
He shook his head.
“Dad left me $180,000 for graduate school.”
She looked at Vivian.
“She used most of it after he died.”
Vivian whispered:
“For the family.”
“No.”
Lauren’s voice sharpened.
“For your life.”
Private club.
Cars.
House staff.
Parties.
Lauren had known.
She had stayed silent because Vivian threatened to cut her off from the family.
Emma watched Daniel absorb the truth.
His mother had not simply been dependent.
She had been consuming every resource around her while describing it as sacrifice.
Lauren looked at Emma.
“And you paid for everything after that.”
Emma nodded.
Lauren’s eyes filled.
“I’m sorry.”
May you like
Emma’s throat tightened.
It was the first apology anyone in the family had given without demanding something afterward.
