Chapter 3 - The Threat of Ruin
The blatant favoritism stung worse than a physical blow. Evelyn looked over at her mother, hoping for just a shred of maternal defense. The older woman in the beige cardigan simply sighed, refusing to make eye contact.
"Don't make this harder than it has to be, Evelyn," her mother said softly, her tone laced with toxic disappointment. "Chloe has worked so hard for her doctorate. She is the pride of this family. You know your father’s heart can't take this kind of stress. Just give her the house. We will help you pack."
Evelyn felt the air leave her lungs. They weren't just taking her home; they were erasing her entirely to pave the way for their golden child.
"I won't do it," Evelyn cried, pushing the heavy legal folder away. "You can't just take my daughter's home to pay for Chloe's clinic!"
Her father’s face darkened instantly. He leaned over the table, placing both hands flat on the worn wood, invading Evelyn’s space.
"If you don't sign that paper right now," he threatened, his voice dropping to a vicious growl, "I will take you to court. I will hire the most expensive lawyers in the state. I will prove that you are financially unstable, and I will sue for full custody of Nora. Do you really want to test me, Evelyn? Do you want to lose your daughter, too?"
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Evelyn gasped, a cold sweat breaking out across her skin. They were backing her into a terrifying, impossible corner.
👉 How will Evelyn protect her daughter when her own father is threatening to take her away?
