Chapter 6 - The Family Vote
The agreement claimed Emma had voluntarily chosen to transfer nine million dollars to a company controlled by Chloe.
It also included a statement surrendering Emma’s interest in the house.
Robert presented it as a reasonable compromise.
“Chloe receives the investment,” he announced, “and your mother and I receive legal ownership of our home.”
Emma remained standing.
“You prepared contracts during Christmas lunch?”
“We prepared a solution,” her mother said.
Several relatives nodded.
An uncle cleared his throat. “Emma, you have been blessed with success. Chloe deserves the same chance.”
A cousin added, “It’s not as if nine million will change your life.”
Emma looked at him.
“It would change yours.”
He looked away.
Chloe pushed a pen across the table.
“Sign.”
“No.”
Robert’s face reddened.
“We discussed this.”
“You discussed it without me.”
Her mother began to cry.
“I don’t understand how my own daughter became so cold.”
Emma almost laughed.
For years, tears had been her mother’s most effective weapon. Every boundary became cruelty. Every refusal became betrayal.
But Emma had heard Chloe’s recorded laughter.
She had seen the forged signatures.
The performance no longer worked.
Robert called for a family vote.
Everyone in favor of Emma transferring the money raised a hand.
Nearly every hand went up.
Evelyn kept hers down.
So did a quiet teenage cousin named Lily.
Emma counted the hands.
Seventeen people had voted to give away money that was not theirs.
Robert smiled as if democracy had settled the matter.
“The family has decided.”
May you like
Emma reached for her phone.
“You’re right,” she said. “It has.”
