Chapter 8 - The Family ATM
Nolan crossed the room with a champagne glass in his hand.
“Rebecca, you do not understand our family,” he said.
Rebecca frowned. “I understand Savannah organized the party.”
“She likes paying for things,” Nolan replied.
Savannah stood. “That is enough.”
Nolan’s smile widened.
“Why are you embarrassed? Everyone knows you use money to control people.”
The guests became quiet.
Savannah’s mother looked uncomfortable, but she did not stop him.
“I have never controlled you,” Savannah said.
“You act like we should worship you because you sign a few checks.”
“A few?”
Nolan glanced around the room, enjoying the attention.
“You are only the family ATM.”
The words landed with unexpected force.
Several guests looked at Elaine and Charles, waiting for them to defend Savannah.
Elaine laughed behind her hand.
Charles pointed toward the door.
“Do not create a scene,” he warned Savannah.
She looked at him in disbelief. “I am creating the scene?”
“Your brother made a joke,” Elaine said. “Do not spoil our party.”
Our party.
Paid for with Savannah’s money. Held in a house she had saved twice. Decorated by people she had hired. Celebrated beside a car she legally owned.
Savannah looked down at the Mercedes keys.
Her heartbreak did not disappear. It transformed.
For years, she had believed one more sacrifice would finally make them appreciate her.
She now understood that gratitude would never come while her support remained unlimited.
“Thank you for finally telling me the truth,” she said.
Nolan rolled his eyes.
Savannah raised the keys.
“The Benz comes home with me. The rent payments end tonight.”
Charles stepped forward. Elaine stopped laughing.
Nolan demanded to know what she meant.
Savannah explained clearly.
She also announced that the family credit card would be canceled at midnight, her parents would assume responsibility for their utilities, and the vacation she had booked for them would be refunded.
“You cannot do this in front of everyone,” Elaine whispered.
“You humiliated me in front of everyone,” Savannah replied.
Nolan shouted that she was leaving them with nothing.
Savannah walked toward the door.
May you like
“I’m leaving you with exactly what you gave me.”
Then she drove away.
