Chapter 6 - THE HOUSE CHANGES HANDS
The Mercer family hosted another dinner.
Ethan insisted.
Claire almost laughed when she received the invitation.
He called it a family reset.
She knew better.
The dining table was covered with expensive dishes.
Diane wore pearls.
Richard wore a tailored suit.
Ethan poured wine.
Claire sat quietly.
“We need to talk about the finances,” Richard said.
Claire looked at him.
“Which finances?”
“The family finances.”
“That's vague.”
Ethan interrupted.
“We've all been under pressure.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
Diane sighed.
“This isn't easy for anyone.”
Claire looked at her.
“You're right.”
Diane seemed relieved.
Until Claire continued.
“But it isn't my responsibility anymore.”
The room went silent.
Ethan's smile disappeared.
“What does that mean?”
“It means my income is mine.”
Diane stared.
“You're married.”
“Yes.”
“So family money is shared.”
“Not automatically.”
Richard leaned forward.
“You're becoming selfish.”
Claire smiled.
“Interesting.”
“What?”
“I've been paying for everyone for years.”
Ethan slammed his glass down.
“Enough.”
Claire looked at him.
“No.”
The word was quiet.
But it stopped him.
“You don't get to tell me when I've had enough.”
Ethan stood.
Claire remained seated.
“You're humiliating me.”
Claire shook her head.
“You did that yourself.”
Diane stood too.
“You ungrateful woman.”
Claire looked at her.
“Do you know who owns this house?”
Diane laughed.
“Of course we do.”
“No.”
Claire placed a document on the table.
“This property belongs to Brooks Residential Holdings.”
Richard frowned.
“That company is controlled by—”
Claire looked at him.
“Not anymore.”
Richard stopped.
Ethan stared at the document.
“What did you do?”
“I made a purchase.”
“You bought Brooks?”
“Yes.”
“You can't.”
“I already did.”
Diane's face changed.
“This is my home.”
Claire looked at her.
“You've lived here.”
“That is the same thing.”
“No.”
Claire stood.
“It isn't.”
Ethan grabbed the document.
“This is temporary.”
“No.”
“I'll challenge it.”
“You can.”
“I'll have lawyers.”
“I have lawyers too.”
“You think you can take my family home?”
Claire's voice softened.
“I didn't take it.”
She looked around the room.
“You handed it to me.”
Richard's eyes narrowed.
“What does that mean?”
Claire turned toward him.
“Your debt structure required guarantees.”
Richard froze.
Claire continued.
“Guarantees you never expected me to understand.”
Ethan looked at Richard.
“Dad?”
Richard didn't answer.
Claire walked away.
Behind her, Ethan demanded:
“Dad, what is she talking about?”
May you like
Richard remained silent.
And for the first time, Ethan realized his father had been hiding something from him too.
