Chapter 5 - Mia’s Final Request
Claire met Mia at the townhouse two days later.
Mia opened the door wearing silk pajamas at four in the afternoon.
“What are you doing here?”
“I want to talk about Maison Mia.”
Mia smiled and stepped aside.
“I knew you would come around.”
The townhouse was filled with unopened product boxes. Hundreds of candles sat stacked against the walls. The labels were crooked, and several packages had leaked oil onto the hardwood floor.
Claire walked into the kitchen.
“Where is your investor?”
“He’s waiting for proof that I have enough capital.”
“What is his name?”
Mia opened the refrigerator.
“Why does that matter?”
“Because I’m considering giving you sixty thousand dollars.”
Mia turned around immediately.
“You are?”
“Yes, but I need the business plan, financial statements, supplier contracts, and investor information.”
Mia’s excitement vanished.
“You don’t trust me.”
“I’m asking normal questions.”
“Mom said you would make this difficult.”
Claire noticed a stack of overdue notices on the counter.
She picked up the top one.
The townhouse mortgage was three months behind.
“This property is owned by the company,” Claire said. “Why is there a personal mortgage statement in your name?”
Mia snatched it away.
“It’s complicated.”
“Did Mom transfer the townhouse to you?”
“It was part of my compensation.”
“For what work?”
Mia’s face hardened.
“You always do that.”
“Do what?”
“Act superior.”
“I’m asking how company property became yours.”
“Dad wanted me taken care of.”
“Did he say that in writing?”
Mia stepped closer.
“You think because he left you some shares, you’re special?”
Claire remained silent.
Mia’s expression revealed that she knew.
“How long have you known?” Claire asked.
“Known what?”
“That Dad left me control of the company.”
Mia folded her arms.
“Mom said it was a mistake. She said Dad wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“And she hid the documents.”
“She was protecting the company.”
“By transferring nearly nine hundred thousand dollars to herself?”
Mia looked away.
Claire felt the last of her hope disappear.
“You knew about the money.”
“Mom said it was her right.”
“It belonged to the company.”
“The company belongs to the family.”
“No. The company has owners, employees, contracts, and responsibilities. It isn’t a private account for you and Mom.”
Mia laughed bitterly.
“You sound exactly like Dad.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You never understood him. You were always working, always trying to impress him.”
“I was working because someone had to.”
Mia’s eyes filled with sudden tears.
“What am I supposed to do if you take everything away?”
Claire studied her sister.
For years, Mia’s tears had ended every argument. Darlene would rush in, accuse Claire of cruelty, and restore order by giving Mia whatever she wanted.
This time, Claire did not move.
“You could start by telling the truth.”
Mia wiped her face.
“I didn’t forge your signature.”
“Who did?”
Mia said nothing.
“Was it Mom?”
“She said you would agree eventually.”
Claire turned toward the door.
Behind her, Mia spoke quickly.
“The investor meeting is Monday. If I don’t have the money, the business is finished.”
Claire looked back.
“There is no investor, is there?”
Mia’s silence answered.
“The sixty thousand is for the mortgage and your debts.”
Mia’s face twisted.
“You’re getting married. You’ll have Ryan. I only have Mom.”
“You have never only had Mom. You had Dad. You had me. You treated both of us like resources.”
“Claire, please.”
“No.”
Mia’s voice sharpened.
“Then don’t expect us to pretend everything is fine at your engagement party.”
May you like
Claire opened the door.
“I’m no longer asking anyone to pretend.”
