Chapter 2 - The Family Table
The Carter house looked exactly as Madison remembered.
White stone.
Tall windows.
Perfect lawn.
A driveway lined with carefully trimmed trees.
Everything appeared untouched.
That was what made it feel wrong.
Madison entered through the front door.
Evelyn was waiting.
For a moment, mother and daughter simply stared at each other.
Then Evelyn crossed the room and hugged her.
Madison felt the tension immediately.
Mom.
You should have told us you were coming.
I wanted to surprise Ethan.
Evelyn pulled away.
He is upstairs.
Madison started toward the staircase.
Your father is in his study.
I am not here to see Dad.
Evelyn's expression tightened.
Madison.
What?
This is not the time.
Then when is it?
Evelyn lowered her voice.
Your father has been under tremendous pressure.
So has Ethan.
Why?
Evelyn looked toward the hallway.
Because the family trust is complicated.
That is not what I asked.
Before Evelyn could answer, footsteps sounded above them.
Ethan appeared at the top of the stairs.
Madison looked up.
Her little brother had grown.
His hair was longer.
His face thinner.
He looked exhausted.
Then he saw Madison.
His eyes filled with relief.
He ran downstairs.
Madison hugged him tightly.
You got so tall.
Ethan smiled.
Barely.
I missed you.
I missed you too.
Madison pulled back.
What is happening?
Ethan glanced at Evelyn.
Nothing.
Madison knew immediately that he was lying.
That night, she waited until everyone was asleep.
Then she went downstairs.
She found Ethan sitting alone in the kitchen.
He was staring at a glass of water.
You cannot sleep either?
He shook his head.
Madison sat beside him.
Tell me.
Ethan looked toward the hallway.
Dad said I should not talk to you.
Why?
Because you will try to protect me.
Madison's heart tightened.
That is what older sisters are supposed to do.
Ethan looked at her.
What if protecting me makes everything worse?
Madison said nothing.
Ethan reached into his pocket.
He pulled out a small folded piece of paper.
Someone gave me this.
Who?
I do not know.
He handed it to her.
Madison unfolded it.
There were only seven words.
Ask why the second signature disappeared.
She looked at Ethan.
What does that mean?
He shook his head.
I do not know.
Then he stood.
But you need to know something else.
What?
The lawyer is not Dad's only lawyer.
Madison frowned.
What do you mean?
There are two of them.
And one of them has never met Dad.
Before Madison could ask another question, the kitchen light turned on.
Richard stood in the doorway.
His expression was unreadable.
What are you doing awake?
Ethan immediately stood.
Nothing.
Richard looked at Madison.
We need to talk.
Madison folded the paper into her palm.
May you like
Yes.
I think we do.
