Chapter 3 - The Illusion Shatters
Barbara’s face mottled from pale to a furious, blotchy red.
"She was sick!" Barbara shrieked, slamming her palm against the conference table. "She was on medication, she wasn't in her right mind! You manipulated her into writing that, Derek! You and this slick lawyer!"
Maya didn't flinch. She simply slid a document across the table toward Barbara. It was a copy of the psychiatric clearance Leah had requested and received three weeks before her passing, certifying her full cognitive competence.
"Leah was sharper than you ever gave her credit for, Barbara," I said, stepping closer to the table. "She knew you better than anyone."
Barbara turned her desperate, glaring gaze toward Tom and Jennifer. "Tom! Are you just going to sit there and let your brother ruin me? After everything I’ve done for this family?"
Tom slowly raised his head. His eyes were bloodshot, rimmed with the exhaustion of a man who had spent a lifetime walking on eggshells.
"Mom," Tom said, his voice surprisingly steady. "Jennifer and I heard what you said to Ellie tonight. You called an eight-year-old child a disappointment because she didn't win a pageant. You've done that to all of us our entire lives—comparing us, demeaning us, making us feel like nothing unless we served your ego."
Jennifer nodded, her voice quiet but firm. "We’re done making excuses for you, Barbara. Derek carried your weight long enough. The rest of us stopped carrying it years ago."
May you like
Barbara recoiled as if she had been physically struck. "You ungrateful—"
"The meeting is concluded," Maya announced, standing up. "All financial transactions from Mr. Reynolds' accounts to Mrs. Barbara Vance have been permanently terminated as of 8:30 PM. The vehicle currently in Mrs. Vance’s possession must be returned or refinanced in her own name within thirty days. Good evening."
