22. Black Sheep

"Because I can't, Mom," I said, grabbing a cookie from the table and taking a bite.

"Why won't you?" she asked, giving me a questioning look. "Do you even understand the consequences of what you've done?"

I stood up, facing her. "Yes, Mom. I'm fully aware. But I refuse to be a puppet in all this. I won’t let her control me like I have no will of my own."

My mom's face tightened with anger, but instead of lashing out, she turned to Marie, who had clearly been eavesdropping. "Can you give us a moment, please?" she said.

Marie set down the knife she'd been holding and rinsed her hands. "I’m sorry, Mrs. Carlisle," she murmured, drying her hands on a napkin before quietly exiting the kitchen.

Mom waited until Marie was out of earshot before speaking again. "Everything I’ve ever done has been to make you happy and comfortable, but in situations like this, you have to do what she asks, or she’ll demand her money back."

I sighed and reached for another cookie. "Then give her back the money, M