Once everyone was settled, I stood up, raised my glass of lemonade, and smiled.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do with my inheritance,” I began, watching as Patricia and Robert leaned in, practically salivating.
“And you’re right. Family should support family. So, I’ve decided to do something really special.”
Patricia clapped her hands together. “Oh, sweetheart, that’s SO wonderful to hear!”
Jake nodded approvingly. But they had no idea what was coming.
“I’ve decided to DONATE a large portion of it,” I announced.
A heavy silence filled the room, so thick it felt like everyone had turned to stone.
Patricia’s smile FROZE.
Robert blinked. “I’m sorry… DONATE?”
“Yes!” I said, beaming. “To a charity for single mothers. Because, you know… my mom was one. And I wouldn’t be here without her sacrifices.”
The way their faces dropped… it was epic.
Jake stiffened beside me. “Wait… all of it?”
I shrugged. “Not all of it. I set aside enough for us, but the rest? It’s going to women who actually NEED it.”
Patricia’s hands trembled. “B-But… what about family?”
I tilted my head. “Oh, don’t worry! I saved some for just Jake and me. But you know what they say, ‘Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day…’”
“This is outrageous!” Robert bellowed, his face turning purple. “After everything we’ve done for you —”
“Everything you’ve done for me?” I cut him off, my voice ice-cold. “You mean like treating me like an outsider for years until you found out I had money? Like demanding thousands of dollars without a single ‘thank you’? Like trying to guilt me into buying you a house using my dead mother’s memory?”
Robert’s face turned red. Jake looked like I had slapped him.
His brother muttered, “What the hell?” under his breath.
I just sighed, took a slow sip of my lemonade, and let them stew in silence.
The aftermath was a masterpiece.