Chapter 7: The Parents’ Panic
Julian’s mother recovered from the shock faster than her husband.
She straightened her shoulders and forced a more reasonable tone into her voice.
“Claire, this has gotten out of hand. We’re family. There is no need to destroy everything over a misunderstanding.”
Claire raised an eyebrow.
“A misunderstanding,” she repeated. “You were packing my grandmother’s photograph into a trash bag while your son’s mistress drank from my cup. Which part of that was a misunderstanding?”
The older woman faltered.
“We only wanted what was best for Julian. The marriage had clearly run its course. We thought a clean break would be better for everyone.”
“You thought,” Claire said, “that once the debt was gone, I could be discarded without consequence.”
Julian’s father cleared his throat.
“There must be room for negotiation. Julian made mistakes, but this contract… it’s excessive. You’re taking everything.”
Claire looked at him with mild disbelief.
“I’m taking back what was already mine. That is not the same thing.”
The older man tried again.
“He’s our only son. If you push this too far, you’ll ruin him.”
Claire’s voice stayed level.
“He ruined himself the moment he decided my usefulness had an expiration date.”
Julian’s mother stepped closer, her tone turning almost pleading.
“Claire, please. We’ve known you for years. Don’t do this to the family.”
Claire met her eyes without warmth.
“You stopped treating me like family the moment you decided I was an obstacle. Don’t ask for loyalty now.”
May you like
A heavy silence settled over the kitchen.
For the first time, both of Julian’s parents looked truly afraid — not of scandal, but of the sudden and complete loss of control.
