She looked up at her mother, her expression a mix of anger and exhaustion.

“Just tell him the truth.”

“Did you take the money?”

“I don’t have to explain myself to my children,” Juliette said, drawing herself up.

“I raised you.”

“I paid for your weddings.”

“I paid for those vacations we took every summer.”

Dan let out a short, bitter laugh.

“With what, Mom?” he asked.

“With the money Dad left for us?”

“With the money you took from his business partners after he died?”

“You told us those trips were a gift from you.”

“You made us thank you every single year.”

“You made Annie clean up after everyone because you said you were footing the bill.”

I watched Dan’s face.

The anger in his eyes was mixed with a deep, old sadness.

He had spent his whole life trying to please her, trying to defend her to me.

Now, he looked like he was seeing her clearly for the first time.

“I deserve to live comfortably,” Juliette said, her voice dropping its frantic tone and becoming cold.

“Your father did not leave me enough.”