Daniel looked at his brother, then at his mother, who was now weeping silently into her hands.

“Mom, go back to the car,” Daniel said, his voice trembling.

“And do what, Daniel?” Evelyn sobbed. “Wait for the eviction notice? My lease is in her name!”

“I’ll figure it out,” Daniel said.

“With what?” Marcus sneered, turning on his brother with raw contempt. “You don’t make enough to cover the mortgage on this place, let alone my payroll or Mom’s rent.”

“I have savings,” Daniel said, though his eyes darted away from Marcus’s face.

“You have savings?” Marcus laughed, a harsh, dry sound. “You haven’t saved a dime in your life, Daniel. You spend everything on Ava and those trips you take.”

“That’s enough, Marcus,” Daniel warned, his face flushing red.

“No, it’s not enough!” Marcus shouted. “You ruined this for all of us! She was the best thing that ever happened to this family, and you let your daughter lie her way into kicking her out!”

Daniel looked at me, his eyes pleading, but there was no pity left in me.