“Megan,” she said firmly. “Enough. I’ve watched you tear this family apart. Your father’s wishes were clear, and I won’t stand in the way of them anymore.”
Megan’s jaw dropped.
“You can’t be serious. You’re choosing her after everything I’ve done for you.”
Mom’s voice cracked, but she didn’t waver.
“You’ve done plenty, Megan, but none of it was for anyone but yourself.”
The color drained from Megan’s face. For once, her words failed her. She spun on her heel, storming back toward her Lexus.
“Fine,” she spat. “Rot in your shack. Don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve thrown away everything.”
The tires screeched as she sped off, leaving only the bitter taste of exhaust in the air.
I stood there, heart pounding, not from fear, but from the finality of it. Megan had lost not just in court, not just in the papers, but in the one place she thought she’d never lose: Mom’s allegiance.
