After I refused to give my mom my inheritance, she invited me to a family meeting…

There isn’t any, I clarified. Yet, the implied threat hung in the air. My mother’s carefully constructed plan was collapsing around her, and the rage in her eyes was unlike anything I’d seen before.

This isn’t over, she hissed. Actually, it is. I picked up their document and handed it back.

I won’t be signing this, or any variation of it. Grandpa made his wishes clear, and I intend to honor them. He was my father, she nearly screamed.

Everything he built should have been mine. That’s exactly why it isn’t, I replied softly. He built it to last, mom.

Not to be squandered. As I turned to leave, Jason suddenly stood. Amber, wait.

Everyone froze. Jason had been the silent observer throughout this confrontation, caught between loyalty to our mother and what he knew was right. I’m sorry, he said, his voice stronger than I’d ever heard it.

I didn’t know about any of this. The lies, the manipulation. I just thought.

He looked at our mother, pain evident in his expression. I thought Amber was being selfish. But it’s not true, is it, mom? Patricia’s expression hardened.

Sit down, Jason. No. His hands were shaking, but his voice remained steady.

I don’t want any part of this. To everyone’s shock, he walked across the room to stand beside me. I’m leaving with Amber.

Craig started forward threateningly. You ungrateful little. I’d be careful about what you say next, I interrupted, holding up my phone.

This entire conversation is being recorded. That stopped him cold. The advisors were already inching toward the door, sensing the legal quicksand they’d wandered into.

I looked at my mother one last time, feeling an unexpected wave of pity beneath my anger. Goodbye, mom. With Jason beside me, I walked out of the house that had once been my home, leaving behind the trap that had been set for me, a trap that had caught its creators instead.

As Jason and I stepped onto the porch, the front door slammed behind us with such force that the porch light rattled. I flinched but kept walking toward my car, where Samantha was already emerging, alerted by my prearranged signal text. Are you okay? She asked, eyeing Jason uncertainly.

This is my brother, I explained. He’s coming with us. Jason looked between us, confusion evident on his face.

Who are you? Samantha Reed, Amber’s attorney. She extended her hand professionally. I take it the meeting didn’t go as your mother planned? A hysterical laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me.

You could say that. We didn’t have time for more explanations. The front door burst open again, revealing my mother, face contorted with rage.

Jason, get back in this house right now. Jason stiffened beside me but didn’t turn around. I can’t, mom.

Not after what I just heard. They’re manipulating you, she shrieked. Everything Amber said was a lie.

Samantha stepped forward slightly. Mrs. Carter, I strongly advise you to go back inside. Any further harassment will be documented and may impact future proceedings.

Who the hell are you? My mother demanded. I’m Ms. Matthews’ legal counsel. And unlike your advisors, I actually am a licensed attorney.

That gave my mother pause, though her eyes still burned with fury. Behind her, I could see Mr. Wilson and Mr. Daniels hurrying to their cars, briefcases clutched tightly, rats abandoning the sinking ship. This isn’t over, she repeated, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

It is, Samantha countered firmly. Any attempt to contest the will now would be seen as vexatious litigation given the evidence Amber has compiled. You’d be risking court costs and potential sanctions.

My mother’s gaze shifted to Jason. And you, don’t bother coming back if you leave with her. Jason visibly flinched but held his ground.

Fine. Without another word, my mother retreated inside, slamming the door once more. The three of us stood in charged silence for a moment before Samantha spoke.

Let’s get out of here. We can talk somewhere else. Twenty minutes later, we were seated in a quiet corner of a cafe several miles away.

Jason stared into his untouched coffee, shell-shocked. I can’t believe she just… disowned me. Just like that.

She’s bluffing, I said, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. She’ll calm down eventually. You don’t know that, he countered, finally looking up…