My own parents handed over my $10 million inheritance to my sister and told me to leave the house immediately…

You’ve been planning this from the moment the Will was read. I accused. All of you have.

That’s exactly the kind of paranoid thinking that concerns us, Dr. Harmon interjected, though I hadn’t even been introduced to him properly. Your family is worried about your mental state. I pulled out my phone, where I’d saved photos of the original documents, medical assessments from my grandfather’s actual doctors confirming his mental clarity, and notes from our conversations about the business.

Grandfather was perfectly sound of mind. I insisted, showing them the evidence. His doctors confirmed it multiple times.

He quizzed me on business strategy the day before he died. He was sharp until the end. My father’s face darkened.

That’s enough, Vanessa. The decision has been made. What decision? I demanded.

The courts have granted us temporary control of all assets, Gregory explained. And given the volatile nature of the situation, your parents had decided it would be best if you moved out immediately. The shock hit me like a physical blow.

You’re kicking me out? This is my house. Grandfather left it to me. Not anymore, my mother said coldly.

The ownership is in dispute, and as the current legal residence with the longest tenure, we have the right to determine who stays here. You have until this afternoon to pack your things, my father added. Claire couldn’t contain her smirk any longer.

I can help you pack if you’d like. I stood up, so quickly my chair toppled backward. You won’t get away with this.

Grandfather would be disgusted by what you’re doing. Grandfather isn’t here, Claire replied. And soon, neither will you be.

I stormed upstairs to my room, my mind racing. I needed to salvage what I could, important documents, personal mementos, enough clothes to get by until I figured out my next move. I pulled my largest suitcase from the closet and began filling it with essentials.

I was folding a sweater when my mother appeared in the doorway, watching me with narrowed eyes. You’re not taking anything valuable, she declared. Nothing that could be considered part of the estate.

These are my personal belongings, I replied, continuing to pack. Everything in this house belongs to the estate now, she insisted, stepping into the room. Hand over that bag.

I clutched the suitcase handle tighter. No. Her face contorted with rage.

You ungrateful little snake. After everything we’ve done for you. Done for me.

I laughed bitterly. You’ve done nothing but belittle and ignore me my entire life. Grandfather was the only one who ever cared about me.

Because you manipulated him, she shrieked. William. She’s stealing estate property.

My father appeared within seconds, as if he’d been waiting nearby for this exact moment. Give me the bag, Vanessa, he demanded, his voice dangerously quiet. No.

I repeated, backing away. These are my things. You’ve already stolen millions from me.

You don’t get to take my clothes and personal items, too. What happened next occurred so quickly, I barely had time to react. My father lunged forward, grabbing not the suitcase, but a fistful of my hair.

Pain shot through my scalp as he yanked me toward the door. William, my mother gasped, though whether in shock or encouragement, I couldn’t tell. You want to challenge us? My father growled, dragging me by my hair toward the hallway.

This is what happens to ungrateful, manipulative little girls. I screamed and struggled, but his grip was like iron. He dragged me down the hallway, my scalp on fire, past Claire who stood watching with wide eyes, past stunned household staff who quickly averted their gaze rather than witness what was happening.

Down the grand staircase we went, my body bumping painfully against each step, my father’s grip never loosening, through the marble foyer to the massive front door, which my mother hurried ahead to open. With a final violent shove, my father pushed me out onto the wet driveway. My suitcase followed, thrown with such force that it burst open, spilling my belongings onto the rain-soaked pavement.

You are no longer welcome in this house, my father declared, straightening his tie as if he hadn’t just physically assaulted his daughter. Any attempt to return will be considered trespassing. Through tears of pain and rage, I gathered myself enough to deliver one final message.

You think you’ve won, but Grandfather was smarter than all of you combined. When this is over, you’ll regret the day you betrayed his wishes, and me. The massive oak door slammed shut, leaving me alone in the pouring rain, my scalp throbbing, surrounded by my scattered possessions.

Security guards appeared at the gate, making it clear they had instructions not to let me back in. I gathered what I could salvage of my belongings back into the damaged suitcase. With shaking hands, I called Ashley, the only friend I trusted completely…