The sarcasm dripped like venom. "I transfer the grocery money, and you accept it instantly without a word. You're not *nearly* as generous as my mother-in-law. She sends New Year's gift money to me and Savannah every year."
To twist the knife deeper, she posted two screenshots: one of me accepting her measly 500 bucks, and another of a 1,000-buck transfer from her in-laws labeled "New Year's Gift."
The group chat—previously buzzing with holiday greetings—fell dead silent.
Jade wasn't finished.
Another voice note. A light, mocking laugh.
"I'm just joking, Mom. You're not *actually* mad, are you?"
A pause.
"But I'm not wrong. For the past seven years, all of Savannah's gift money has come from her grandpa and grandma on Patrick's side. You? You're just... *stingy*."
Stingy.
The word echoed in my skull, stoking the fire in my chest until it roared.
My *entire* monthly pension of 5,000 bucks went into their mortgage and Savannah's tutoring classes.
My husband *did* send money for our granddaughter—but Jade always intercepted it. She claimed the child was too young, that easy money would spoil her. She insisted she would "save it for Savannah."
And now?