“Mom, I know Grandma loves me, but I care about her too. She’s already so old—how could I take so much money from her? I have to return it. I want Grandma to stay healthy and happy.”
Chloe’s face darkened in fury, forced to watch the fortune slip away.
“Oh, my precious grandson is truly thoughtful. So different from that Lily. Every time Lily says she cares about me, I feel like she’s only after my money. But you—you’re not that kind of child.”
Is that so?
Just wait.
Later, Margaret tried a few more times to press the money into my hands. I refused every time, and she left delighted, hugging the cash as she carried it away.
That night after dinner, Chloe dragged me into the bedroom, jabbing my forehead in rage.
“Ethan Brooks, did the car accident scramble your brain? How could you give that money back to that old hag? Don’t you know she’s notoriously stingy? Today was a once-in-a-lifetime chance—she’ll never give you that much again! You’re an idiot!”
“Mom, we’re not short of money. Why would we need so much?”