If I stormed out there now to confront them, I had no proof. I'd only tip them off.
I had to stay calm. For Mom.
The next morning, I acted as though nothing had happened and got up at my usual time.
Dad and Christine had taken Leo to the park. Rhys was at work. That left just me and my sister-in-law.
She'd actually made breakfast.
"Lola, how'd you sleep last night?"
I sat down at the table but didn't touch the food.
"Vivian, if you have something to say, just say it."
Her smile stiffened. She lowered herself into the chair across from me.
"Lola, I was up all night thinking about this. I know I was harsh yesterday, but you have to see things from my side."
"Leo's about to start school. I'm pregnant again. The expenses are real, and your brother's salary only goes so far..."
She paused, then pressed on.
"You're Leo's aunt, after all. If we actually kicked you out, people would talk—say we couldn't tolerate family under our own roof. So here's what I'm thinking: you stay, but you contribute ten thousand a month toward household expenses."