What I got instead made my jaw drop.
"Oh, come on, Hailey. Is this really worth calling me about in the middle of the night to tattle?"
"Sure, the kid's irresponsible, spends too much. I'll talk to him."
"But you know how it is—he just got married, expenses are through the roof, the baby needs formula. He's under a lot of pressure."
"You're his big cousin. He used to follow you around like a puppy. What's wrong with helping him out a little?"
My grip tightened on the phone. My voice dropped several degrees.
"Uncle Oliver, I'm happy to help. But I'm not obligated to support him."
"That fifty thousand was operating capital for my business. I need it back."
He let out a derisive snort, his tone turning nasty.
"Now you're just being petty."
"Your company pulls in plenty. Fifty thousand is pocket change to you—what, the cost of one nice dinner?"
"Your Aunt Vivien Finch hasn't been well. Times are hard for us right now."
"Just think of it as a gift for your little cousin's baby. When Jarvis makes it big someday, you think he'll forget his favorite cousin?"
"We're family. Why do you have to nickel-and-dime everything? Makes us all look bad."