Paige took a slow breath, then calmly removed her worn sweater and let it fall to the ground, revealing a high quality silk blouse underneath that instantly changed how she was perceived.
“We are talking about what I have been paying for during the last twenty three years,” she said steadily, her voice no longer shaking.
Kayla shook her head in disbelief while stepping back slightly.
“You told us you were broke and had nothing left,” she said in confusion.
Paige gave a faint smile that carried more sadness than joy.
“That was part of a test,” she replied quietly.
Susan staggered back slightly, her face filled with shock.
“A test,” she repeated.
Thomas stepped forward to explain further, maintaining a formal tone.
“Ms. Miller asked us to assist her in evaluating how her family would treat her if she returned without money,” he said. “She wanted to see whether your care depended on the financial support she provided every month.”
Kayla’s face flushed red as embarrassment and fear mixed together.
“That is insane, Paige,” she shouted while trying to step closer, only to hesitate when security moved slightly forward. “We are your family and you cannot treat us like strangers.”