“Transitional?” My mother barked out a laugh. “It’s a slum. I told her she’d get mugged before she even unpacked.”

The table laughed.

Nervous. Relieved.

They were grateful to have someone beneath them.

I gripped my napkin under the table until my knuckles turned white.

“Actually, Mom,” I said.

My voice cut through the murmurs.

“I’m looking forward to the move.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Good luck with the roaches.”

More laughter.

“Please come visit,” I added sweetly. “In fact, I’m hosting a housewarming party next Sunday.”

“A housewarming?” my mother blinked. “In the ghetto?”

“Yes,” I replied calmly. “I want you to see exactly where I ended up.”

---

Chapter 2: The Bait

I sent the invitation at exactly 9:00 AM on Tuesday.

Black background. Gold typography. No photos.

Just a GPS pin and a time: Sunday, 2:00 PM.

Refreshments served.

Chloe was the first to respond in the family group chat.

“LOL. Should I bring pepper spray?”

My mother saw it and smirked. I could picture her sipping her kale smoothie, imagining me in a crumbling studio apartment with peeling paint.

She wanted a spectacle.

And I was happy to provide one.

Except it wasn’t the spectacle she expected.