CHAPTER 2 — THE FIRST MOVE
Lauren spent the entire night awake.
Not crying.
Not panicking.
Planning.
She reviewed every transaction on her credit card.
Every flight.
Every hotel payment.
Every designer purchase.
The evidence was undeniable.
The card had been used without permission.
And then she discovered something worse.
The purchases weren’t random.
They were carefully planned.
Chloe had booked the most expensive resort suite.
Her mother had added luxury shopping expenses.
They didn’t accidentally spend $85,000.
They believed Lauren would simply pay.
Like always.
The next morning, Lauren contacted the bank’s fraud department.
She reported every unauthorized transaction.
Then she contacted the credit bureau.
Then a lawyer.
For years, Lauren had protected her family from consequences.
Now she was letting consequences finally reach them.
That afternoon, her father called.
“Your mother said you’re upset.”
Lauren stayed silent.
“She said you’re overreacting.”
Lauren smiled slightly.
Of course they thought that.
They always did.
Her father continued.
“Lauren, family shouldn’t fight over money.”
She looked at the documents on her desk.
“They didn’t fight over money, Dad.”
A pause.
“They stole mine.”
May you like
Her father became quiet.
Because for once, he had no excuse.
