Chapter 2 — The Thanksgiving Table
Chapter 2 — The Thanksgiving Table
The Carter mansion looked exactly the same.
The marble floors.
The expensive paintings.
The perfect family photos.
Except one thing had changed.
Emma was no longer the little girl hoping for approval.
She was a mother protecting her daughter.
When Emma entered the dining room, everyone turned.
Olivia immediately stood up with a smile.
"Emma. It's been a while."
The words sounded polite.
But the smile never reached her eyes.
Lily held Emma’s hand tightly.
"Mom, are they happy we're here?"
Emma forced a smile.
"Of course, sweetheart."
But she already knew the truth.
Her father barely looked at Lily.
Her mother accepted the handmade Thanksgiving card with a forced smile.
And then Olivia announced something that made the entire room celebrate.
"Mom and Dad are helping us buy our second house."
Everyone applauded.
Emma watched silently.
Ten years ago, they said they couldn't help her because she had made "bad choices."
But they had millions for Olivia.
Then her father finally spoke.
"Emma, we invited you because we need to discuss something important."
Emma’s heart sank.
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She realized this dinner was never a reunion.
It was a negotiation.
