“My client,” he said pleasantly, “has ten million dollars available for investment. But first, let’s discuss terms.”
Crystal found her voice first, sharp and offended. “Where did <em>you</em> get ten million?”
I didn’t answer. I didn’t have to.
My lawyer opened the folder like a magician revealing the trick.
“Mrs. Washington,” he said, “is the sole beneficiary of her late husband’s company sale. The sale was finalized one day before his death. Five hundred million dollars, after taxes.”
The silence that followed was so pure it felt holy.
Beverly’s hand trembled.
Crystal’s face drained white.
Andre looked like he might be sick.
Howard’s mouth opened, then closed, like a man trying to swallow a world he hadn’t known existed.
“That’s impossible,” Howard finally said. “We went through everything.”
My lawyer smiled without warmth. “The company was Mr. Washington’s separate property. Built without family funds. It passed to his wife. It’s legal. It’s final. It’s hers.”
Beverly’s mind recalibrated in real time. You could see her shifting gears, moving from rage to strategy, from cruelty to performance.
“Well,” she said brightly, voice too loud. “This is wonderful news. Family should help family.”
I looked at her the way a nurse looks at a patient insisting they’re fine while bleeding.
Crystal leaned forward, palms out. “Look… we were all grieving. People say things they don’t mean.”
“You filmed me being evicted,” I said softly. “And posted it.”
Crystal’s mouth snapped shut.
“You called me a gold digger to thousands of people,” I continued. “You tried to get me fired. Howard tried to take my name.”
Howard bristled, reaching for authority like a cane. “Terrence would have wanted you to help his family.”
I leaned back. “The family that threw me out twenty-four hours after his funeral?”
Beverly’s eyes flashed. “You’re being vindictive.”
“No,” I said. “I’m being accurate.”
I let them sit in it.
Then I leaned forward, hands folded.
“I lived in a studio apartment for six months,” I said. “I rode the bus. I ate dollar store food. I worked twelve-hour shifts standing until my feet went numb. Every one of you had my number.”
I looked at Andre last.
“Did anyone call?” I asked. “Did anyone ask if I was okay?”
“I gave you money,” he whispered.
“Yes,” I said. “Two hundred dollars. Once. Out of pity.”
His throat worked like he was trying to swallow shame.
I stood.“I’m not investing ten million in your company,” I said, and I watched hope die in their faces like a candle snuffed.
Howard’s shoulders sagged.
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