Chapter 6 - THE CHRISTMAS DINNER THAT BECAME A TRIAL
Evelyn Vance hosted Christmas dinner as though nothing had happened.
She wore pearls.
Chloe sat beside her.
Marcus arrived carrying wine.
They were discussing the sale of the bungalow when the doorbell rang.
Evelyn opened it.
Clara stood outside.
Beside her was a woman in a dark suit.
“Evelyn,” Clara said.
Her stepmother smiled nervously.
“Sweetheart.”
Clara stepped inside.
“This is Rebecca Sloan, my attorney.”
Marcus stood.
“Clara, what is this?”
Rebecca placed a folder on the table.
“Notice of legal action concerning fraudulent property transfers.”
Evelyn's smile disappeared.
Clara looked around the room.
The Christmas decorations.
Her mother's old dining table.
The framed photographs that had slowly been replaced with pictures of Evelyn and Chloe.
Then she said:
“This house belonged to my mother.”
May you like
Silence.
“And I'm not letting you take it.”
