In the parking lot, Raymond handed me a plain envelope. “Three months’ rent and utilities,” he said. “No conditions. If I’m wrong, give it back. If I’m right, consider it an apology from a family that failed you.”
My throat tightened. “My mom—Linda—worked herself sick raising me. If this is real… she deserved better.”
“She gave you love,” Raymond said. “We’ll honor her.”
When we returned to the jeweler, the bell chimed—and Brandon walked in, wearing that familiar smug grin, like he still owned my future.
“How did you find me?” I demanded.
He shrugged. “Shared accounts. I saw the location. You were always easy to track.”
Raymond’s voice cut through the room, calm and lethal. “Leave.”
Brandon scoffed. “And you are?”
“Raymond Carter.”
The name wiped the smirk off Brandon’s face. His posture shifted instantly. “I’m just making sure she’s not being scammed,” he said quickly. “If there’s money involved, we should talk. She owes me.”
I laughed once, sharp and clean. “You took everything. Now you want part of my last lifeline?”
Brandon leaned closer. “You wouldn’t have anything without me.”
I met his stare. “Watch me.”
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