Chapter 4

I said, "Why don't you go ask Lillian and Debra, the ones holding 2% of the shares and supposedly bringing resources to the family?

"They've got the means, and they're the ones responsible now."

I returned his words to him, word for word.

Ivan was silent for ages, finally squeezing out something meek.

"Belle, I know we were wrong. It's our fault," he said. "Can you help us in this emergency? Once Dad's stable, I'll do whatever you want."

He was still dodging the real issue, trying to patch things up by dealing with the crisis first and feelings later.