Chapter 4

Henry almost shot up from the couch. "Give it to him? What about me?"

Michael frowned. "You're my son with Susan. If you want anything, go ask your mom."

Henry's eyes widened. "We're related by blood, aren't we? You're not leaving me a single thing?"

Michael's face turned cold. "I owe Andrew and Emmy. As for you, Susan's got you covered."

Even Henry was left speechless.

He'd come along with Emily to make trouble because she'd told him he was the Lane family's rightful son.

He figured Michael might have a change of heart on his deathbed and at least leave him some cash.

But Michael never even loved me, so why would he care about a son he thought was mine?

I almost wanted to clap for him.

Michael, you schemed your whole life, and your final move was spot on.

He thought he was leaving everything to his son with his true love. But in the end, every penny and every piece of paper ended up in my son's hands.

Emily dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice sickly sweet. "Michael, I don't mind. But Harry's had a tough time these years. Couldn't you leave him a little something?"

Michael sighed. "From now on, Susan can take care of him."

I shot my head up, looking like I'd just been hit by a bolt of lightning. "You want me to look after him?"

Michael's face was full of apology. "Susan, he's your son after all."

Henry finally got his swagger back, tilting his chin at me. "You heard him, right? You gotta take care of me. Start by buying me a car, my old used one's brakes are always messing up."

The lawyer pushed up his glasses. "Mr. Quinn, we're here to discuss Mr. Lane's personal estate arrangements."

Henry shot back, "I couldn't care less about your arrangements. Just spell it out, my mom's gotta take care of her own son.

"I'm not asking for much: an SUV, a three-bedroom house, and about 670,000 dollars in cash. Don't try to fob me off with installments."

Emily quickly tried to calm him down. "Harry, don't get worked up."

Henry shook her off. "Of course I'm worked up! You said yesterday that once Michael croaks, we'd finally get our big break. But now he's leaving everything to Andrew, am I supposed to just starve?"

The room went dead silent.

Emily looked like she wanted to bury him under the covers and pretend he wasn't there.

Michael stared at her, stunned. "Emmy, did you really say that yesterday?"

Emily's tears flowed instantly. "I didn't! I was just scared. Michael, you know I always mess up when I talk, and Harry's always making stuff up."

Henry jabbed a finger at himself. "Making stuff up? You made me rehearse what to say last night, come in crying, then ask for cash, and if that doesn't work, throw a fit."

Without saying a word, I covered my quivering lips, trying to hide my reaction.

Honestly, even I'd feel embarrassed to plan something this perfectly staged.

I clutched my chest, tears streaming down my face. "Fine, I'll take care of him."

Henry looked pretty pleased with himself.

Emily looked satisfied as well. To her, Henry was finally pawned off on me.

And Andrew's fortune would sooner or later find its way back to her, his "real mom."

The lawyer continued reviewing the documents.

Andrew just stood by the door the whole time, not saying a word.

When they got to the last page, Emily suddenly grabbed Michael's hand.

Emily asked, "Michael, are you really not leaving me a single thing?"

Michael coughed, his face flushed. "Emmy, I've let Andrew down for far too long."

Emily's eyes turned red, but there was a hint of testing in her voice. "So what am I supposed to do now?"

The air in the room went still.

Michael stared at her, dazed.

He said slowly, "Andrew's a good kid. He'll take care of you when you're old."

That was exactly what Emily had been waiting to hear. She lowered her head, putting on a pitiful act, her lips twitching, barely able to hide her glee.

The lawyer cleared his throat. "Mr. Lane, are you still going to sign?"

Michael closed his eyes for a moment, then signed his name for the last time.

Emily fixated on the pen, looking so pleased with herself.

But I knew, the sooner she started feeling triumphant, the harder she'd hit rock bottom later.