Chapter 3

"Honey, you're awake. Breakfast will be ready soon. Go sit in the living room for a bit," my mom said.

I couldn't help but feel happy with the way she called me.

At the dining table, my parents said they had something big to announce.

My hands curled up under the table. I guessed that they were about to warn me about what happened yesterday.

"So, Wanda, this card has 300 thousand dollars on it. It's your monthly allowance. Go wild. Buy whatever you want and play however you like," my dad said.

I stared at the card, completely stunned.

I didn't understand why they were handing me money. I wondered if they were buttering me up before dropping the bomb.

"And there's something else. Your mom and I have decided that you'll inherit the family business. You'll be the sole heir," my dad added.

I froze for a second, then shot a look at Paisley.

"What about Paisley? Why me, all of a sudden? Are you guys for real?" I asked.

Paisley quickly waved her hands. "Wanda, it's really okay. You're Mom and Dad's real daughter.

"Plus, you're the one with the brains and the talent. Everything should go to you."

This was way beyond anything I could've imagined.

My parents said it was their way of making it up to me. They hoped it would help me fit in with the family faster.

They'd also help me get everything sorted out for transferring schools in the next few days.

I'd always been pretty good at school, unlike Paisley, who wasn't really into studying. So, they figured I could handle taking over the family business.

The next few days were like living in a dream.

My parents cooked amazing food for me every single day.

Paisley would go shopping with me, share her style secrets, and show me all kinds of cool new things.

I found myself growing more and more attached to this family.

Everything was perfect until some relatives showed up. That was when I saw a totally different side of my parents.

*****

Paisley glanced downstairs, clearly annoyed.

She said, "It's them again. So annoying."

I couldn't believe Paisley, who was always so cheerful, would say something like that. "Who are they?" I asked.

Paisley rolled her eyes. "Just some relatives. They used to help Mom and Dad out, but now they're a total headache.

"They're always asking for money, investments, and bailouts. Honestly, I think they're just here to milk us."

Those middle-aged people spotted Paisley and me right away.

We decided to go downstairs and check it out.

"Who's this young lady?" one of the relatives asked.

My dad said, "She's my daughter. There was a mix-up at the hospital, so now I have two daughters."

They were totally stunned by this bombshell and couldn't help but marvel at the news.

But before long, they started talking about money again.

One of the relatives said, "Caldwell, honestly, I feel bad bringing this up, but I'm really out of options.

"You know how rough things are right now, and I'm just too naive. I always end up getting screwed over. But come on, we are brothers.

"You gotta help me out this time. Just lend me 1.5 million dollars, and I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I bounce back."

Paisley muttered under her breath, "Borrow? Please, we never saw a dime of what he took last time."

It was pretty clear this guy just showed up to mooch off us again.

My parents' faces instantly fell.

They knew all too well this guy wasn't really down and out because someone screwed him over. He just spent money like crazy.

Every single time he was broke, he'd come over with some dramatic story, begging for money. Honestly, they had lost track of how many times he had done this.

My parents tried to gently brush him off, searching for a way to say no without causing a scene.

But the guy's expression shifted. He suddenly got all demanding.

He said, "If you don't lend me the money today, you're disrespecting me.

"Seriously, you're gonna be tight-fisted with your own brother? We go way back. Plus, this is an investment. I'm doing you a favor, helping you make money, and you still wanna say no?"

I snickered to myself, barely holding back a laugh.

He was laying the guilt on thick, asking for money like he was doing us a favor. Honestly, with his attitude, it was almost like my family was begging him for help.

I wanted my parents to tell him off and smack him.

But then Dad just let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, fine..."

I jumped to my feet, shocked. "Hold on, I'm not okay with this!"

The relative, who was all smiles just a second ago, suddenly looked annoyed and snapped at me, "Kids should keep quiet when adults are talking."

I'd been working summer jobs since middle school. I'd run into all kinds of sketchy people.

He tried to look down on me, so I shot him a death stare, not about to give him any respect.

I said, "Uncle, just so you know, I'm the future heir of the Taylor family. When it comes to family business, my word counts.

"You think we're handing you money just for your sake? Who the hell do you think you are?"

The relative stormed off, fuming.

My parents and Paisley threw their arms around each other, celebrating. "Finally, we've got someone in the family to speak up for us!"

But deep down, I started to have doubts about my parents.