Chapter 6

Sylvia didn't even bother to call me anything in the family photo. She acted like I wasn't there.

"Mom." Anna's voice was tight with anger.

"Take it easy," I said, pressing her hand down so she wouldn't grab her phone. "Why let yourself get upset over some eighteen-year-old's posts online?"

"She's living in your house! And now she's showing off the home you've held onto for twenty-two years all over the internet!" Anna snapped.

"That house was left to Edward by Grandpa Grant. I never had any claim to it. I made peace with that when I moved out three years ago," I said.

"But." Anna started.

"But what?" I handed her a slice of orange. "Anna, you've watched me raise you and fight for us all these years. Do you really think I'm the kind of person who'd get hung up over a house?"

She took the orange but didn't say anything.

"Besides," I said, peeling a slice for myself, "the properties I own are worth way more than that old house."

Anna paused, then laughed.

"Mom, sometimes I think you're just way too chill about everything," she said.

"What's the point of getting worked up? Should I go argue with her? Or throw a punch?" I said.

"At least let her know." Anna started.

"No need," I shook my head. "The people who matter already know. The rest? Doesn't matter."

After Anna left, Frank called.

"Ms. Harrington, here's the deal. Charles Grant went to the Royal Crest Club today, using the name 'The Grant Heir,' and tried to apply for an Elite VIP card," Frank said.

"And then?" I asked.

"Mr. Summers from the club called to check with me. You know, Royal Crest Club is under Evelyn's company," Frank said.

"Go ahead and approve it for him," I replied.

"Approve it for him?" Frank repeated.

"If he's over eighteen and qualifies, just approve it. Don't make things harder for him just because he's a Grant," I said.

"Got it," Frank replied.

I hung up.

I wasn't being generous.

I just didn't want anyone thinking Evelyn Harrington would stoop to arguing with a bunch of kids.

When it was time for them to face the consequences, I wouldn't even have to lift a finger.

They'd learn the hard way all on their own.

*****

Edward Grant invited Anna to dinner.

Anna really didn't want to go.

"Mom, can you go instead of me?" Anna asked, sounding a bit desperate.

"He's your dad. You should go yourself," I said.

"He hasn't cared about me for twenty-five years. Why should he suddenly act like a dad now?" Anna shot back.

"Because he's your father," I said. "Anna, I get why you hate him, but he gave you your name and your place in the world. Legally, he's still your dad. Go see him, clear things up. That way, if he comes looking for you again, you'll be able to turn him down without any guilt."

Anna couldn't win against me, so she went.

That night, when Anna got back, she slumped onto my couch and downed three glasses of red wine.

"What happened?" I asked.

"He brought those three along," Anna replied.

I poured her a fourth glass.

Vivian kept calling me "Annie," acting like she's my actual mom,' Anna said, taking a big gulp of wine. 'And Sylvia kept calling me "sis" and went, "Sis, do you have any good makeup recommendations? I just got back and I'm totally clueless about everything here." Her voice was so fake-sweet it gave me goosebumps.'

"What about Charles?" I asked.

"Charles didn't beat around the bush. He said, 'Anna, I'm planning to start a business here. Your husband's a Sinclair, right? Mind introducing me to some clients?'" Anna said.

"Trying to network the very first time you meet? That guy really knows how to play the game," I said.

"And then there was Ben Grant, the one with glasses. He didn't say a word the whole time, just kept his head down, reading a book," Anna said, pausing. "He was actually okay. At least he didn't bother me."

"What did your dad say?" I asked.

Anna was quiet for a moment.