Chapter 2 - THE MASK OF DECEPTION2.1. Smiling at Money-Obsessed ParasitesThe next morning, the Phoenix mansion was filled with artificial celebration. My mother, Diane, personally prepared a lavish breakfast with imported croissants, specialty coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice—delicacies Claire hadn't tasted in months.
"David, eat up, sweetheart. Seeing you so tan and worn out from the desert sun breaks my heart," Diane said, playfully tapping her silver spoon against her saucer, her eyes gleaming with calculated excitement. "I’ve already called our family attorney. He’s preparing the paperwork to revoke the Power of Attorney and transfer all property titles back to your name so you can collect that $900,000 buyout."
"You're always so efficient, Mom," I replied, forcing a pleasant smile as I took a slow sip of black coffee. I clenched my jaw so tightly my molars ached. "Corporate compliance is extremely strict. They’ll be reviewing all account transaction histories from the past five years to ensure there are no legal disputes before releasing the funds."
The hand holding her cup froze for a microsecond. A flicker of anxiety crossed Diane's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by her practiced banker's smile. "Transaction history? Oh, everything I managed was handled with complete transparency, darling. You have nothing to worry about."
2.2. Thin Ice Over Burning CoalAshley strutted downstairs, casually carrying a fresh Chanel handbag. She glanced sneeringly toward the kitchen corner, where Claire was quietly sweeping the floor in her oversized, faded clothes.
"David, once that money hits your account, you have to take me to Europe," Ashley whined. "I’ve been working so hard keeping this house running while you were away."
"Of course, Ashley," I said, keeping my voice smooth. "Everyone who 'contributed' to this family will get exactly what they deserve."
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I caught Claire's eye for a split second. She kept her head low, but I saw a silent thread of trust in her gaze. I had told her late last night: No matter what happens, hold on for just 48 more hours.
Half an hour later, the attorney arrived. Greed made Diane careless. She eagerly signed every document transferring the deed to the house, the luxury SUV, and all bank accounts directly into my name. She assumed this was just a temporary administrative step to grab nearly a million dollars. She had no idea that the moment her pen left the paper, she had handed me the key to her own prison.
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