“This is the latest will. It fully revokes the inheritance rights of George Hansen, Sandra Hansen, and Ashley Thompson, as well as Ashley Thompson’s spouse, and designates Miss Mandy Hansen as the sole heir to the entire estate.”
“The entire estate?” my parents shouted in unison.
“Mom, please wait. Anything but that. We’re sorry. We’ve reflected on our actions. Please.” Gone was any trace of pride. Only a man clinging desperately to money.
My mother followed suit. “I’m sorry, Mom. I had a moment of weakness. I’ll never do it again. Please reconsider.”
From above them, my grandmother replied in an icy voice.
“If you want to apologize, do it to Mandy. She’s the victim, not me.”
My parents and Ashley’s eyes all turned to me at once, pleading, fawning, and underneath it all, that same entitled assumption: We’re family, so she’ll forgive us.
I slowly lifted my wine glass and took a sip. Then I smiled sweetly.
“No, I don’t possess mercy. The only thing I have for you is an invoice.”
I accepted the final document from Attorney Watson.
“This is a demand for restitution of unjust enrichment over the past 3 years, along with damages for emotional distress. The total amount due is $2 million. If payment is not made by tomorrow, criminal prosecution will proceed immediately.”
“$2 million?” my father screamed. “There’s no way we have that kind of money.”
“Then sell what you do have,” I said coldly. “Your house, your cars, your jewelry, and that house Kevin’s parents are living in. You’ll vacate it immediately.”
“No.” Ashley collapsed to the floor. “Kicking Kevin’s mom and dad out. If I do that, he’ll divorce me.”
“That’s none of my concern. That’s your problem, Ashley.” I cut her off coldly.
“When I lost my job and my credit was destroyed, did any of you worry about me? No. You all mocked me. Now it’s your turn to taste that same misery.”
At that moment, a heavy knock sounded at the dining room door, and two officers wearing sheriff’s badges entered.
“Ashley Thompson, please come with us to the station.”
“No, help me. I didn’t do anything wrong.” Ashley screamed as she was dragged away.
Next, my parents, still in shock, were placed in handcuffs as well.