I deleted the rest.
Because for the first time, I understood something clearly. They didn’t want resolution. They wanted control back. And I wasn’t giving it to them.
Clare texted from a new number.
You’re disgusting. I hope you’re happy destroying this family.
I blocked it.
Dad texted next.
This has gone too far. Drop your counterclaim and we’ll drop ours. Let’s be adults.
I stared at the message for a moment, then typed back.
You sued me first. I’m finishing it.
No reply.
The next day, Marcus came over with pizza and beer.
Your family’s going crazy online, he said, pulling out his phone.
I’m not on social media, I replied.
I know. That’s why I’m showing you.
My mom had posted. Long message, emotional tone, carefully written to make her look like the victim.
Heartbroken doesn’t begin to describe how we feel. We tried to guide our daughter. She chose money over family.
Hundreds of comments, some supportive, some not.
Marcus scrolled.
Look at this.
One comment stood out.
Aunt Rachel: Didn’t you fund Clare’s businesses and education? What did Anna get?
No reply from my mom.
Another.
Uncle Jim: So, you gave one daughter everything and now you’re suing the other for succeeding?
Also ignored.
Clare had posted too. Shorter, more aggressive.
My sister is suing our parents because they asked her to help me. I made mistakes, sure, but family supports each other. This is what greed does.
The comments were split. Some defending her, others asking questions she couldn’t answer.
How much money did your parents give you?
Why does your sister owe you anything?
What exactly did she do wrong?
Claire didn’t respond to any of them.
They’re trying to control the narrative, Marcus said.
They always do, I replied.
My phone rang again. Unknown number.
I answered.
Anna, it’s Aunt Rachel.
Her voice was calm. Different.
I saw your mom’s post, she said. I wanted to hear your side.
So I told her. Everything. The lawsuit, the money, the years of imbalance.
The silence on her end stretched longer this time.
Then, “I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “I knew they favored Clare, but not like this.”
Most people didn’t, I said.
For what it’s worth, she added, I’m on your side. And I told your mother that.
I closed my eyes for a second.
Thank you.
After the call, Marcus looked at me.
You’ve got some people backing you.
Some, I said.
Enough, he replied.
Three weeks later, the next phase began.
Depositions.
Blackwell called me the night before.
Tomorrow, we question your parents under oath, he said. Stay calm. Don’t react. Let me handle it.