Chapter 5 - The Mass Exodus
The guests didn't wait for the two hours to expire. Sensing a legal and social disaster, Vanessa’s high-society friends and the real estate developers practically scrambled toward their luxury SUVs.
"Thanks for the hospitality, Daniel," the lead developer snapped as he walked past my son. "Call off the deal. My legal team won't touch a fraud case."
"Wait! Mr. Harrison, please!" Vanessa called out, her voice cracking as she chased after him down the dark driveway in her high heels. "It’s a misunderstanding! She’s just a bitter old woman!"
Harrison didn't even look back; his car engine roared to life, kicking up gravel as he sped off into the night. One by one, the other cars followed suit, leaving behind empty wine glasses, half-eaten catering trays, and an ominous silence.
Daniel stood completely alone on the darkened deck, looking at the empty farmhouse table. The illusion of his grand life had dismantled in under thirty minutes.
May you like
He slowly walked toward me, his arrogant posture entirely gone. "Mom... please. You're ruining everything I've built."
"You built nothing, Daniel," I said, looking him straight in the eyes. "You lived in a house built by your father's sweat, used my money to buy expensive suits, and allowed your wife to treat your mother like a servant. You didn't build a life; you squatted on mine."
