Then Alex spoke.

“She’s not wrong, babe,” he said lightly. “We could stay at Mom’s for a while. Your parents helped us once—they’ll help again. This place is perfect for kids.”

He gestured vaguely around the room.

“And honestly, you picked everything. I didn’t get much say. I’d like a space where I can decide things too.”

That’s when it clicked.

This wasn’t spontaneous. This was rehearsed.

Katie was already surveying the room like she was calculating curtain measurements.

Barbara smiled as if the paperwork were already signed.

“It’s only fair,” she said.

The room fell silent.

My mother folded her napkin with terrifying composure.

“I didn’t raise my daughter to be anyone’s fool,” she said calmly.

Barbara stiffened. “Excuse me?”

“You want her home?” my mom continued. “Take her to court. You’ll lose.”

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