Chapter 3 - Returning Home
We landed at SFO on a rainy Monday afternoon.
The beautiful Tuscan sun felt like a distant dream as we drove through the gray city streets.
Marcus held my hand the entire ride to Pacific Heights.
"You don't have to do this," he reminded me softly.
"If I don't, I'll never know the truth," I replied.
Eleanor’s estate was a massive stone mansion hidden behind wrought iron gates.
A butler led us into a dark wood-paneled library where Eleanor sat behind a massive desk.
She did not offer us tea or pleasantries.
"Your grandfather's trust was split fifty-fifty between you and Stephanie," she said, sliding a folder across the desk.
I opened it and saw forged signatures that looked exactly like my handwriting.
"They used your half to secure the loans for the wedding vendors," Eleanor explained.
Bile rose in my throat as I stared at the bank statements.
My mother had sacrificed my future just to buy Stephanie a crown.
"I can prove the forgery," Eleanor said, tapping her manicured finger on the desk.
"But I wanted to look you in the eye and see if you were in on it."
Marcus stepped forward, his protective instincts flaring.
"Amanda has worked two jobs her entire life, she would never do this," he said firmly.
Eleanor studied Marcus for a long moment, a strange glint in her sharp eyes.
"I know she wouldn't," Eleanor agreed softly.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors of the library burst open.
My mother stormed into the room, her designer coat soaked from the rain.
Stephanie was right behind her, still wearing her diamond engagement ring.
"What is she doing here?" my mother shrieked, pointing a shaking finger at me.
Eleanor simply leaned back in her leather chair.
"I invited her, Susan, because we were just discussing the police," Eleanor said calmly.
Stephanie’s face turned the color of ash.
"You can't call the police, Derek will leave me!" Stephanie screamed at the old woman.
"Derek already left the hotel, you foolish girl," Eleanor shot back.
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Stephanie slowly turned her frantic gaze toward me, her eyes filled with toxic desperation.
"If you take Derek from me, Amanda, I swear I will tell everyone what Marcus did," Stephanie threatened.
