Chapter 3 - The Prodigal Daughter Returns
I landed in Sacramento wearing a tailored designer suit that cost more than my first car.
The Halden Vale corporate account had provided me with a luxury hotel suite and a dedicated driver.
But before I went to the logistics company, I had a personal errand to run.
I directed my driver to pull into the sprawling suburban neighborhood where I grew up.
My parents' house was glowing with bright string lights, and loud music echoed down the quiet street.
Camille's belated birthday party was still in full swing.
I walked up the manicured driveway and pushed through the heavy wooden gate into the backyard.
Dozens of family members and neighbors were laughing and drinking champagne under a massive rented tent.
My mother spotted me instantly, her fake smile dropping into a vicious scowl.
She marched across the lawn, grabbing my arm tightly.
"I told you not to come back unless you were ready to apologize," she hissed in my ear.
"I am not here to apologize, Mom," I said loudly enough for Aunt Delphine to hear.
The music faded as people turned to stare at the commotion.
My father walked over, his face flushed red with anger and expensive scotch.
"Stop trying to ruin your sister's special night with your pathetic cries for attention," my father sneered.
I reached into my designer leather tote and pulled out a velvet box.
"I brought Camille a gift," I announced clearly.
I handed the box to my sister, who looked at me with a mixture of confusion and guilt.
Camille opened the box, revealing a beautifully framed copy of my Stanford diploma bearing the words "With Highest Distinction."
Gasps rippled through the crowd of relatives who had been told I failed.
My mother's face turned completely white.
"You are a vicious, spiteful girl," my mother whispered furiously.
I simply smiled and turned around to walk away from the toxic environment forever.
"Wait, Marlo!" my father suddenly shouted, his voice cracking with panic.
I stopped and looked back over my shoulder.
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"We are totally bankrupt, Marlo," he blurted out in front of the entire stunned party.
"I need you to cosign a half-million dollar loan for me right now, or we are going to lose the house."
