The Daughter She Never Chose Chapter 10

The Daughter She Never Chose Chapter 10

“You want it back? Then take it!”

“You think I need your handouts?”

Mom stormed into the bedroom and came back with handfuls of jewelry—everything I’d ever given her—and lobbed them at my feet.

“I knew from the day you were born. You’re nothing but a curse!”

“If I’d known what you’d turn out to be, I would’ve left you in that crib and never looked back!”

“Get out!”

“Take your trash and get out of my house!”

Every piece of jewelry on that floor was worth a fortune. I’d picked them out myself over the years.

Across the room, Julian and Chloe watched the jewelry hit the floor. Neither of them looked at me. They were looking at the diamonds and gold scattered on the rug.

I knelt down and picked them up. One by one. Taking my sweet time.

When I straightened up and looked at Dad, his hand moved to his chest, tucking the gold cross pendant under his collar, pulling his sleeve over the gold Tiffany & Co. watch.

He was still trying to play peacemaker.

“Elena, come on. Stop this.”

“You’ve really hurt her this time.”

“If you don’t apologize right now, if you don’t beg her for forgiveness, there’s no coming back from this.”

Julian stepped in.

“Elena Vance, I’m serious. This is your last chance.”

“If you walk out that door, don’t expect me to ever cover for you again.”

Mom lifted her chin, turned her head away, and waited.

They were all sure I’d cave.

Any second now, I’d fold the way I always did. I’d drop my head, say I was sorry, write another blank check, and beg them to forgive me.

But they didn’t know.

Family only has power over you when you still crave their love.

The second you stop caring, it turns into nothing.

“Your last chance? Keep it. I’m done.”

I gathered the jewelry, turned around, and walked out. I didn’t look back.

That night, I packed up my apartment and drove to Oakhaven.

I listed both houses immediately the next morning.

I sold them at a massive discount to a guy who had a reputation for evicting stubborn tenants.

The discount came with one condition. Whoever was living there,

they were his problem now.

He didn’t ask questions. He’d clearly done this before. The money was wired directly, clean and fast, and he told me not to worry about the rest.

A few days later, my phone started blowing up.