Chapter 9
Chapter 9: The Freezing Cold Reality
The silence that followed my mention of the IRS was deafening. Robert looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his purple complexion instantly turning an ashen gray. Janet clutched the porch railing for support, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Only Sabrina remained vocal, her tears turning into a high-pitched, hysterical laugh.
"You're bluffing," Sabrina choked out, wiping her ruined makeup with the back of her hand. "You wouldn't do that to Mom and Dad. You wouldn't do that to us."
"Try me," I said, leaning against the doorframe, projecting a calmness I didn't entirely feel but knew I had to weaponize. "Marcus Thorne doesn't play games, Sabrina. When he files a report for elder financial abuse and grand larceny, the federal authorities don't just ask questions—they dig. And once they start digging into Robert's 'business expenses,' a trust fund theft is going to be the least of your worries."
Robert finally found his voice, though it was cracked and desperate. "Claire... please. Let's talk about this like a family. We can make an arrangement. We can pay Anna back over time."
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"With what money, Robert?" I countered. "The vans are being repossessed. The accounts are frozen. The time for 'arrangements' ended the moment you signed your name on a forged document to rob my daughter. Get off my lawn."
I didn't wait for them to respond. I stepped back, shut the heavy wooden door, and turned the deadbolt. Through the window, I watched them retreat to their SUV. Robert was screaming at Janet, Janet was shoving Sabrina, and Sabrina was staring blankly at the house. The golden family was finally fracturing, and the show was just beginning.
