Lauren smiled, but her eyes stayed cold. “Because I want my daughters back. I want to give them the life they deserve.”
She unfolded a document and placed it on top of the envelope. “But there’s one condition.”
The air in the room seemed to shrink, pressing in on us.
“What condition?” Emma asked, a slight tremor in her voice.
Lauren’s smile stretched wider. “It’s simple, darling. You can have all of this… the gowns, the money, everything. But you have to choose ME over your father.”
The words lingered like something toxic.
“But you have to choose
ME
over your father.”
“You have to acknowledge publicly that he failed you,” she continued. “That he kept you in poverty while I was out building a better future. That you’re choosing to live with me because I can ACTUALLY provide for you.”
My fists tightened at my sides. “You’re insane.”
“Am I?” She turned toward me, looking victorious. “I’m giving them a chance. What have you given them? A tiny apartment and sewing lessons? Please!”
Emma reached carefully for the document, her fingers brushing across the page. “Dad, what does it say?”
“You have to acknowledge publicly
that he failed you.”
I took it from her, my hands unsteady as I read the printed words aloud. It was a contract… declaring that Emma and Clara would publicly denounce me as an inadequate father and credit Lauren for their achievements and well-being.
“She wants you to give up your relationship with me,” I said quietly, my voice cracking. “For money.”
Clara’s face drained of color. “That’s sick.”
“That’s business,” Lauren replied coolly. “And it’s a limited-time offer. Decide now.”
Emma rose slowly, her hand settling on the envelope of cash. She lifted it, weighing it in her palm. “This is a lot of money,” she murmured.
My heart splintered. “Emma…”
Emma stood up slowly,
her hand finding the
