Chapter 7 - The Emergency Family MeetingThe next evening, my mother called a formal "family intervention" at her house.
Aunt Susan had sent me a text claiming that if I didn't show up to "reconcile," the entire extended family would officially disown me and sign character affidavits supporting Greg in his criminal assault trial.
I agreed to come.
Ethan drove me to my mother’s suburban home at 6:00 PM. He waited outside in his car, parked across the street, keeping his phone line open in my pocket via a discrete Bluetooth earbud.
When I walked through the front door, the atmosphere inside was suffocatingly hostile.
My mother sat on the main sofa like a judge, flanked by Aunt Susan and Uncle Raymond. Vanessa sat in an armchair, her arms crossed, looking smug and triumphant. Greg wasn't there—he was still being held at the precinct awaiting his formal arraignment hearing.
“Sit down, Camille,” Aunt Susan commanded, pointing to a small wooden chair in the center of the room.
I remained standing, holding my black leather briefcase firmly at my side.
“We are here to resolve this tragic embarrassment,” Aunt Susan began in a condescending tone. “Camille, you will sign an agreement withdrawing all security complaints against Greg. You will pay for the front door repairs at your downtown apartment. And you will allow Vanessa and the children to occupy your second bedroom until Greg’s legal matters are settled.”
My mother nodded approvingly. “And you will apologize to your sister for the emotional distress you’ve caused her children.”
Vanessa smirked, taking a slow sip from her wine glass. “It’s the absolute bare minimum, honestly.”
I looked around the room at their self-righteous faces.
“Are you finished?” I asked softly.
“Don't use that tone with us!” Uncle Raymond barked. “You should be ashamed of yourself!”
I opened my briefcase, pulled out four black bound folders, and set them heavily on the glass coffee table.
May you like
“Before we discuss my condo,” I said, my voice carrying an icy authority that silenced the entire room, “let’s discuss Page 4 of the financial audit I completed last night.”
My mother’s face instantly lost all color.
