Chapter 2

Austin stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, smirking.

"You guys remember, right? Vivian was always hanging around Clara's place when we were kids. Clara spoiled her rotten, handing her cash all the time.”

“No wonder she tricked her into leaving everything to her."

Brenda caught on instantly. She rushed over, knocking me down with her heavy shoulder.

"You little manipulator! You played your aunt so you could steal the entire estate! Vance family wealth belongs to the boys carrying our name. What business does a dying girl have touching it?!"

I hit the floor hard, a sharp pain shooting through my chest. Still, I fought through the agony to defend Clara.

"You cast her out first! Her death is on your hands! None of you deserve a single penny!"

Clara never married or had kids, so she poured all her love into me. She gave me pocket money, bought me treats, and surprised me with cute clothes.

When Austin and Mia found out, they banged on her door, demanding their share.

"Our parents said since you don't have kids, everything you own belongs to Austin once you kick the bucket!"

Clara was furious and kicked them out on the spot.

"Don't you dare touch my money!"

Austin's words spooked her, though. She took me to a lawyer right away.

"Vivian, you're the only one I love. Guard my money carefully. Don't let those vultures have a cent."

To be safe, she also slipped a legally binding copy of her will into her diary. That was the copy we had just found among her things.

Later, when I was diagnosed with leukemia, Clara sent me fifty thousand dollars right away.

"Don't worry, sweetie. I have money. We'll spend whatever it takes to get you well."

When Brenda found out, she threw a massive tantrum at Clara's house.

"What the hell are you doing?! Why are you giving Austin's money to Vivian?! Give it back!"

During the screaming match, Clara fell. She was bedridden after that and passed away shortly after.

Remembering that fifty grand, Brenda kicked me in the ribs.

"Clara gave you fifty thousand dollars before she died! That belonged to Austin! Cough it up!"

I looked up at my father, helpless.

Robert didn't show an ounce of pity. Instead, his eyes were full of disgust.

"Vivian, Brenda is right. Hand that fifty grand over so we can split it three ways along with the estate. It's the only decent thing to do. Aren't you afraid of karma?"

I reached for the fragments on the floor, my eyes burning with hatred.

"In your dreams. Clara's will said everything is mine. You get nothing!"

Austin's heavy boot stomped down onto my hand.

"Stop fighting it. You're half-dead anyway. Give up the treatment, die peacefully, and leave Robert with a decent retirement fund."

Brenda spat, her voice dripping with venom.

"We wasted our time caring about you! How can you be so selfish and petty? Even if you win this money and get cured, everyone will despise you! You'll die alone with no family left!"

I clenched my teeth, ignoring the agony as I grabbed at the pieces.

Robert bent down, scooped up the pile of paper scraps, flicked a lighter, and set them ablaze.

"Forget it. No will means an equal split."

Tears streamed down my face.

"Dad... why are you doing this to me? I'm your daughter! How can you stand by and watch me die just to save a buck?!"

He didn't answer. The overwhelming pain was too much, and everything went black.